These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the September, 1999 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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When I first listened to Herbie Treehead's Sleepy Songs and Not Very Sleepy Songs (Dib Dib Dub Studios, 1998), I realized that this might be the only British children's music CD I've ever heard. (I was also wondering, "Is this his real name?") Treehead's music is hard to categorize and it's so refreshingly different that it's even hard to describe, but I think you're going to like it. Predictably, the music is bright and up-tempo for the "not very sleepy songs," and more laid back for the "sleepy songs"--but there is an original edge to all the songs. Some are a bit Monty Pythonish in style and tone. Others have a Randy Newman quality--they seem like the types of songs he might write if asked to do a CD of music for kids, instead of a movie soundtrack. After repeated listenings, I was reminded that writers who are not from the U.S. have a different slant on kids' music--and what it can be--than we do. Few American songwriters venture into an area like nose-picking or veer off into complete nonsensical silliness as comfortably as Treehead does. Yet his lyrics can also be clever and thought-provoking. For example, in the "Change Song" he sings, "Flying can change your perception/ It can make you smile in another direction/ A little tiny seed can change into a weed and we've all got to change sometime." It's too bad the lyrics are not included in the liner notes. I can't always make out all of the words--maybe because of Treehead's slight English accent or the quick tempo of some of the songs. Still, this is some of the more creative and enjoyable children's music I've heard recently--singable, zany and very fresh. Hope there's more from Herbie Treehead. Go Back to Top I'm also enjoying Gary Rosen's Teddy Bears' Picnic (GMR Records, 1999), another new CD. Rosen has been performing music for families for 25 years. This is his third solo recording since he left Rosenshontz, the children's music duo which also featured Bill Shontz. I was immediately struck by the caliber of the musicianship and the overall quality of the recording. Great care was taken in arranging the music to support the lyrics and to make them easy to understand. This is Gary Rosen's best work to date. His choice of songs is great. He stays close to the "bear" theme throughout, including some of A.A. Milne's little-known "Hums of Pooh." The "Hums" were set to music 70 years ago by well-known English composer Harold Fraser-Simson. The renditions here are tender and befitting of the "world's best loved bear of very little brain." They surely will be enjoyed by Pooh lovers everywhere. This CD also features five of Gary Rosen's original songs, including "The Sloppy Kiss," which is sure to bring out its fair share of yucks, and "Heads and Tails," which I'm planning to share with my students around Presidents' Day. "Heads and Tails" looks at coins and the famous American depicted on them ("The father of our country/ President number one/ Who's on my quarter?/ George Washington.") I also like Rosen's cool and jazzy version of "The Three Bears," as well as the title song, "Teddy Bears' Picnic." He even pulled out an old Rosenshontz song, "Rock 'n Roll Teddy Bear," which fits perfectly into the theme of this recording. The CD ends with "Waltzing With Bears," a tender little waltz with lyrics that have wonderful imagery. "I bought Uncle Walter a new coat to wear/ But when he comes in, it's all covered with hair/ Lately I've noticed there's several new tears/ I'm sure Uncle Walter's been waltzing with bears." The music styles on "Teddy Bears' Picnic" include marches, swing, R&B, Klezmer, tango, calypso and classic rock 'n roll. If you weren't around when Rosenshontz was creating family music or haven't yet picked up on Rosen's solo recordings, this is your best bet. Go Back to Top With the new school year upon us, and in light of the growing trend toward introducing young children to foreign languages, UniVerse of Song--Spanish (Music For Little People, 1999) is a timely new release.. This is the first in what will be a series for young children (preschool through 4th grade). It includes 17 children's songs performed in English and Spanish by Maria Del Rey. Several child singers perform American tunes like "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain" and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," as well as popular Spanish-language songs like "La Bamba" and "De Colores." In every song, each verse is immediately repeated in the other language. Key words are pronounced for each song, and the CD comes with a lyric booklet. This CD won't make your children bilingual, but if you're looking for a fun way to introduce them to a foreign language, what better way to do it than through song? Go Back to Top UniVerse of Song--Spanish and Teddy Bears' Picnic should be available wherever children's music is sold, but if you have trouble finding them, you can contact Music for Little People at 800/346-4445 and Rosen's company, GMR Records, at at 802/257-9566 (e-mail Rosen at rosengmr@sover.net). You won't be able to find Treehead's CD at local retail outlets, but you can visit his website (www.herbietreehead.com) to hear some audio clips and ordering it. 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 |
