These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the November, 1997 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
|
|
November is a month when thoughts turn to home. From a welcoming light, to the celebration of family traditions, to the toys that decorate a child's room, home has its own meaning for each of the recording artists I spotlight this month. "Home isn't a place, it's a feeling," says Vicki Esralew, Northbrook-based producer of the superb recording Home--Volume One (Kids Count Entertainment). For this collection of family music, Esralew collaborated with some of Chicago's most talented commercial musicians and jingle producers, including Steve Samler, Gary Fry and Butch Stewart. Their mission was to come up with songs that would inspire and teach children about friendship, generosity and family. This is no small task, but they rose to challenge. The result is a quality product. It's incredibly diverse, too, with an eclectic mix of musical styles that includes funky island tunes, lullabies and the blues. The recording begins with the up-tempo "I Feel Good" (no relation to the James Brown classic). This song sets the tone for what is to come, reminding us that we all have that "feel-good feeling" within us. One of my favorite cuts is "Light, Light, Light (Home)." This tune has everything going for it, from the irresistible R&B/gospel rhythm and the soulful alto saxophone of local musician Michael Levin, to the catchy lyrics of local musician Sheri Hoffmann. Your kids will be playing air saxophone and you'll be singing along. Another standout track by Hoffmann and Samler, her husband, is the gentle, sleepy "Moon." You'll want to snuggle with your child and enjoy this bedtime song together. While you're cuddling, listen to Samler's exquisitely produced "Partners," too. Samler makes the song's simple message ring true: "We're partners in this dance you see. I'll learn from you as you learn from me." "Growin'," contributed by Gary Fry, is a mega-favorite with my second-grade students. Fry's daughters, Amy and Sara, handle the vocals for this pop/contemporary number. The chorus hooks kids early on. They especially love the line, "Don't know how much I can do 'til I give it a try." Kids never cease to amaze me with their compassion and sensitivity to the problems of other kids. "What Can I Give Away Today?" appeals to this generosity of spirit and is a wonderful point of departure for talking with kids about helping others. Sung convincingly by Brandon Stewart, the song peeks into the mind of a youngster as he ponders what he can give away--maybe some clothes he has outgrown or some old toys. This recording is full of great tunes with positive, family-friendly themes. Esralew calls Home--Volume One a dream come true. Let's hope for an even happier ending when she makes Volume Two. Go Back to Top Home means tradition for Craig Taubman. He has recorded My Newish Jewish Discovery (Craig 'n Co.) as a follow-up to his Parents' Choice award-winner, My Jewish Discovery. The new recording celebrates the joy of Jewish music, culture and community values while emphasizing respect for all. The opening song, "One World," is a favorite of mine. In the hands of some songwriters this time-worn theme can become preachy or sugary sweet, but "One World" is the real thing. It's done in pop/rock style with lyrics that ring true. I smile with pleasure each time I hear "Four Corners," a well-crafted song that's also lots of fun. It's a bouncy Nashville-style country song listing all the places Jews can be found (from Warsaw to Montreal to Arkansas) and what they might eat and wear. "Chances are if you're a Jew, they're in your city, too," Taubman concludes with just the right twang. Other cuts include "Family Tree," a touching waltz about Taubman's ancestry, the reflective "Hello God," lots of singable Hebrew lyrics and even a poem read by Ed Asner. Jewish kids will love this recording, but there's plenty here that speaks to kids of any religion. Go Back to Top If you're in the mood for a down-home, folksy style, Bill Camplin's 1994 recording, Flying Home (Baby Boom Music), just might fill the bill. This recording is more about children than it is specifically for them, but it's music that you might enjoy as a family in the car or at home. The recording features a guitar, piano, bass and percussion blend, a skillful mix of tempos and Camplin's warm, wonderful voice. The songs focus on themes most parents will relate to immediately. "Crossing the Room" describes a parent's effort to maneuver through a toy-cluttered room in the dark. "Are We There Yet?" sets that oft-repeated question to the tune of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." But the song that really moves me is "Hear Young Children Sing." Its thought-provoking lyrics conclude: "As I live and get older and older/ And get dulled in the memory of things/ I will always regain my amazement/ When I can hear young children sing." That brings it all home for me. Go Back to Top All these recordings are available where music is sold. Or order Home--Volume One at 800/KIDS-345, My Newish Jewish Discovery at 818/760-1077, and Flying Home at 888-470-1667. Go Back to Top |
