Family CD Treasures
by Kathy O’Connell
I often hear from parents who remember favorite “classics” from their own childhoods. Danny Kaye is fondly recalled for his song “Mommy, I Want a Drink of Water.” Movie mavens suggest Hayley Mills’ songs (barely listenable on Disney records) because of the place of idolatry Disney’s “Pollyanna” star holds.
The old family folkies are always pushing Burl Ives and Pete Seeger on new generations. Revisiting family “classics” can be as magical as discovering an ancient arrowhead buried in the
backyard. .
Rhino Treasures
The Rhino Handmade label is a great place for classic treasures to share with new ears. They are the keepers
of collections of
Allan Sherman, Animaniacs, and Schoolhouse Rock, all of
which count as classics in my book. Search the Rhino catalog at www.rhino.com for classic audio.
A man, a banjo, and a lot of great stories and songs — that sums up Pete Seeger. I believe Seeger’s goodness radiates from the CD player when you play his music. Luckily, there are several CDs available from this American treasure, and his basic man/banjo production on recordings made more than 40 years ago still works today.
The Smithsonian Folkways label yields a treasure trove of Seeger’s work for all ages, so the scratchy records of your childhood can be replaced with nifty new CDs. Start with American Game and Activity Songs and keep going from there, making sure to grab a copy of his Abiyoyo. For the complete Smithsonian Folkways catalog, check out www. folkways.si.edu.
More Classics
Music legend Ella Jenkins also calls the Smithsonian Folkways label home. The 2004 Grammy nominations for Best Children’s Music included two for Miss Ella, who was honored by induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003. Nominations went to the
collaborative cELLA-bration and Ella’s own Sharing Cultures, both of which have been discussed here previously. Both CDs make a wonderful addition to any preschool library.
While you’re checking out “classics,” don’t forget Classical Kids. The Children’s Group label is carving itself a good reputation as a producer of high quality children’s music and stories. The series Classical Kids: A Symphony of Stories for all Ages includes music/ story mixes such as Beethoven Lives Upstairs and Mozart’s Magic Fantasy that capture listeners’ imaginations while introducing them to musical greats.
The series continues with delightful collections such as The Best of Mozart and The Best of Beethoven that broaden the child’s musical landscape once they’re accustomed to listening to classical music.
The Children’s Group takes the guesswork out of choosing classical pieces for those of us whose parents played more Spike Jones than Mozart around the house. Browse their catalog at www.childrensgroup.com.
Kathy O’Connell is a contributing writer to MetroKids and host of the Peabody-award-winning Kid’s Corner weekdays 7-8pm on WXPN 88.5 FM.