2005 music reviews (July-December)

albums by Captain Bogg & Salty, and Patience Moore, reviewed July 2005

Well, you can't go wrong with pirates…well, what I mean is, they're wrong to begin with, but pirate music? That's so right! After a tough day of mayhem and stuff, let's gather round the yardarm and get funky, and who better to sing the praises of the pirate life but Captain Bogg & Salty with Pegleg Tango, their second anticipated release. This CD of rowdy, unfettered fun and games is crammed to the poop deck with style, musicianship and a nod and a wink to a great tradition: call it Hell's Angel's light.

If you ever want your timbers shivered or your scally wagged, this six-member multi-talented, theatrical-musical group from the Pacific Northwest will trim your mainsail and drop your anchor long enough to experience a musical sound that will shake even Keith Richard's suspect DNA.

The songs are engaging, the performances transcending and the cover art is inspirational. Somehow, somewhere, adults are listening to this CD on the sly. You know who you are!

Pegleg Tango, Captain Bogg & Salty, Scabbydisc Music; 2004; $15 CD; www.eatalime.com, phone 800-BUY-MY-CD. Buy Pegleg Tango at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

The Cowboy Girl, Patience Moore, sings her boots off in Buckaroos Sleep Too!, a classy collection of award-winning, cow-patty-kicking, downright-doggone-good-music that is equally divided into playtime and quiet time. The musicianship is stellar and the songs from "Hamburger Hop" to "Wrapped in a Rainbow," smell like victory for a new appreciative audience of family music.

I hear tell that Buck Howdy is on the cusp of releasing a new album. Can we but hope that The Cowboy Girl and Buck Howdy will someday record or perform together? Oh yeah, like Michael Jackson and Prince will do the Prince and the Pauper. Buckaroos Sleep Too! Is an excellent CD worthy of multiple listening. Catch you on the flip side.

Buckaroos Sleep Too! Patience Moore, AKA The Cowboy Girl, Rab Records; 2004; $18.98 Double CD; www.rabrecords.com, phone 973-5092709. Buy Buckaroos Sleep Too! at CDBaby.com!

Also check out:

Let's Pretend! FUNdamentals of Music and Movement, AYA World Records, 2005; $12.50 CD; website www.musicandmovement.net, phone 310-398-2500, "An energized, eclectic, amalgam of songs from the heart. The children's choir kicks, the arrangements are real, and the message is genuine. Nice job!" —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Let's Pretend at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Dream the Ocean Blue – Musical Images For Bedtime, Jennifer Yeung, E-Horse Music, 2005; $17.95 CD; website www.jenniferyeungmusic.com, phone 480-991-1369. "Gentle, drifting, peaceful, original piano pieces perfect for bedtime and as a musical backdrop for story time" —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Dream the Ocean Blue at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

The Monster Picnic, Danny O'Flaherty & Khaetidawne Quirk, Hy-Brasyl Productions, Inc., 2005; $15.00 CD; website www.dannyoflaherty.com, phone 504-366-0635. "A Celtic kick-up- ya-heels and dance with Nessy, Bigfoot, Leprechauns, and other not-so-scary monsters. O'Flaherty has created a kiddie-Riverdance party!" —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com.

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reviewed August 2005

Yes, you can come back and make a multi-award winning CD even better. And Hap Palmer's new, revised and expanded version of Can A Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet? irrefutably proves the point – and, incidentally, yes, a jumbo jet can sing the alphabet – I saw it with my own ears!

Palmer's long list of credentials and dedication to quality children's music and education are impeccable. His songs are carefully crafted, finely performed and creatively produced in a multitude of accessible musical styles, but never at the expense of the specific message or lesson. For example, he uses the traditional seventh-inning stretch tune "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" to explain simple math problems by utilizing the scores of competing teams. He revisits the song later in the CD to explain more advanced techniques for older children.

Understanding blends and recognizing initial consonant sounds is framed in the classical Spanish arrangement of "Letters in the Blender": Take an S, and an L, put them in the blender/ And Slim's slender sled slips and slides down slippery slopes. Palmer always supplies ample teaching aids and support material for his interactive musical adventures so hitch a ride and you'll be hooked.

