These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the May, 2007 issue of "Chicago Parent Magazine." Reviewed in this
column:
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| Some of my fondest memories of music play with my son come from the time when he was in the 2- to 5-year-old stage. Music was a constant source of play whether we were bouncing up and down to an old Woody Guthrie song, playing music and movement games or simply using a song to help calm the atmosphere. As you probably have noticed, today’s market is filled with music and videos geared to entertain and educate (and baby-sit) even the very youngest of children. Our son, Matthew, is 10 now and we never went the video/DVD route, instead opting for good music that would provide the backdrop and motivation for our music play. I still don’t think children need to have a video to show them how to play. But oh how easy it is to use the video as a way for us not to engage with our children. Easy for us, yes, but is it really what is best for our kids? I see it all over the place. Some of my best friends, who are well meaning, will let the video be the surrogate parent. Here are two exceptional recordings that will amuse, engage and entertain you and your young children. They are so good you will want to play along. A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP, by Pam Donkin, A Gentle Wind Records, www.gentlewind.com; ages 1-5. Pam Donkin is a veteran teacher and entertainer who has a clear idea of what young children want and need from their musical experiences. This CD is filled with songs that will get kids up and moving and singing along, too. The 18 tracks are a mix of original and traditional songs performed in a gentle, acoustic style with Donkin’s clear voice leading the way. And speaking of her voice, it is smooth and inviting—you can even hear her smiling as she sings and calls you to come along to play. Donkin’s songwriting stands out. During my first listen I thought songs like "Little Red Train" and "It Rained All Day" were traditional songs that I have just not heard. But after reading the liner notes I noticed Donkin wrote the majority of the songs. One of my favorites is "Families All Over The World," which speaks to the thread of similar experiences children have, no matter where they live. "Five Fluffy Puppies" is another sweet and playful song with lots of opportunities for young kids to become involved. Parents might also enjoy the bonus features of this CD, which contains two more songs, an activity guide and a video through the computer. Go to www.gentlewind.com where you can hear four song clips from the recording. Go Back to Top CIRCLE SONGS (CD and Songbook Set) by Sukey Molloy, Developmental PlaySkills Records, www.playmovesing.com; ages 1-5. I first heard "Circle Songs" more than a year ago and it has been in my "I’ve got to review this CD" pile for a long time. Sukey Molloy is another in a long list of preschool music and movement teachers who has decided to release a CD. Some of the teacher-authored CDs are very nice—and ordinary—but "Circle Songs" is extraordinary. Like Donkin, Molloy incorporates a nice mix of traditional and original songs with the majority being traditional songs with very tasty arrangements. Some of my favorites include "Little Peter Rabbit," "Open Shut Them" and "Tick Tock," which fuses strings, wonderfully authentic clock sounds and percussion. To get an idea of what I mean visit www.playmovesing.com and click on the Products link to hear some of these songs. Go Back to Top Fred Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son and is an award-winning music educator, children's musician and producer. His Web site, www.BestChildrensMusic.com, helps parents, teachers and librarians select quality children's music. The Web site also includes an archive of all Koch's past reviews published in Chicago Parent. Please e-mail notes and comments to fred@bestchildrensmusic.com.
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