2009 Kidz Music Reviews

March Music Reviews
albums from Debbi Debbyberry & Various Artists

 Baby Banana & European Playground

I think I wrote somewhere that Debi Derryberry’s voice is like a bowl of strawberry ice cream but I may need to add some additional flavors after hearing her latest release, Baby Banana. Along with a delightful mixture of upbeat new tunes, Debbyberry includes 3 favorites from previous albums and a brand new story called Baby Banana and the Licorice Tree. The performances and production value are impeccable and the result is a feast for the ears.

Baby Banana, Debi Derryberry, Very Derryberry, Inc., 2009; CD $11.99; www.debiderryberry.com. Buy or Download Baby Banana at www.Kidzmusic.com  

I just saved a ton of money on my European vacation and I visited a bunch of countries to boot (that’s Italy, ya know, the boot? Oh, never mind…). Just send $14.98 and I’ll tell you how! But wait, there’s more! Actually I just listened to European Playground by Putumayo Kids and had a 15-song musical excursion around Europe including the British Isles for only $14.98 and boy are my ears tired! But wait, there’s more! It comes with a detailed booklet that is chock full of interesting facts and supporting materials. And no, you do not get a set of Ginsu steak knives if you order now!

European Playground, Various Artists, Putumayo Kids, 2009; CD $14.98; www.putumayokids.com.   

Also check out:

Jam 'N' Jive!, Ava and The Mystic Mangos, Splendididilly Records, 2009, CD $15.00; website www.themysticmangos.com.  “20,000 Volts Under the Sea is a whale of a good time as The Brian Waite Band takes a rockin’ underwater magical mystery tour to Atlantis City meeting some zany characters along the way including an electric eel guitar – the fun and puns abound!” John Wood, Kidzmusic.com

Singin' Green, The Earthworms, Building Block Entertainment, 2009; CD 14.98; website www.showsthatteach.com. “Zany songs, zippy arrangements and zilly voices abound and support an important message - educational without being preachy or condescending.” John Wood, Kidzmusic.com

Traveling On, Brian & Terri Kinder, Kindersongs, Inc., 2009; CD $18.00 CD; website www.kindersongs.com. “The Kinder's are back with another well-written and smartly produced batch of feel-good tunes filled with imagination and fun sing-a-longs for the little ones.”  John Wood, Kidzmusic.com

Field Trip, Recess Monkey, Recess Monkey Music, 2009; CD $15.00; website www.recessmonkeytown.com. “No bout a doubt it these guys know their audience and better yet, they know that parents will be listening so they write clever songs with infectious rhythms and rhymes that everyone will like. These guys are flat out good!” John Wood, Kidzmusic.com