1996 music reviews (January-June)

album by Sony Wonder, reviewed January 1996

Madeline, the popular character created by Ludwig Bemelmans in 1939, arrives on the audio scene with 15 original songs from her television specials in Madeline's Favorite Songs. It says in the promo materials that Madeline is the world's favorite little French girl. I always thought that honor went to Fifi at Bob's Bistro and Dry Cleaning Emporium. But I digress.

The album is reminiscent of a French Annie, but with cuter accents. It's bookended with narration from one of my favorite actors, Christopher Plummer, and includes favorites such as the popular theme song "I'm Madeline," plus "Wishes," "Holidays" and "Have You Seen Our Dog?" Oui, oui, a wonderful gift item — especially with the attached book. The album was produced in association with CINAR Films, a company involved in the development and distribution of quality, non-violent programming for children and families. A just and honorable cause. We love you, Madeline, you lovable, mischievous little schoolgirl who is really 56! Now, there's a good idea for a play.

Madeline's Favorite Songs, Sony Wonder; $13.98 CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone (800) 221-8180.

TO TOP OF THIS PAGE                TO LIST OF ALL MUSIC REVIEWS

album by Mary Rice Hopkins, reviewed January 1996

On a different note, Mary Rice Hopkins is no newcomer to the burgeoning children's music market. She has 12 audio cassettes, five videos and several songbooks and CD's under her belt. She entertains thousands of adoring families a year. "So why haven't I heard of her?" you might ask. "Well, I'll tell you," responds the patient reviewer. Mary primarily performs in churches where she draws her song illustrations from Biblical themes. If I Knew How To Moo is a crossover album in the tradition of other Christian artists like Amy Grant. This collection features animal songs that build character with emphasis on FUN!

Denny Bouchard, Mary's producer, has assembled a wide variety of musical styles with jumping grooves and a stellar cast of musicians and vocalists. The obligatory children's singers sound as seasoned as the professionals and add immeasurably to the overall charm. Mary's lyrics will tickle your ears, and most importantly, from a songwriting stance, she is able to write phrases that go right where kids live. One can't help but come away humming the refrain, which may be good or bad depending on how far you have to travel in a small foreign car. Check out this "new" artist and meet some of her menagerie friends, including "Herbie the Worm," "Matilda the Gorilla" and "Jake the Snake."

If I Knew How To Moo is udderly delightful—it would behoove you to lend an ear. I know, I know, I'm milking this too much! Au revoir, mes enfants. Catch you on the flip side.

If I Knew How To Moo, Big Steps 4 U; $14.98 CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone (800) 274-8674.

TO TOP OF THIS PAGE                TO LIST OF ALL MUSIC REVIEWS

album by Ella Jenkins, reviewed February 1996
(reviewed by Janis Hashe)

"It is never too early," says Ella Jenkins, the "First Lady of Children's Folk Song," "to teach children about different ways of speaking, different rhythms and different ways of moving their bodies."

In the 23 songs on her Multicultural Children's Songs release, she counts in Swahili, chants in Maori and greets in Arabic. Children will love the variety and the intriguing mixture of strange but enticing sounds.

Jenkins made her first television appearance in 1956, and since then has been performing and recording for children around the world. "These songs were inspired by the wonderful people I have met, many of whom have taught me some of their own music," she explains. What comes from her heart, naturally, however, is the warmth with which she engages the listener, conveying her genuine joy in diverse musical forms. This year marks the 40th anniversary of her association with Smithsonian/Folkways.

Multicultural Children’s Songs, Smithsonian/Folkways; $13 CD, $8.50 cassette. Phone (800) 410-9815.

TO TOP OF THIS PAGE                TO LIST OF ALL MUSIC REVIEWS

album by Sesame Street, reviewed March 1996

Sesame Street's Silly Songs is a compilation of some of the more left-field tunes from the perennially popular PBS series. Usually I skirt these kinds of collections — I enjoy them as much as "Isn't that the Bermuda Triangle?" one-way cruises. These songs, however, are not only silly, but funny and well-crafted. The character voices are familiar in most cases and certainly contribute to the flavor of the song. The proof of the pudding (or album) is simple — the songs stand by themselves as downright good music! Did I just say downright? The producers borrow liberally, yet creatively, from popular music styles. Derivative but not redundant. Nice bouquet yet pleasing — oops, sorry, wrong review. Check out some of these titles: "The Honker-Duckie-Dinger Jamboree," "Everything in the Wrong Place Ball," and "Big Round Noses." My two personal favorites are "I'm Proud to Be a Cow" and "This Song Is for the Birds." "Cow" exemplifies the species' bovine attributes from a cow's perspective, and "Bird" has the best Brooklynese dis side of da bridge!

The longevity of Sesame Street owes a lot to the many talented individuals involved with it. Music has always been an important ingredient in their successful mix. This silly collection is a fine representative of that creative stew for young and old alike. Catch you on the flip side!

Silly Songs, Sony Wonder; $13.98 CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone (800) 221-8180.

Editor's Note: Two other Sony Wonder releases worth a listen are from the new Nick Jr. line: Jump Up and Sing—Binyah's Favorite Songs and Shake Your Doodles—Allegra's Favorite Songs. (Both are $13.98 CD, $9.98 cassette).

