These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the September, 2000 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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Once in a while I come across a recording that stands way above the crowd. My latest "favorite to boast about" is The Days Gone By: Songs of the American Poets by Ted Jacobs (Music For Little People, 2000). This is Jacobs' second recording in which he adds music to the words of classic poems. (His first was the wonderful 1999 recording, A Child's Garden of Songs: The Poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson in Song.) Jacobs does far more than just put the poems to music. He creates music that supports and illuminates the emotions conveyed by the words, and he does so with a sensitivity and depth of feeling that is truly astounding. The words and music are so seamlessly united that it is difficult to believe they weren't created together. Jacobs gives a modern voice to each of the 19th century poems on this recording. The mood is set from the first song, James Whitcomb Riley's nostalgic "The Days Gone By," which features viola, guitar and a soulful vocal track. Other selections include Edgar Allen Poe's "Eldorado," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's lyrical painting of the eastern seacoast, "The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls," and Emily Dickenson's comforting, child-like poem, "Will There Really Be A Morning?" The musical performances include a wonderful mix of acoustic sounds (guitar, mandolin, piano, banjo and accordion), world music percussion instruments (shakers, hand drums, djembe and wind chimes), and vocalists whose voices are appropriate to each song. All the poems are printed in the liner notes, along with definitions of less familiar terms--another thoughtful touch. This recording brings great poetry to life for kids, and may inspire them to seek out more poetry. In the liner notes, Jacobs writes: "[These] poems have been shared lovingly from generation to generation and it has been my happy task to translate these poems into songs." Task well done, Mr. Jacobs! Go Back to Top More American Heroes (Sprout Recordings, 2000), by singer and songwriter Jonathan Sprout, is another noteworthy new recording appropriate for home and school. This is Sprout's second CD focusing on famous Americans and illuminating their lives, accomplishments and words of wisdom. (His first CD is aptly titled American Heroes.) Sprout's musical arrangements represent a variety of styles, including ballads, pop, rock, and rhythm and blues numbers. These songs applaud the extraordinary actions of American heroes such as Neil Armstrong ("First Man On The Moon"), Frederick Douglass ("Agitate"), and Helen Keller ("Keep Your Face To The Sunshine") as well as Tecumseh, Sojourner Truth, Jackie Robinson, Johnny Appleseed and the Wright Brothers. Each song brings to light the struggles and journeys of these remarkable people. I hope this worthwhile series will continue. Go Back to Top If you're looking for some music that will help your children become familiar with a foreign language, check out Uni Verse of Song--French (Music For Little People, 2000). This second recording in the "Uni Verse of Song" series presents well-known children's songs with lyrics sung in both French and English. Jean Rene, one of France's premier children's troubadours, leads sing-alongs such as "Frere Jacques," "Alouette" and "Sur Le Pont d'Avignon" as well as "The Wheels On The Bus," "Old MacDonald," "This Old Man" and "Happy Birthday." Go Back to Top Because I cannot guarantee that these titles will be on the shelves of your local retail music store, I recommend you contact the companies directly for ordering information and store availability. For information on The Days Gone By and Uni Verse of Song--French call Music For Little People at 800/346-4445 or visit www.mflp.com. For More American Heroes call Sprout Recordings at 215/295-2726 or visit www.jonsprout.com. Please feel free to drop me a note with your thoughts and recommendations. Send e-mail to fred@bestchildrensmusic.com or write to me in care of Chicago Parent. 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 |
