These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the October, 1997 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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The euphoric ravings of new parents used to leave me ruefully contemplating the effects of sleep deprivation on the human brain. All that changed sixteen months ago with the birth of my son, Matthew. Now I know the indescribable joy of witnessing the miraculous growth and development of a new person. As corny as it may sound, there is nothing like having a baby in your life. And what better way for parents to connect with their young children than through music? This month's reviews come directly from my musical interactions with my young son. As with children's music in general, the quality of music for infants and toddlers varies. All the ones I've included in this review have been great successes with my young listener. As you might expect, much of the music for very young children falls into the lullaby category. On A Starry Night (Windham Hill Records), a tender collection of lullabies from around the world, is one of the best of its kind. It has earned a place in the heavy rotation pile right next to the little boom box in our nursery. The recording was conceived and produced by Tracy Silverman (violinist for the Turtle Island String Quartet) and his wife, Thea, also a fine musician. Their idea was simple--contact a few musician friends and ask for contributions reflecting a variety of cultural heritages. The Silverman's friends just happen to include the remarkable vocalist Bobby McFerrin and pianist George Winston. It is clear that this project soon became a labor of love for all the musicians involved as well as for various members of their families who also sing and play on the recording. The 17 selections range from the little-known lullabies of Cuba, Iceland and Ghana to familiar classics like "Rock-A-Bye Baby" and "Brahms Lullaby." Instrumental cuts are interspersed with vocal numbers. McFerrin's soothing rendition of "Common Threads" is followed by Winston's piano solo, "The Japanese Music Box." The recording is incredibly diverse with a pleasing mix of voices and a wide variety of instruments. Go Back to Top i will hold your tiny hand (Woodside Avenue Music Productions) is an award winner, and for good reason. Produced and performed by Evanston's own Steve Rashid, this 1993 release still is one of the finest recordings of its kind. Its 12 songs range in style from jazz to doo-wop and country to blues. The vocals are tender, the themes are universal and the musicianship is of the highest level. The music on this recording clearly grew out of a real dad's experiences with his own kids. "We Rock To The Radio Music" and "The Nightshift" really hit home for me. Both are about the times late at night when children and their parents "dream of tomorrows that we'll share." I have spent many a night rocking my son to sleep to this beautiful music with tears in my eyes. Go Back to Top We play Ric Louchard's G'night Wolfgang (Music for Little People Records) at least once a day. This collection of 12 familiar classics by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and others has a calming effect for naps, bedtime and even dinner time. It includes one of my childhood favorites, "From Foreign Lands and People," from Schumann's Scenes of Childhood. There's nothing fancy about the playing on this recording. It's just enjoyable classical piano music. Go Back to Top I would be remiss if I failed to mention the very popular Return To Pooh Corner (Sony Wonder) by Kenny Loggins, released in 1994. I must admit that when I first heard this recording (back in my pre-dad era), I was not impressed. But now I hear it with different ears. It is truly wonderful. Outstanding cuts include "All The Pretty Little Ponies," an updated "Return To Pooh Corner" with a brand new verse, a delicate version of John Lennon's "Love," and "Cody's Song" written for his son. The vocals are lush and the musicianship is superb (due in part to the contributions of Chicago's own talented multi-instrumentalist, Howard Levy). Return to Pooh Corner is not to be missed. Go Back to Top On A Starry Night, G'night Wolfgang, and Return To Pooh Corner are widely distributed and should be easy to find at most stores where music is sold. i will hold your tiny hand can be ordered by calling Woodside Avenue Music at 800/594-9180 . Thanks to those who have taken the time to write or send e-mail--it's nice to know you are out there reading the column. Keep in touch through Chicago Parent or send e-mail to fkoch@lfelem.lfc.edu. And I'm excited to let you know that some of my columns from previous issues are now on the Internet at www.childrensmusic.org, a website dedicated to promoting children's music. Editor's Note: We would be remiss if we didn't remind you that Fred Koch has an award-winning children's holiday recording of his own: Tis The Season (Red Rover Records). Call 847/615-0366 or e-mail Fred for ordering information. Go Back to Top |