TO TOP OF THIS PAGE                TO LIST OF ALL MUSIC REVIEWS

album by Janet & Judy, reviewed April 1996

This fun, informative and upbeat collection of tunes showcases the performing and writing talents of the popular twin sisters, Janet & Judy. (I guess you figured they were sisters by their names, though, huh?) The songs on this album come from J&J's concept albums about American history, science, health, etc., but they stand up very well by themselves, thank you very much. Their DNA-inspired harmonies are incredibly tight and their production values and content are accessible to a wide age range. The only non-original song included is Sheb Wooley's wonderful "The Purple People Eater." Other titles are "Hear the Train," lyrically reminiscent of "This Land Is Your Land," "Mississippi," a new take on that mouthful of a name state; and "Caveman Boogie," a rousing participation song. The house band on the album contributes a lot to the tunes and the guest artists are top-notch. Yeah, but did you like it? You'll enjoy this overview of two dedicated artists who have paid their touring dues and have a fine body of work to show for it. Hopefully, you'll have a chance to catch them live before they are stuffed and put on exhibit in the Smithsonian's Children's Wing.

Sing Along With Janet & Judy, Janet & Judy Records; $12.95 CD, $9.95 cassette. Phone (800) 304-6668.

TO TOP OF THIS PAGE                TO LIST OF ALL MUSIC REVIEWS

album by Various Artists, reviewed April 1996

On a heavier note, I received an advance copy of Pavarotti & Friends — Together for the Children of Bosnia. It will be available by the time this issue hits the stands. Parents will appreciate the mega-talented star and his guests performing in a plethora of styles. The concert was taped live in Modena, Italy, and features "Miss Sarajevo," a poignant song written for the event by Bono of U2 and Brian Eno. Catch you on the flip side!

Pavarotti & Friends — Together for the Children of Bosnia, London; $12.95 CD, $9.95 cassette.

TO TOP OF THIS PAGE                TO LIST OF ALL MUSIC REVIEWS

album by Various Artists, reviewed May 1996

A Child's Celebration of Folk Music does indeed celebrate the rich American folk music tradition and is a welcome addition to the award-winning "Celebration" series produced by Music For Little People. John McCutcheon says it best during his rousing version of "Skip To My Lou" when he states that folk music belongs to all of us. There's a timelessness about doyens of folk music Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie singing, with simple accompaniment, "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain" and "The Car Song" respectively. Doc Watson shares a touching rendition of the classic "Grandfather's Clock." David Mallet's "The Garden Song" has been recorded umpteen times, including by myself, but there's a poetic justice in hearing the writer's own version. Taj Mahal's nifty guitar work on "Little Brown Dog" gives it a blues feel and Raffi is again one with the universe on "The World We Love."

Sweet Honey in The Rock's traditional rendition of "Run Molly Run" reminded me of songs that the late Bessie Smith used to sing — songs passed down vocally and rhythmically by slaves; Buckwheat Zydeco gets down to the ground with a Cajun gumbo mix of "Crawfish Song," and Cecelia Marley Booker's calypso-tinged "Colon Man" is a treat despite the body part.

This album can be shared by all family members, and collections like this ensure that the legacy of folk music is in safekeeping for future generations. Catch you on the flip side!

A Child's Celebration of Folk Music, Music For Little People; $15.98 CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone (800) 727-2233.

TO TOP OF THIS PAGE                TO LIST OF ALL MUSIC REVIEWS

album by Banana Slug Band, reviewed June 1996

I've had more people comment on the attractive cover of Penguin Parade than have been abducted by aliens or own a song Willie Nelson has recorded. Looks like the credit goes to — the envelope, please — Jerry H. Sears! And though you can't tell a CD by its cover, this release lives up to the penguins' attractive attire.

A little slug history: For 10 years, I produced the TAFFY festival in Agoura (California), during which I had the pleasure of presenting the Banana Slug String Band. They were an amiable bunch devoted to earth awareness. In fact, they were the nicest bunch of slugs I ever met. At this point, the four Slugs have been together 12 years. Penguin Parade is their fourth outing and teaches science and ecology in an engaging musical way — the boys are science teachers by profession. I guess they really didn't give up their day jobs! There are guest performances by Peter Alsop, Linda Arnold, Red Grammer and Norton Buffalo (blowing some nice harp). Linda's beautiful voice is a delight on a sweet song, "Safe At Home." In addition to the well-dressed penguins, the Slugs sing about raccoons, frogs, ants, otters, fish and a moose. There's a particularly wacky song called "Noses" that discusses the individual purposes for various animals' proboscises. As long as the Slugs keep slugging away, Mother Earth appears to be in good hands. Let's hope their music will inspire a whole new generation of slug-lovers! Catch you on the flip side.

Penguin Parade, Music For Little People; $11.98 CD, $7.99 cassette. Phone (800) 727-2233. Website at http://bananaslugstringband.com.

Legal notice: Quoting from or otherwise using the material in the reviews on this website is not permitted without written permission from Kidzmusic. To obtain permission, contact John Wood at john@kidzmusic.com.