These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the March, 2002 issue of "Chicago Parent Magazine." Reviewed in this column:
|
| For the last few years, I have dedicated my March column to the Grammy
nominees in the Best Musical Album for Children category. Each year I've
stuck my neck out and predicted which recording I thought would win, as
well as which I thought should win the coveted award. (The March issue of
Chicago Parent goes to press before the winners are announced.) Here are
my thoughts on this year's Grammy nominees:
All Wound Up! A Family Music Party (Rounder Kids, 2001) features veteran children's musicians Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (Cathy & Marcy) together with the eclectic band, Brave Combo. In my April, 2001 review of All Wound Up, I wrote that Cathy & Marcy sound great singing with Brave Combo, and noted that their own fine musicianship (Cathy on banjo and Marcy on guitar) blends seamlessly with the band's. Musical styles from ethnic and folk to jazz and gentle acoustic all feel right at home when performed by Brave Combo. Geared for 5- to 9-year-olds, this is my favorite Cathy & Marcy recording yet. I think it has a great chance of sneaking away with this year's Grammy. Go Back to Top Big Wide Grin (Sony Wonder, 2001) features Grammy winner and soulful blues man Keb' Mo.' I happily gave this all-ages recording a favorable review in my July, 2001 column, praising it for being musically diverse and lyrically rich, from the inspirational "Everybody Be Yoself" to the introspective "Infinite Eyes" and the fun-filled "Flat Fleet Boogie." This might be considered more of a family recording than a children's recording. Keb also includes songs from Sly Stone, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder, but his choice of material is kid-friendly and the musicianship is world class. Big Wide Grin probably has the best odds of winning. A musician friend of mine said, "I voted for Keb' because he is a real musician." But when I asked if he had heard the CD, he said he hadn't. Go figure. Go Back to Top A perennial Grammy finalist is Elmo. This year's nomination goes to Elmo and The Orchestra (Sesame Workshop, 2001). I am a fan of Sesame Street and have a deep respect for the impact the show has had on the lives of young children. But I kind of scratch my head when, year after year, Elmo is held up as an example of what's best in children's music. Who's he tickling now? Anyway, this recording tells a musical story that revolves around Elmo trying to remember how his favorite piece of classical music goes. (If it were really his favorite, don't you think he'd remember it?) Big Bird and friends from the Birdapest Symphony try to help jog Elmo's memory by playing bits and pieces from famous classical music pieces. It's a lighthearted and age-appropriate introduction to the instruments of the orchestra, and it gets some great music into the ears of kids, but this would not have been one of my picks for the top five children's music recordings of the year. Nevertheless, it looks like Elmo has a shot at another Grammy. As with all the Sesame Street material, this album is geared for 3- to 7-year-olds. Go Back to Top I was pleased to see one of my favorite duos, Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood (aka Trout Fishing In America), make it to the final nominations this year with inFINity (Trout Music, 2001). This recording is in the same league as All Wound Up, and represents the best of children's music today. These independent-label artists are creating exciting, engaging kids' music. And they are proving that artists can make a living performing and recording children's music without compromising their artistry. In my September, 2001 column, I lauded Idlet and Grimwood for being gifted musician/performers who successfully cross over from adult to children's music because they insist on starting with a great song. But it is their childlike nature that seals the deal. Listen to any TFIA recording for children and you will sense that they are thoroughly enjoying themselves. I hope inFINity defies the odds and proves that great musicians playing great music for kids can be recognized, even at the Grammy Awards. Kids 7 and older love these guys! Go Back to Top How Little House of Music--Level 1 Package by Georgia S. Lucking (Little House of Music, 2000) made it as a finalist in this category completely baffles me. The Grammy description asserts that this category is "for albums consisting of predominately music or song versus spoken word." Well, this is a children's educational music program. The three-book series (which lists for $149) includes a Parent/Teacher manual, a students' music book and a songbook. Two of the three books are filled with worksheets and activity pages with a couple of CDs pasted on the inside of the back page. I am not judging the content or the importance of such programs, but it seems completely out of place here. All of these CD titles enjoy national distribution and should be easily accessible in the retail market. For Little House of Music--Level 1 Package visit www.littlehouseofmusic.com or call 888-GFEDCBA. Go Back to Top There you have it. And here's my prediction: either Elmo or Keb' Mo' will get the Grammy this year, though I'm hoping that Trout Fishing In America pulls an upset. The Grammy Awards takes place on February 27; we'll see what happens. I welcome your thoughts on these or any other children's music recordings. Feel free to get in touch with me in care of Chicago Parent or via e-mail: fred@bestchildrensmusic.com. Fred Koch is an award-winning music educator and a nationally recognized children's musician. His new children's music website, www.BestChildrensMusic.com, provides recommendations and information about selecting quality children's music, as well as access to past Chicago Parent reviews. Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son. Go Back to Top |
