|
I just finished casting my vote for this year's Grammy Award in the "Best
Musical Album for Children" category, so it's time for my annual review
of the nominees. As usual, I am writing this prior to the broadcast (February
23). And as usual, my editor insists I make a prediction for the winner.
I'm one and one so far; two years ago I nailed it, but last year I guessed
wrong, and I think I know why. Two years ago, I predicted that John Denver's
All Aboard would win because I thought it would get the sentimental vote--and
it did. Last year, I picked the recording I thought was the best of the
bunch (John McCutcheon's Four Seasons: Autumnsongs), rather than the one
with the best chance of winning--my pick lost. With that in mind, on to
this year's nominees. Elmo seems to be a mainstay in this category. Last
year Elmopalooza won the Grammy.
This year the movie soundtrack from The Adventures
of Elmo in Grouchland (Sony Wonder, 1999) has been nominated. This
recording follows the same formula and approach as last year's winner,
spotlighting Elmo and his Sesame Street friends in some songs, and inviting
pop/rock stars (Vanessa Williams, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith) to join
in on others. Elmoheads are sure to enjoy the songs from the movie along
with a bonus spoken-word track, "Elmo Tells His Grouchland Story." There
are some nice, warm and fuzzy songs ("Together Forever," "Precious Wings")
supported by lush musical arrangements. Most of the music has a modern,
pop-music feel with excursions into some ethnic/world music grooves, too.
My favorite is Steven Tyler's screamin', rock 'n' roll rave, "I Love Trash."
(To be honest, I find it much easier to understand Tyler than Elmo.) Elmo
might win again this year.
Go Back to Top
Go Back to Fred Koch Reviews . . .
The second entry mystifies me. It's a legitimate candidate,
but let's face it: If you or I put out something like this, it would never
see the light of day, much less get a Grammy nomination. I'm talking about
A Bug's Life Sing-Along (Walt Disney Records, 1998). Quite separate
from Randy Newman's movie soundtrack, this is a Disney product created
to capitalize on and help market A Bug's Life. Here we have bunch of songs--some
brand new, some standards--revolving around the theme of "bugs." Songs
include a modern version of the classic "High Hopes," and "I-N-S-E-C-T,"
a soulful groove reminiscent of Aretha's "R-E-S-P-E-C-T," featuring a
Bonnie Raitt-style vocal. Other songs (sure to "bug" you) focus on the
grasshopper, walking stick, gypsy moth, ladybug and ant. An accompanying
booklet includes lyrics, nice Disney graphics and a sidebar for each song
containing a few facts about its featured bug. This is Disney's idea of
an educational product. It shouldn't win the Grammy.
Go Back to Top
Go Back to Fred Koch Reviews . . .
Dreamosaurus performed by Dinorock (Rounder Kids,
1998) is more like a radio story presentation than a typical, song-based
recording for children. Songs and dialogue are woven together to create
the story of a boy's dream, which takes place in his dinosaur fantasyland.
For 15 years Dinorock has been creating musical adventures for dinosaur
lovers, striving to make the stories and characters as scientifically
accurate as possible, so Dreamosaurus is filled with interesting and sound
paleontological facts. I'm excited that this deserving, dedicated group
of performers has been nominated for a Grammy this year, but I doubt they'll
win.
Go Back to Top
Go Back to Fred Koch Reviews . . .
Ella Jenkins' Ella Jenkins And A Union Of Friends
Pulling Together (Smithsonian Folkways, 1999) will probably get the
sentimental vote this year. For this recording, Jenkins gathered up some
adults and children from her church, hired a few musicians, and went into
the recording studio. In her liner notes, she says she purposely did not
want this to be another solo album--she wanted the sounds "to reflect
the experience of working together and making something together." So
you'll hear lots of different voices, some labor union themes, and even
a previously-recorded version of Pete Seeger singing his classic song,
"If I Had A Hammer." This may not be Jenkins' best work, but she just
may walk away with this year's Grammy.
Go Back to Top
Go Back to Fred Koch Reviews . . .
Entry number five is John McCutcheon's Four Seasons:
Springsongs (Rounder Kids, 1999) and it's by far and away the cream
of this crop. As I've noted in previous reviews, McCutcheon is a master
musician and arranger, a songwriter who really knows his audience (children...remember?),
and a performer who understands that music can be a source of insight
and inspiration, as well as a powerful educational tool. In Springsongs
he revisits Little League ("Hope I Make It"), sees his sister off to the
prom ("Going To The Prom"), takes a break to go fishing ("Fishin'"), and
even does some complaining ("Junk Mail"). McCutcheon just keeps on putting
out great recordings that are kid-centered, parent-pleasing and teacher-endorsed.
I hope he wins a Grammy someday--he deserves one.
Go Back to Top
Go Back to Fred Koch Reviews . . .
The last nominee is Disney's Mannheim Steamroller
Meets The Mouse (Disney Records, 1998). Classic Disney songs are rendered
by Chip Davis, the same guy who brought you Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas
a few years ago. The nominee recording features heavily orchestrated,
synthesized instrumental versions of songs like "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," "Under
The Sea," "Hakuna Matata," "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," "Heigh-Ho,"
"You've Got A Friend In Me," and even "The Mickey Mouse Club." I'm sorry,
but I've heard more interesting Disney arrangements in elevators! Still,
it could win the Grammy.
Go Back to Top
Go Back to Fred Koch Reviews . . .
Are these six recordings the best children's music produced this year?
Certainly not. Some of the nominees would make my top-picks list, but
others made it to the ballot because of studio clout. So what else is
new? Well, there you have it. As you might have guessed, I have my ideas,
but I'm not really sure who will win this year. Still, I have to make
a prediction, and here it is: Ella Jenkins.
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 music
for children, as well as access to past Chicago Parent reviews. Koch lives
in Lake Bluff with his wife and son.
Go Back to Top
Go Back to Fred Koch Reviews . . .
|
