These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the October, 1998 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
|
|
As a big fan of John McCutcheon, I have been anxiously awaiting his latest release, Autumnsongs (Rounder Kids, 1998), the third volume in his Four Seasons series. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed. McCutcheon is a master musician and songwriter and continues to be a leader in providing good music for kids.Kids are bound to enjoy the eclectic assortment of musical styles on Autumnsongs. With song like "It's Fall," "Colors" and "Pumpkin Man," McCutcheon enthusiastically celebrates the season. In "New Kid In School," he explores the insecurities that a new child feels. And in "World Series 57," he shares wonderful memories of watching the 1957 World Series with his father. There are lots of songs out there about Halloween, but McCutcheon's "Halloween" has already become one of my favorites. The song starts with a spooky pipe organ, but soon kicks into a rockin' account of the Halloween experience. It's set in a minor key, but it's not too frightening and the lyrics are just right for kids. My favorite verse begins: "Everyone tries to be scary/ Nobody tries to be scared." McCutcheon clearly knows what kids like. At the same time, he's not afraid to challenge them to think about important issues. For example, "Si Si Puede" is a bilingual tribute to Cesar Chavez, the leader of the United Farm Workers, and "Labor Day" is an anthem that explains the meaning and honors the essence of this holiday. "Thanksgiving Day" simply expresses thanks for good food, family and friends. Autumnsongs has it all: strong writing (celebrated songsmith Si Kahn collaborated with McCutcheon on some of numbers), a consistently high level of musicianship, and a good dose of humor. No wonder John McCutcheon's name comes up whenever we talk about what's best in children's music. Go Back to Top Another brand new release I've enjoyed listening to is Hunk-Ta Bunk-Ta Spooky by Katherine Dines (Hunk-Ta Bunk-Ta Music, 1998). Created for children ages 6 to 12 and their families, this CD of "Tunes and Tales To Chill Your Bones and Warm Your Spirits" also includes a read-along booklet. Each song and/or story is introduced and narrated by a warm and crusty storyteller (Dines). She guides listeners in and out of each piece with a generous helping of down-home colloquialisms. The introduction sets the tone for what's to come: "The mem'ries all come flyin' back like leaves tryin' to wrastle the wind/ Oh, shore as beans, it can skeer ya, but it only lasts a little while." Kids will enjoy these adaptations and original songs because they are fun but not too scary. "Nobody's Home But Mister Jones' Bones" tells the story of two children who gather the courage to go trick-or-treating at a neighborhood haunted house. They get up the nerve to go into the house, where they are greeted by eerie sounds, a ghost who is passing out treats, and a skeleton who is exposed as the trickster when her mask falls off. (It turns out it's just their big sister.) Other Halloween songs include "Dem Bones" and "Hobnobbin' With A Goblin." Stories include the ever-popular "Dark, Dark Night," an African Folk Tale "The Giant Pumpkin," an adaptation of a Japanese story "Snow," the rewarding tale of "The Tinker and The Ghost" and the silly yarn "The Coffin." Dines has a pleasant singing voice and Suzanne-Vega-type presence, and her storytelling is convincing. The old woman narrator is a fun character who ties the whole package together. Go Back to Top If you're looking for some frightening tales of Halloween for an older child, you might want to check out Scary Stories (Rhino Records, 1994). This compilation was put together by Dr. Demento and features an all-star cast of storytellers including Jackie Torrence narrating "The Golden Arm," Boris Karloff doing "The Vampire Sleeps," and James Mason with Edgar Allen Poe's "The Shadow." Other Poe tales include "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," all convincingly told by Nelson Olmsted. Go Back to Top Finally, Halloween Hits (Rhino Records, 1991) is a perennial favorite at this time of year. It's a compilation of the original versions of classics like "Monster Mash," "The Purple People Eater" and "Haunted House" More recent hits are include the theme from "Ghostbusters," "The Twilight Zone" and the "Addams Family Theme." (My third graders especially like "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.") Go Back to Top You can order John McCutcheon's music directly from Rounder Music by calling 800/443-4727. (Check out his website at www.folkmusic.com.) Order Katherine Dines' music by calling 800/289-6923 and visit her website at www.songs.com/hunkta. Order directly from Rhino Records at 800/432-0020 or from their website at www.rhino.com. Thanks to those of you who have taken time to drop me an e-mail--keep 'em coming. I can be reached by mail at Chicago Parent or by e-mail at fkoch@lfelem.lfc.edu. Go Back to Top |
