Jazz and Toy Icons
by Kathy O’Connell
A couple of new releases take you to the 1950’s, one with the latest marketing tool from a toy icon and the other with a collection of iconic jazz musicians sharing their silly sides.
The legendary Verve record label has been churning out great jazz since its start in 1956. They went deep into their archives to create the delightful Jazz for Kids. This family-friendly anthology of goofy jazz classics might win my personal award as kids’ album of the year. Jazz for Kids introduces an old musical form to a new audience by speaking kids’ language — the language of laughter.
This CD for all ages starts strongly with Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Old McDonald” and maintains the fun and quality throughout. The three “Louis,” Prima, Armstrong, and Jordan, are well represented. Lionel Hampton’s “Rag Mop” is delightful. My personal favorite is “Mumbles” by Oscar Peterson (featuring Clark Terry). Oldsters might remember it as Pookie’s theme on the old “Soupy Sales Show.” Jazz for Kids is a must-have for music lovers of all ages. If you can’t find this album in your children’s music section, head to the jazz department or find it online at www.ververecords.com.
Water Ice for the Ears
Love her or hate her, Barbie is forever. I’m from the first generation of Barbie girls. Before Barbie, there were baby dolls and little else for little girls with big imaginations. Barbie records soon followed the dolls as the franchise grew, with “Barbie” and “Ken” singing about the malt shop myths of teenage years.
The tradition of Barbie music continues with Barbie Hit Mix, a perfectly okay collection of familiar tunes (“What I Like About You,” “Hey Ya”) sung in reedy voices by nameless singers. It’s a nice gift for the girl who MUST have all things Barbie, but there’s not much staying power to this CD. Think of it as water ice for the ears. It tastes perfectly fine, but there’s no long-term sustenance there. From Kid Rhino at www.kidrhino.com.
TV Soundtracks
When it comes to music from television programs, nobody can touch the genius creators of the late, lamented “Animaniacs.” If you spy any of the out-of-print CDs from this series during summer yard sale season, grab them.
If you’re seeking current television soundtracks, Disney Records offers some interesting choices. The Proud Family soundtrack stirs in classics like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” among originals like a hip-hoppy “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” by the Buckwheat Boys. The fun grinds to a halt with Alicia Keys’ grownup “Fallin” and picks up again with funk from Cedric the Entertainer (“Dysfunkshanal”).
Raven Simone has morphed from annoying Cosby kid to talented star of her own sitcom, “That’s So Raven.” The show’s soundtrack CD includes cuts from Lindsay Lohan and Stacie Orrico as well, giving it weight as a must-have for the Disney Channel set. That’s So Raven includes a DVD with a message from the multi-faceted Raven. Find all Disney music at www.DisneyRecords.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.