These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the October, 2001 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
|
| Most children's television shows use music to add energy and excitement
to the overall presentation. In some shows, music shows up only in the theme
song; in other shows, especially those for younger children, music is used
throughout the show to extend and support the thematic concepts.
But only a few programs make the most of music's power as a supportive learning tool and as a way to help children get in touch with and channel their emotions. So I jumped for joy when I found Reading Rainbow's Greatest Hits (Oasis Music, 1997). The songs on it are vital, exciting, educational and entertaining. I have always been a huge fan of Steve Horelick and Janet Weir, the musicians responsible for the songs featured on the Emmy award-winning "Reading Rainbow." They also write and produce the music for the Juke Box Band (featured on "Shining Time Station"), as well as the wonderful songs that enhanced "Puzzle Place," another outstanding PBS show. The "Reading Rainbow Theme Song" kicks off this collection of timeless hits. Next comes my favorite, "Ancient Places, Sacred Lands," a story about the Native American names of rivers, cities and places that features the soulful voice of Phoebe Snow. This song is a lesson plan in and of itself. It's also a great example of Horelick's and Weir's talent for pairing lyrics with music that reflects the words' emotional content. A respect for other cultures is also reflected in "Living In America," and the importance of family comes through in "A Family Is Where You'll Find Love." There are ecology songs ("You Mean The World To Us" and "Dream The Dream," about saving the Manatee), songs about working to your potential ("Reach For Your Dreams"), and songs about helping others ("Hand To Hand, Heart To Heart"). Another fun song is "Tugboat Captain's Song," featuring the amazing vocal talents of Bobby McFerrin. All of these songs were written to support and illuminate the show's concepts--there are songs about balloons, eggs, wheels, bees, whales and aviators--but they stand alone as great songs and wonderful teaching tools. Go Back to Top I'm also a big fan of Jessica Harper, who just came out with a new recording featuring her trademark lush vocals and percussion-oriented grooves. Inside Out (Rounder Kids, 2001) spotlights the same clever songwriting that has helped Harper find her niche in the children's music market. Kids will enjoy and relate to Harper's keen sense for the things in life that children find interesting, but adults overlook. For example, "Four Boys Named Jordan" focuses on the idea of having more than one student in your class with the same name. This dilemma provides the perfect theme for Harper's often funny take on classroom dynamics. And parents and children will enjoy listening together to "Lizzie's Do's and Don'ts," where turn-about is fair play. On the CD Inside Out, we hear lots of children singing along with Harper. Children love to hear other children sing, and this group of kids is really outstanding. Children even contribute their instrumental talents to the song "The Band." What a great idea! Go Back to Top Another noteworthy new recording comes from Colleen and Uncle Squaty, a Parents' Choice award-winning duo from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Over the last few years, Colleen Hannafin and Brian Schellinger (Uncle Squaty) have been busy honing their skills as performers and collectors of songs for children. (In addition to their busy concert schedule, they present workshops to early childhood teachers across the country.) Movin' Party (Northside Music, 2001), their fourth CD release, is their best to date. It's an eclectic, musically diverse collection featuring mostly traditional tunes with a few originals. Both musicians lend their vocal talents to the recording, but Schellinger's musical production work lifts it to a new level. Some of my favorite numbers include the movement game "Move-A-Roni," the traditional South Georgia Sea Island song "Little Johnny Brown" (featuring the wonderful fiddle playing of Randy Sabien), the traditional Scottish sea chanty "Big Ship Sailing," and the West African children's game "Che Che Kooley." Colleen and Uncle Squaty are committed to creating meaningful music for children and helping teachers bring music into their classrooms. I look forward to their next recording. Go Back to Top If you've read my column before, then you know that not all of the recordings I recommend are available in major retail outlets. However they can be ordered directly from the artists. To order Reading Rainbow's Greatest Hits, visit www.oasismusic.com or call 914/478-0400; for Movin' Party, call 800/491-6055. You may find Inside Out at Borders Book and Music or Zany Brainy. If not, visit www.rounder.com or www.jessicaharper.com for ordering information. If you have a children's music recording you think I should review, send a note to me in care of Chicago Parent, or e-mail me at fred@bestchildrensmusic.com. I'd love to hear from you. 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 children's music, as well as access to past Chicago Parent reviews. Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son. Go Back to Top |
