These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the November, 1998 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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At this holiday-celebrating, gift-giving time of year, it's not surprising that there are lots of new releases. So this month and next, I'll share some of the best of these titles with you. The Playground (Columbia/Sony Wonder, 1998) is the latest release in the Sony Wonder Family Artist Series, this time featuring Tony Bennett. It's vintage Tony--singing and swinging with longtime collaborator and pianist extraordinaire Ralph Sharon and his jazz trio. Granted, this recording may appeal more to parents than to children, but it's getting lots of play at my house and our 2 1/2-year-old doesn't seem to mind a bit being exposed to this classic, easy listening jazz. My favorite cut is the title track, which was originally an instrumental composition by the late jazz pianist Bill Evans, another Bennett collaborator. At Bennett's request, songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman added lyrics. Bennett's rendition of the resulting tune is quite charming, especially when he's joined by a chorus of children. You'll also find Bennett's swinging interpretations of family classics like "Swingin' On A Star," "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive," and "(It's Only) A Paper Moon." Bennett shares the microphone with some special guests, including Rosie O'Donnell ("Put On A Happy Face"), the still-ticklish Elmo ("Little Things") and Kermit The Frog ("Bein' Green" and "Firefly"). Bennett is enjoying an amazing career--he's entering his 50th year of show business. He says that this family recording "is a project I have wanted to do for a long time." His many fans will certainly be happy he did. Go Back to Top Young Arthur fans are bound to be enthusiastic about Arthur & Friends (Rounder Kids, 1998), a collection of songs based on Marc Brown's Arthur books. Five of the songs will be featured in upcoming episodes of the famous aardvark's Emmy award-winning PBS children's television series, and two tracks come from past episodes. But the other nine songs were created just for this audio recording. My favorites include the show's "Theme Song," performed by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers; "Library Card," a hard-drivin' rap number; and "Arthur vs. The Piano," in which Arthur complains about having to practice piano--until he discovers that he can also play some really cool boogie-woogie. Binky's "My Night Light" is hilarious and oh-so-true to the way children imagine the absolute worst while lying awake in bed. "I love my night light more than I love ice cream," Binky confesses. "I've slept with ice cream and it turns to mush by dawn." The wonderfully childlike (not childish) writing continues with Francine's battle to be "Meek For A Week," which is set to a musical groove reminiscent of The Supremes' hit "You Can't Hurry Love." This is especially clever because Francine is having a hard time remaining meek and is in a desperate hurry for the week to end. In "Go To Bed," Arthur has lost patience with his little sister, DW, and needs the "world's most powerful lullaby." It turns out to be a hard-driving, up-tempo, screaming rock 'n' roll rage. Arthur & Friends draws upon a wide variety of musical styles, confidently shifting from reggae to rock and from do-wop to folk. The strong writing makes the songs feel real without being trite or contrived. Every selection is genuine and well-performed. Do your kids a favor and treat them to this wonderful recording--you'll find yourself enjoying it, too. Go Back to Top Those of you who delight in "oldies" are sure to have some fun with Dance Music (Music For Little People, 1998), the latest release from the "Child's Celebration" series. Dance Music is a collection of original hits like "The Twist" (Chubby Checker), "Wooly Bully" (Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs), "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Barbara Ann" (The Beach Boys), "I Want You Back" (Jackson Five), "Duke Of Earl" (Gene Chandler) and "No Particular Place To Go" (Chuck Berry). There are 15 songs in all, and they'll get you and your kids on your feet dancin'. Go Back to Top If you're a big It's a Wonderful Life fan, you'll probably want to pick up It's A Wonderful Life--The Record (Nick At Nite Records, 1997). Reportedly Jimmy Stewart's own favorite role, George Bailey is one guy we can all relate to--especially during the holidays. This classic has many delightful musical moments, from the "Buffalo Gals" duet with George and Mary (Donna Reed) to a rousing chorus of "Auld Lang Syne" featuring, well, nearly the whole town in George's front room. This soundtrack presents the most memorable moments from the movie in music and in dialogue. Go Back to Top All of the recordings reviewed this month are major label releases and you shouldn't have any trouble finding them whenever children's music is sold. Next month I will spotlight my favorite picks of the new holiday recordings. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with me with your recommendations, comments and suggestions. Contact me through Chicago Parent or via e-mail at fkoch@lfelem.lfc.edu. Go Back to Top |