Can A Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet? (New, Revised, Expanded Version) – Songs for Learning Through Music and Movement, Hap Palmer, Hap-Pal Music; 2005; $15.95 CD; phone 818-885-0200, www.happalmer.com. Buy Can A Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet? at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

I guess if a jumbo jet can sing the alphabet, a pig can surely whistle. On the The Whistling Pig Presents Songs From the Heart, Chicago-based musician and illustrator Doug and Bobbie Stuart respectively create colorful animal characters that make for down-home folksy, family fun. The bushel of upbeat well-performed tunes espouse positive inspirational values, yet never talk down to the young audience. The Whistling Pig is a fun-filled fable based on stories called "Tales From the Gullywhumpus," which the Stuarts created years ago. You go pig! Catch you on the flip side!

The Whistling Pig Presents Songs From the Heart, Doug & Bobbie Stuart, Dugan's Tunes; 2003; $15 CD; phone 866-975-6744, www.thewhistlingpig.com. Buy The Whistling Pig at CDBaby.com!

Also check out:

Soap Soup, Sam Glaser, Glaser Musicworks, 2004; $14.99 CD; website www.samglaser.com, phone 310-204-6111, "Twenty nicely performed and finely produced family tunes - An energized, super-charged kick in the pants!" John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Soap Soup at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Mother's Little Helpers – The Kid Is Alright!, Ben Xavier, Mothers Little Helpers, 2005; $10.00 CD; website www.motherslittlehelpers.biz, phone 646-498-6248. "What would have happened if John Lennon had written a children's album? Xavier's bouncy, edgy and ultimately satisfying foray is pretty darn close." John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Mother's Little Helpers at CDBaby.com!

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albums by Jim Newton & Noel Paul Stookey and Mike Whitla, reviewed September 2005

There comes a time in the course of human events when a reviewer, albeit a children's music reviewer — the best kind of reviewer — must step away from the stack of potential candidates — Step away there's nothing to hear here! — and exorcise the demons of self-doubt, deceit and just plain lousy music, in order to gain a new and clearer perspective. I'm not one of those types, however, so I trudge on through the darkness and, in my ignorance, I've actually stumbled on a couple of winners that I'd like to share with you if you're still reading.

In a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Jim Newton was asked to share his musical talents. The results led to a musical, life-changing epiphany. In his own words: "I felt really awkward and inadequate to be singing with hospitalized children, never having done so before. And though the lobby setting with about 20 children gathered — some in wheelchairs or on crutches, some coming under their own power, and a couple in hospital beds — went okay, I really felt my repertoire fell far short of what the children really needed. Just as I was putting my guitar away, a nurse asked me if I would go to a room to sing for a little four-year-old boy who was too ill to come out with the other kids…talk about feeling awkward and inadequate! Here I was with a very few, if any, real children's songs — singing with a very ill little boy and a mom worn out from countless days and nights of her hospital vigil — and I'm supposed to make them feel better!" Newton was able to connect with the boy and his mother, however, and, for a brief window in time, brought a few moments of happiness.

Newton then engaged the help of long-time friend, writer and producer, Paul G. Hill, and Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul & Mary) and they began to write and collect songs derived from Newton's travels. There most recent release, World Around Song, resonates with fine songs, positive messages and terrific arrangements. There is a passion and mission to this music that speaks to the heart. Take a few short keystrokes to the hugworks.org Web site and experience this purposed journey. Buy World Around Song at CDBaby.com!

World Around Song, Jim Newton & Noel Paul Stookey, Hugworks, 2001; $15.00 CD, $10 cassette; www.hugworks.org, phone 817-268-0020.

North o'da border, up Canada way, Mike Whitla has followed up his first, fun release, Elephants have Wrinkles, with an exciting amalgam of original tunes and traditional songs of Americana. Whether channeling Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", or "Teddy Bear's Picnic," Whitla's arrangements are sharp, diverse and ready to rock. His musical history is sound and his voice is fresh. Early Morning Knee-Slappin' Tunes has passed the multiple-listening-car-CD-test with flying colors. Look, I still have all my digits! Catch you on the flip side!

Early Morning Knee-Slappin' Tunes, Mike Whitla, Deep Down Productions, 2005; $16.00 CD; www.deepdownproductions.com, 416-535-0401.

Also check out:

C'mon an' Swing in My Tree! The Sunflowers, Cow Heard Records, 2005; $16.95 CD; website www.thesunflowers.com, phone 818-427-4568, "Infectious folk-rock based tunes nicely performed, arranged and produced and it comes with a picture-book to boot- It's a win win." —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy C'mon an' Swing in My Tree! at Amazon.com!

