These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the March, 1999 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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It's Grammy time again, and that means it's time for me to review the recordings nominated in the "Children's Music" category. Winners will be announced on February 24, after we've gone to press. Last year I correctly predicted the winner (John Denver's All Aboard), so I'm going for two in a row. The Grammy Awards are the most prestigious awards in the recording industry. The winners are chosen based upon the votes of the members of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which is made up of music industry professionals such as songwriters, producers and arrangers. There are two categories for children's recordings: "Best Musical Album For Children" and "Best Spoken Word Album For Children." Before I review the music nominees, let me digress for a moment. In the past, some people in the children's music community have shared the concern that the nominating process tended to favor the major labels (often character and/or movie driven projects) over smaller, independent labels. As a result, the nominations have not always reflected all of the year's outstanding children's music. After all, musicians like Raffi, Tom Chapin and John McCutcheon were out there performing for years before they made the final voting list. I'm happy to say that this is starting to change. In the "predictable" category is Tony Bennett's The Playground (RPM/Columbia, 1998). I don't think I'm going out on a limb in suggesting that with his name recognition, Bennett will walk away with this year's Grammy. In my November 1998 review, I said, "It's vintage Tony--singing and swinging with longtime collaborator and pianist extraordinaire Ralph Sharon and his jazz trio...This recording may appeal more to parents than to children...but our 2 1/2-year-old doesn't seem to mind a bit being exposed to this classic, easy listening jazz." If you're a Tony Bennett fan, you'll enjoy it as he swings his way through family classics like "Swingin' On A Star" and "Put On A Happy Face" (with Rosie O'Donnell). Go Back to Top Also in the "predictable" category is Elmopalooza! (Sony Wonder, 1998). I reviewed it in April, 1998. It features lots of familiar voices singing classic Sesame Street songs along with those zany Muppet characters. Guest stars include Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, Jimmy Buffet, Gloria Estefan, Rosie O'Donnell (again) and Steve Tyler (lead singer for Aerosmith). The most noteworthy performance is Shawn Colvin's tender version of Ernie's classic song, "I Don't Want To Live On The Moon." Overall, this would not have been one of my picks for one of the year's top five children's music titles. This is the second year in a row for a John McCutcheon title to make it to the final nominations list. Go Back to Top As I mentioned in my October 1998 review, John McCutcheon's Four Seasons: Autumnsongs (Rounder Kids, 1998) has it all: strong writing, a consistently high level of musicianship, a healthy dose of humor, and most important, themes children embrace. McCutcheon is truly a master musician, a sensitive songwriter, and a leader in providing outstanding music for kids. This collection enthusiastically celebrates the wonders of the autumn season with an eclectic assortment of musical styles. If anyone deserves recognition for his commitment to music for children and families, I think it's John McCutcheon. Go Back to Top Tom Chapin's In My Hometown (Sony Wonder, 1998) is also up for a Grammy. I'm a huge fan of Chapin's music for children, but when this album came out, I chose not to review it because I was a bit disappointed in it. I listened to it a couple of times and came away feeling I had heard most of the themes on previous Chapin albums. It just seemed a bit too formula-bound--it didn't have the spark I had come to expect from Chapin. However, there is one really marvelous song on the album: "A Mozart Duet." It's a wonderful story about a boy who is struggling with Mozart's Piano Sonata III when the spirit of Wolfgang himself appears. Mozart encourages the student as he prepares for the big recital, and all ends well, sending a great message to kids. I don't mean to dump on In My Hometown, but it doesn't compare with other Chapin CDs, like Billy The Squid and Around The World And Back Again, that simply explode with amazing songs. Go Back to Top Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, the folk music duo, have been creating good kids music for quite a while now. Changing Channels (Rounder Kids, 1998) is their second Grammy nomination. Their first nomination came in 1996 for an album of original lullabies entitled Blanket Full Of Dreams. Changing Channels is a collection of songs "for kids, parents and teachers that nurtures 'media smart' kids [by helping] kids process their TV and media influences in a positive way." With kid-centered songs and top-notch musicianship, Cathy & Marcy offer a mix of musical styles including Dixieland, gospel, big band swing, Celtic and their specialty, folk music. Go Back to Top I'm no expert in spoken-word recordings for children, so you're on your own with this category. The nominees are: The Children's Shakespeare (various artists), Disney's Mulan Read & Sing Along (June Foray), Disney's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride Read Along (Miguel Ferrer), Elmo's New Laugh (Sesame Street characters), The Patchwork Quilt & Other Stories From Around The World (Sharon Kennedy) and Weezie and The Moon Pies (Bill Harley). Write to me in care of Chicago Parent or via e-mail: fkoch@lfelem.lfc.edu. Go Back to Top |
