These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the October, 2002 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.”

Reviewed in this column:
Happy Lemons - Ralph's World
Under A Shady Tree - Laurie Berkner
Celtic For Kids - Barbary Grant

Happy Lemons by Ralph's World, mini fresh records, $15, ages 3-7; www.ralphsworld.com. Local Chicago musician Ralph Covert has just released his third recording for children and families. During the three years since his debut release, Ralph's World, and his follow-up, At the Bottom of the Sea, Covert has enjoyed critical acclaim for his work. It is a typical tale: Rock 'n' roll musician becomes dad; dad likes to write songs; dad records kids' album; dad finds satisfaction. But what separates Covert from so many others is that his songwriting, arranging and production are interesting and catchy. Of the 15 songs featured on Happy Lemons, favorites at our house include the very singable title track, with its bouncy country feel and sweet banjo sound, and "Barnyard Blues" featuring the spectacular harmonica work of renowned Chicago blues artist Corky Siegel. I especially enjoy the varied musical styles that come through on Happy Lemons. In addition to the country-flavored songs such as "The Muffin Man," there are hints of jazz in "Betty Batter," pop in "Things That I Like," reggae in "Clean Up," acoustic folk in "Pony Boy" and a dose of good humor in "Say Hi to the Animals." Covert does a nice job of mixing up traditional, well-known songs with his originals. And, on each recording, he throws in a pop or jazz standard, too. On Happy Lemons, it is the Tom Jones hit, "What's New Pussycat?" But for me, Covert saves the best for last. The final song, "Riding With No Hands," is a sweet and tender song of hope and self-actualization sung from a child's point of view. He knows that "things are changing--I get a little smarter everyday." Let's hope Covert pens more gems like "Riding With No Hands" and continues to produce high-quality music for kids and parents to enjoy together.

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Under A Shady Tree by Laurie Berkner, Two Tomatoes Records, $15, ages 3-7; www.twotomatoes.com. Laurie Berkner is another children's music artist gaining popularity not only here in Chicago, but nationally as well. Blessed with a knack for writing child-centered songs, Berkner is quickly becoming a favorite with kids and parents alike. Her fourth recording for children, Under a Shady Tree, is her first new CD in three years. She has made good use of the time. From the first notes of the first song you will hear a much better recording--her voice is much clearer and the instrumentation is arranged, produced and recorded to a higher standard. As a former preschool teacher Berkner understands the importance of creating music for children that spotlights a variety of textures and musical styles. Armed with her acoustic guitar, she glides effortlessly between these musical grooves, creating a recording that is engaging for kids and palatable for grown-ups. The first song, and title track, arranged tastefully with a reggae-influenced feel, and featuring a very hip organ track, immediately drew me in. It is the kind of song you can sing along to by the second chorus. I especially appreciate that these songs are not over produced. There is just enough instrumentation to create the needed rhythmic and musical effect without getting in the way of the vocals. Berkner tackles age-appropriate subject matter as she encourages kids to get in touch with their emotions and creativity, whether by becoming a mythical creature in "Do the Dragon," driving an imaginary car in "Drive My Car," trying on various identities in "This Hat," or celebrating differences in "I'm Me and You're You." These tried-and-true themes can come across as condescending and preachy in the hands of some, but Berkner's experience working with young children serves her well here. She knows not only what is important to young listeners, but how to get the points across. Other memorable songs on Under a Shady Tree include the swinging "Choc-o-lot In My Pock-o-lot," complete with a jazzy horn section, the gentle Hawaiian-flavored "Mahalo," the dreamy "After It Rains" and "Shortnin' Bread," the only song on the release she didn't write. I know from first-hand experience that these new songs attract young listeners. My 6-year-old son was playing in the room next to my studio while I was working on this review. When the song "Rhubarb Pie (Hot Commodity)" came on, he rushed into the room and cranked up the volume. And yesterday as we were in the car, I heard him singing bits and pieces of the infectious "I'm Gonna Catch You." Can't get a better endorsement than that.

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Celtic For Kids by Barbary Grant, Changeling Records, $14, all ages; www.barbarygrant.com. As her promotional materials note, Barbary Grant is "not even a wee bit Irish." But that hasn't stopped her from becoming an accomplished Irish harp player and traditional singer of Irish, Scottish and Welsh songs in their native languages as well as in English. Grant has recorded two other CDs of Celtic music: Bridget's Well and Bonny at Morn. Celtic for Kids is a lively and imaginative collection of 18 traditional children's songs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man. With her beautiful voice taking the lead, Grant performs on large and small harps, dulcimer, accordion, piano, psaltery and whistle. Uilleann pipes, concertina, fiddle, cello and drums round out the instrumentation on this release. In addition to these wonderfully performed traditional songs, the medley "Dance to Your Daddy/Maids of Mt. Cisco" spotlights a 12-year-old Irish step dancer, the sounds of live milking can be on heard on "Milking Croons" and her 2-year-old twins are heard giggling in the background on "Arrane Ny Niee (Washing Song)." Grant also included two traditional instrumental pieces: "Kildare Fancy" with the concertina taking the melody, and being a fan of the music of Turlough O'Carolan, I especially enjoyed her lilting performance of "Carolan's Concerto." As Barbary Grant shows, you don't have to be Irish to love Irish music.

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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.

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