The Great Green Squishy Mean Concert CD, Monty Harper, Monty Harper Productions, 2005; $15.00 CD; website www.montyharper.com, phone 405-624-3805. "An energized live concert of well-written participatory tunes by a seasoned performer who's definitely in touch with his inner child." —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy The Great Green Squishy Mean Concert CD at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Piano Classics For Young Listeners — Littlest Classics / Midsize Masterpieces / Big Classics, Fredericka King, 88 + One Productions, 2004; $15.00 each CD or $40 for the set of three CD's; website www.frederickaking.com "Classical music in bite-sized chunks for peaceful listening or just fine as a musical backdrop for a variety of creative activities at home or school." —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy the Piano Classics For Young Listeners — Littlest Classics / Midsize Masterpieces / Big Classics at CDBaby.com!

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album by John McCutcheon, reviewed October 2005

It's been a while since I have visited John McCutcheon's Four Seasons, a beautifully conceived project that was launched 10 years ago to celebrate the universal memories that linger with us through the ever-changing seasons of our lives. Reflecting a small-town feel, this four-CD, 48-song collection is as fresh and real today as, well, a real reality show, but way better. The songwriting by McCutcheon and Si Kahn is first rate, the musicianship is excellent, and the production value is exemplary.

The first season represented in song is Summersongs, a celebration of all that is good, right and just in our world: no school, no rules, no shoes, and service with a smile. I particularly loved the "Power Mower," a paean to that magical moment when we find ourselves at the controls of some mechanism that could, at any moment, lurch out of control and mow every lawn in the neighborhood! Meanwhile, "Dad and Me" is a poignant tale of a young boy with divorced parents who looks forward to spending the summer, and building memories, with his father.

Autumnsongs is a refreshing blast of 12 crisp songs that crunch through the fallen leaves and cover familiar terrain of being a "New Kid in School" to the "Halloween" and "Thanksgiving" holidays and baseball recollections in "World Series '57" — when a town loved a team and a team loved a town. The beautiful changes of this season are mirrored in "Colors" as the leaves on the trees transition. "Si' Se Puede" (Yes We Can) sung in Spanish, honors the founder of the United Farm Workers, Cesar Chavez — an upbeat celebration.

Wintersongs will take you back to the simple pleasures of being a kid when the first snows of winter hit the ground, like the opening track "New Boots" that smokes from the get-go! This CD is as close to sensory music as possible — you can just smell and taste the "Hot Chocolate" and "Soup" that has a special allure at this time of year. Again, each song is carefully crafted and evokes universal emotions. Especially touching is "Footprints," a tribute to McCutcheon's older sister as they searched for a Christmas tree: I was walking in your footsteps/Counting every step/Measuring every move you made/And every word you said/I was dancing in your shadow/Doing what you'd do/I was learning how to be like me/By being just like you.

Springsongs completes the seasonal circle of life. "I Hope I Make It," portrays that tense moment, staring at the Little League roster searching for your name. "Spring Fever" is self-explanatory — I still get it. "Going To the Prom" is a young chap's observations of his sister's coming of age: My sister's going to the Prom/She's got a long, blue dress on/Isn't it strange how a person can change/My sister's going to the Prom. "Summer is A-Coming" is a rip-roaring anthem to the approaching much anticipated season and that brings us right back to Summersongs.

In my humble opinion, McCucheon's Four Seasons quartet is a national treasure. Track it down, seek it out and enjoy for years to come.

Four Seasons — Summersongs, Wintersongs, Autumnsongs, Springsongs, John McCutcheon, Rounder Records; 1995-1999; $8.99-$12.99 CD; phone 800-ROUNDER, www.rounder.com. John McCutcheon's website: www.folkmusic.com.

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albums by Various Artists, reviewed November 2005

November, again! But the upside is I get to play catch-up and share a few musical picks that have been waiting patiently on the stack for their turn. So…drum roll please…here they are:

The King Who Forgot His Underpants — A Rock Opera For Kids (And Their Grownups), Mifflin Lowe, Locokids, 2005; $10.00 CD; www.locokids.com, phone 401-270-7379. "Mifflin Lowe has a way with words. And a gift for placing those words into highly original poetry and songs that tickle the ear, the funny bone, and best of all, stand up to the dreaded repeated listening while on long car trips — You'll just have to nicely ask mom and dad to put on some Barry Manilow…A rock opera for kids and their grown-ups? Indeed!" — John Wood, Kidzmusic.com.

