Best Childrens Music.com: Music Picks for the Very Young

Steve Rashid's wonderful debut is in a class by itself. Subtitled "Evening Songs and Lullabies," this tender collection is one of the most outstanding recordings available for those special quiet times. Titles include "Counting Sheep," "We Rock To The Radio Music," "A Cowboy Lullaby," and "From Night Until Dawn." Steve's writing shines, his vocals are soothing and the musical production is nothing short of outstanding. You'll look forward to cuddling up with these songs over and over again. Age focus: infants & toddlers.

“Lullabies with Mandolins”
Simon Mayer and Hilary James

CD - $16.95

For the past two years, this quiet time recording has made it to my "Best Music of the Year" list for my Chicago Parent magazine column! It is simply one of those CDs that young children naturally respond to and adults warmly welcome.

These two fabulous musicians are well respected in the United Kingdom and lucky for us, their music is now available in the United States and Canada. This bedtime collection of traditional songs and classical pieces skillfully played on an assortment of acoustic instruments, is the perfect remedy for bedtime restlessness. Whether it is a Vivaldi concerto or a beautiful rendition of a classic such as 'Lavender's Blue,' each song isexquisitely performed. With so many lullaby CDs on the market, it is refreshing to hear one so tastefully produced. Age focus: infants & toddlers

track listing

“On A Starry Night”
Various Artists
Children's Music Web Award: Judge's SPECIAL Award

CD - $16.95

Few recordings stand up to years of repeat playing, but this is one of them. We have enjoyed this CD hundreds of times and our son, now 5, still requests it at bedtime! The concept is simple; producer and former violinist with The Turtle Island String Quartet, Tracy Silverman, invited some musician friends to contribute a favorite lullaby to his project. He and his friends just happen to be some amazing musicians. You'll hear Bobby McFerrin, jazz legend Billy Taylor, Brazilian superstars Airto and Flora Purim, Hawaiian guitarist Keola Beamer, the Irish group Nightnoise and pianists Jim Brickman and George Winston, just to name a few. The performances are passionate, gentle and fill the room with an air of simple beauty. Age focus: infants & toddlers.

song listing / lyrics

"Say Hello to the Morning"
Kathy Reid-Naiman
Parents' Choice GOLD Award
Children's Music Web Award: Best Music for Toddlers

CD - $16.00

Kathy teams up with Ken Whiteley (Raffi's former producer) for their third recording and the result is a delightful collection of children's songs, rhymes and singing games. The material is engaging and very age appropriate, the musicianship is first-rate and adults will find singing and playing along very easy. Kathy has put together a great mix of traditional, original and adapted children's songs. You will also appreciate the helpful notes, suggestions, explanations (for the games) and song lyrics included in the booklet. "Say Hello" is an excellent resource for teachers and a wonderful "music play" recording for home. Age focus 2-5.

"40 winks"
Jessica Harper
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award
National Association of Parenting Publications GOLD Award
Parents' Choice GOLD Award

CD - $17.95

CD - $15.98
Cassette - $10.98

Jessica Harper's fourth family music album celebrates the wonder of young childhood and the joys of bedtime--for those reluctant sleepyheads. You'll delight in the jazzy, swinging music, her tightly arranged vocals, and the sparse, but very effective, music arrangements. Any parent who has ever rocked a child to sleep will relate to her lyrics from "In This Room," "There's a child in the room / Darkness all around her / Once I dreamed of this room / Dreamed of her, then found her." The strength of "40 Winks" lies in its imaginative lyrics, top-notch musicianship, and Jessica's mellow, rich vocals. Age focus: infants & toddlers.

“SmartSleep with Classical”
Heidi Brende
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio GOLD Award

International prize-winning classical pianist (and new mom) Heidi Brende's first CD is a quiet-time recording featuring many familiar pieces beautifully performed on solo piano. This collection of soothing, child-tested pieces includes classics by Mozart, Chopin, Schumann, Beethoven, Debussy and Bach, including Bach's "Aria In G Major" from the "Goldberg Variations," which he composed in the 1700s to cure Count Kayserling's insomnia. You will be very impressed with Brende's choice of material and her high degree of musicianship, along with the fact that she performs all of these selections in their original version. Age focus: infants & toddlers.

“SmartPlay with Classical”
Heidi Brende
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio GOLD Award

CD - $15.98
Cassette - $10.98

Designed as accompaniment for playtime, the music is happy and upbeat. Heidi Brende makes some great choices in her musical selections and her piano technique is exceptional. Energetic pieces include selections from Prokofiev's "Music For Children," Schumann's "Scenes From Childhood" and "4 Little Pieces" which Mozart composed at the age of 8. All pieces are performed in their complete and original versions. You will also appreciate the comprehensive and helpful liner notes. Age focus: infants & toddlers.

"Rock The Baby"
Mr. Al
National Association of Parenting Publications Association GOLD Award

CD - $14.95
Cassette - $9.95

This Mr. Al project (produced by Fred Koch) is designed for teachers and parents of infants and toddlers. This intimate and soulful recording really brings to light Al's wonderful voice and gentle manner. Lullabies ("Lap Time," "Rockin' Little Lullaby"), activity-based songs ("Bouncin' On My Knee," "Around The Circle," "The Toddler Tango"), some very memorable songs including "Point To Someone You Love" and "I'm So Glad To See You," along with the hilarious "Diaper Changing Time" all combine to create one of the very finest recordings geared for this age group. Age focus: infants & toddlers.

song lyrics

"The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies:
From Playtime to Sleepytime"
Various Artists

Music to stimulate infant and baby play and response, through the listening cycle to rest and relaxation, gently soothing babies and young children to sleep. Featuring world-class performances of some of Mozart's best-loved compositions including "Flute Quartet in C Major," (Ensemble Villa Musica) "Serenade No. 9 in D Major" (Capella Istropolitana) and music young Wolfgang may have heard when he was a baby: his father Leopold's playful composition "The Toy Symphony." Age focus: infants & toddlers.

"The Mozart Effect - Music For Children:
Tune Up Your Mind, Vol. 1"
Various Artists

Volume 1 will immediately win you over starting with The Cambridge Buskers' version of "Rondo" from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Other favorites in this gently upbeat compilation include a solo piano performance of the complete "Five Variations on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" (Jeno Jando), "Andante from Symphony No. 17" (Northern Chamber Orchestra) and "Allegro aperto, Violin Concerto No. 5" (Capella Istropolitana). Age focus: infants & toddlers.

"The Mozart Effect - Music for Children:
Relax, Daydream & Draw, Vol. 2"
Various Artists

Designed to inspire creativity, Volume 2 is more calm and contemplative. It follows the same format, featuring tastefully chosen selections from a variety of performers in a variety of musical settings. Selections include "Voi che sapete" from The Marriage of Figaro, (Cambridge Buskers), "Andantino grazioso, Symphony No. 18" (Northern Chamber Orchestra), "Adagio, Gran Partita, Serenade No. 10," (Amadeus Wind Ensemble) and "Andante ma adagio, Bassoon Concerto" (Vienna Mozart Academy). Age focus: infants & toddlers.

"The Mozart Effect - Music For Children:
Mozart In Motion, Vol.3"
Various Artists

The pieces on this compilation are specifically selected to encourage movement exploration with some of Mozart's higher energy music. Selections include "Rondo all turca" (Cambridge Buskers), "March No. 1" (Orpheus Chamber Orchestra), "German Dances No. 2 and No. 4" (Capella Istropolitana) and "Prestissimo, Serenade" (Salzburg Chamber Orchestra). Age focus: infants & toddlers.