2008 Kidz Music Reviews

January Music Reviews
albums from Eric Ode & Rebecca Frezza

When You Smile & Special Kind of Day 

Eric Ode’s When You Smile is a fourteen song feel-good collection of upbeat and positive kidz-view observations that are clever, never condescend and most of all, spike the fun-meter and rock with the best. A highlight, “Poor Planet Pluto” dovetails the recent revelations of Pluto not being a “real” planet with the positive affirmation of being accepted for who you are. I think this is my favorite Eric Ode album thus far…until the next one.

When You Smile, Eric Ode, Deep Rooted Music, LLC, 2008; CD $14.50; www.ericode.com. Buy When You Smile at Kidzmusic.com.  

Rebecca Frezza’s Special Kind of Day has a joyous party feel and indeed helps to bridge that difficult tween bridge between “kids” music and “contemporary” pop (yes, the quotes are deliberate but that’s another story). Frezza’s band lays down fat grooves, serious syncopation and solid support from the downbeats to the outros. The tunes range from a “Butterfly” to a “Carnival Ride” to “Summer Sunshine” to a “Birthday Song” to a “Snow Day” to…but wait, ain’t that just life? Yep, and enjoy the moments! Special Kind of Day sure helps.

Special Kind of Day, Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck, Big Truck Music, 2008; CD $15.00 each; www.bigtruckmusic.com.   

Also check out:

Stardust, Cher & Gene Klosner, Audible Chocolate Productions, 2007; 2/CDs $19.95; website www.stardustlullaby.com. “A comprehensive collection of original and traditional lullabies – finely produced with clear and present vocals. Now hear this, if you and your baby(s) can’t get to sleep after 21 gentle, soothing, songs, including instrumental versions of all of the above, cut back on the caffeine!” John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. 

Everybody Likes Pizza! Andy Mason, Andy Mason Music, 2007; CD $12.97; website www.andymasonmusic.org & www.cdbaby.com/cd/masonandy4. “Playfully mix 10 fun tunes, add an engaging vocal with a generous serving of guitar, stir briskly with the whimsy stick, pop into a CD player, then sit back and enjoy.” John Wood, Kidzmusic.com.  

Jazz, Baby! Doug Beavers Rovira Jazz Orchestra, Origin Records, 2007; CD $15.98; website www.jazzbabymusic.com. “Hip arrangements and tip-top musicians jazz-up a tight collection of traditional and classical toddler hits.”  John Wood, Kidzmusic.com.        

We Kids Rock – Let the Sun Shine, Bill Currier, We Kids Rock LLC, 2007; CD $9.99; website www.wekidsrock.com. "Driving arrangements and solid vocals set this 17-song CD apart from the crowd with a bountiful brew of revived traditional and clever original tunes." John Wood, Kidzmusic.com.