The Uh Oh Moon, Cooper and Bounds, Dream Hill Music, 2005; $14.00 CD; www.dreamhillmusic.com, phone 415-488-1162. "There is so much to love about this CD: Intelligent, introspective tunes and beautifully blended voices riding on a bed of tasty instrumentation and impeccable production values, for starters – great for bedtime, daytime, anytime actually." — John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy The Uh Oh Moon at CDBaby.com.

Make A Good Choice!, Lou Del Bianco, Storymaker Records, 2005; $13.99 CD; www.findlou.com, phone 914-937-0897. "Seasoned children's performer, Del Bianco, delivers again with a well-produced collection of songs with supporting messages of honesty, responsibility, tolerance and self-respect among other core values – timely and nicely done!" Buy Make A Good Choice! at Amazon.com!

Stinky Cake, Carole Peterson, Macaroni Soup!, 2005; $15.00 CD; www.macaronisoup.com, phone 847-384-1404. "20 upbeat, positive participatory songs for the little ones. A nice musical resource for teachers and parents!" — John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Stinky Cake at CDBaby.com!

Mother Goose Rocks! - Volume 5, Richard Snee, Boffo Media, Inc., 2005; $9.95 CD, $14.95 DVD; www.mothergooserocks.com, phone 408-858-0310. "What would happen if famous rock groups performed classic children's songs? Check out these spot-on impersonations by ME2, Gwen Stuffunny, Green Week, and Green Eyed Peas among others – might even stump mom and dad with this fun collection." — John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Mother Goose Rocks! – Volume 5 at Amazon.com!

The Googol Power Math Series – Addition Celebration & Multiplication Vacation, Various Artists, Googol Learning, 2004; $13.95 CD, $18.95 DVD; www.googolpower.com, phone 866-500-1123. "Who knew that learning could be so much fun! This educational, layered learning approach engages with math and incorporates a myriad of other subjects along the way in an inspired teaching approach. Googol's of fun for everyone!" — John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy The Googol Power Math Series at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com.

Don't Forget the Donut!, Wayne Potash, Happy House Records, 2005; $15 CD; www.waynepotash.com, phone 508-230-8505. "Potash has amassed an infectious collection of upbeat, toe-tapping tunes that will have you strutting down the aisle in style – clear and present vocals, good musicianship and nice production values abound ." — John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Don't Forget the Donuts! at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

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albums by Various Artists, reviewed December 2005

'Tis the season for traditions, and a tradition this reviewer began two years ago enlists the aid of Santa's reindeer in choosing excellent children's music as special gifts for the holidays. Children's music is evergreen, so we're reaching deep down into Santa's bag for some musical treats that would be-hoof you to listen to. So grab your gift list and pen and hold on tight, 'cause here we go for more reindeer droppings!

Dasher here…. Just got in from my morning run to Reykjavik and back and ready for my rubdown. But not before I tell you about my buddy Buck Howdy's Giddyup! (Prairie Dog Entertainment, $13.99 CD; www.buckhowdy.com, phone 888-8-COW PIE.) Can't tell you how many times I've heard Giddyup, a fine trail mix of classic and original western tunes with the Buck Howdy spin. Did you know that Dale Evans wrote "Happy Trails"? I did not know that! Oh, there's also a song about "Baked Beans" that had Dancer almost cracking an antler! Buy Giddyup! at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Hi, I'm Dancer and, no, I didn't crack an antler as we call it, but it was funny. My picky wicky after dance practice – I want to be on that Dancin' With the Bears show – is one of the best storytellers around, Bill Harley. He's got a new retrospective CD of some of his best stories and songs from the past 25 years of his career called One More Time (Empyrean Records, $15 CD; www.billharley.com, phone 800-682-9522.) There's nothing like curling up in front of a warm fire with your favorite CD on the box! Harley's stories will have mom and dad snorting marshmallows out their noses! Buy One More Time at Amazon.com!

Oh gross! High-ho, I'm Prancer and I prefer the more delicate things in life…but I have a secret passion for…folk music! That's why I'm picking Tom Chapin's Some Assembly Required (Sundance Music, $15 CD; www.tomchapin.com, phone 914-674-0247.) Fine new songs, excellent musicians, terrific production values and guest stars like Vanessa Williams, Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner makes this CD a winner! Well, back to my needlepoint, ta ta. By Some Assembly Required at Amazon.com!

Vixen here and let's get some doe's in the mix - get my drift? Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer's Scat Like That: A Musical Word Odyssey (Rounder Records, $14.98 CD; www.rounder.com, phone 617-218-4495.) fits the proverbial bill. Fun-filled, upbeat tunes from two award-winning veterans that educate as they deftly entertain with songs about pirates, tongue twisters, limericks and riddles. And if you can keep up with the "Pig Latin Polka Dance" you're a better reindeer than I! Buy Scat Like That: A Musical Word Odyssey at Amazon.com!

Whew! I'm Comet – just got through cleaning the stalls - and I'm ready like Freddy to share my pick, the latest Ralph's World release called Green Gorilla Monster & Me (Mini Fresh Records, $15 CD; www.ralphsworld.com.) Great pop hooks, infectious rock rhythms, and strong vocals support clever songs that the folks could handle even on long car trips. This CD is clean! Buy Green Gorilla Monster & Me at Amazon.com!

I'm Cupid and someone that has always touched my heart is Mr. Rogers. The beloved sweater-wearer's Songs From The Neighborhood (Memory Lane Syndication, $14.95 CD+DVD, $17.95 Keepsake Package; www.songsfromtheneighborhood.com, phone 866-877-9408.) will touch your heart too. Mr. Roger's gentle, loving, heartfelt songs still offer a safe oasis to return to again and again. This special tribute utilizes the talents and vocal stylings of Amy Grant, BJ Thomas, Bobby Caldwell, Crystal Gayle, Donna Summer, Roberta Flack and a host of others. The arrangements are terrific! Did you know that Santa has a sweater just like the one Mr. Rogers' mother knitted him? It's true, I think. Love you Mr. Rogers! Buy Songs From The Neighborhood at Amazon.com!

Who's that, Donder over yonder? I just love saying that, anyhoo, call me Donny, like the Osmond. OK, I'm going to serious up and tell you about a couple of musical artists that were displaced by Hurricane Katrina – Johnette Downing (Music Time, Wiggle Worm Music, $15 CD; www.johnettedowning.com.) and storyteller Dianne de Las Casas (World Fiesta – Celebrations in Story & Song, The Story Connection, $17 CD; www.storyconnection.net, phone 504-368-1831.) Many of their performance resources and sources of income have disappeared. You can help them by purchasing their fine CD's and books or bringing them to your town for a show or two or three. Buy Music Time at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!. Buy World Fiesta at CDBaby and Amazon.com!

It's Blitzen time! And I'm excited to tell you about Craig Taubman's Inscribed – Songs for Holy Days (Sweet Louise Productions, $15 CD; www.craignco.com, phone 800-627-2448.) New melodies, beautifully performed, for the Jewish High Holidays that "respect the tradition and move the worshiper." Buy Inscribed at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

And what about the most famous reindeer of all? He dug out a couple of plums from Santa's sack: J.P. Nighingale's The Wonder of the Written Word & Around the World With J.P. Nightingale (Nightingale Notes, $13 CD each; www.jpnightingale.com, phone 818-998-8424.) These guys are the best…Oh, and I'm supposed to say that this reviewer wrote and performs a lot of the songs. Rudolph can be bought!

Happy Holidays from John Wood and all the Reindeers!

Also check out:

The Twelve Gifts of Birth, Susan Kay Wyatt, All Gifts Music, 2003; $13.99 CD; website www.allgiftsmusic.com, phone 877-942-5500. "Nicely produced positive, uplifting songs that reinforce the values of strength, beauty, courage, hope and compassion among others." —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy The Twelve Gifts of Birth at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

Celebrations, Peter Weatherall, Kidsinglish Productions, 2005; $10.00 CD; website www.kidsinglish.com. "Weatherall's pure, clear vocals illuminate original upbeat songs of celebration, wonder and imagination." —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com.

Paz y Alegria, Juanita Ulloa, Ulloa Productions, 2005; $12.95 CD; website www.juanitamusic.com, phone 510-632-6296. "A bilingual, Latin celebration of the holiday season with traditional instruments and arrangements that will have dancing in the New Year with style." —John Wood, Kidzmusic.com. Buy Paz y Alegria at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com!

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