Celebrate With Brady Rymer, Sonia de los Santos, and Roger Day

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could love the holiday season. In 2017, they released REVVIN' UP THE REINDEER, an entire album of upbeat family tunes. With the pandemic still in full swing, Brady used technology to produce a four song EP, ANGELS IN THE SNOW (available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer). Brady sings about the agonizing wait to open gifts on Christmas morning ("Why, Daddy, Why?"), penning your gift note to the North Pole ("Writing A Letter to Santa Claus"), a dog-centric version of "My Favorite Things," and the title track, about making snow angels outside in wintry weather. Here's the video for that song:

Sonia de los Santos made a pilgrimage to Mexico earlier this summer. While there, she took the opportunity (with partner Martin Vejarano) to produce a celebratory video for "¡Fiesta, Fiesta!" from her upcoming 2021 CD. The video is the very definition of a "family affair," with her father José manning the camera and other friends and extended family performing on- and off-screen responsibilities. "No matter your age, I invite you to reflect on your personal journey in 2020 as we prepare for the new year," Sonia recently wrote. Here is the video:

Roger Day recently released a holiday special via his YouTube channel. Accompanied by sons Thomas and Jacob, the trio sing original tunes "Ukulele Christmas" and "The Yak Who Saved Christmas," re-imagined classics like "Must Be Santa," and conduct a virtual sing-a-long for young viewers. Roger once told me that his children's music evolved as his own kids grew older, which enabled him to incorporate more science and history themes into his songs. Now the circle has completed and his sons are part of Roger's music-making process. His most recent CD, INVINCIBLE, is available for purchase and streaming through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and Soundcloud. Here is the special:

Quick Hits: Videos from Father Goose, Bright Siders, and Twinkle

Father Goose keeps busy with his gaggle, including son IEiE Goose. Their new song, "You Silly Goose," furthers his message of fun, family inclusion. The Grammy winning "king of the dance party" will help listeners work off any extra winter weight from sugar cookies, with this (free downloadable) tune. I guarantee that your kids will know most of the lyrics – they're from popular children's nursery rhymes (he does call himself Father Goose, so you know Mother Goose has to be close by). The only kind of house parties are private parties right now, except by Zoom. Goosehut has taken the opportunity to deliver the soundtrack to any (socially distanced) junior rave. Here's the video:

Helping children connect to their emotions is especially important in these times of pandemic. Together, Nashville-based songwriter Kristin Andreassen and Brooklyn-based child psychiatrist Kari Groff have created the Bright Siders expressly to address this difficult situation. The duo have a CD entitled "A Mind Of Your Own," coming in 2021. A video for the track, "The Moon and the Stars and Me," was inspired by a conversation that Andreassen had with Dr. Groff's daughter about being afraid of the dark. Here is the song that evolved from that discussion, featuring Kristin with co-producer Chris Eldridge:

Los Angeles children's personality Twinkle produces daily bilingual musical education videos on her YouTube channel (also available on Instagram, but many parents limit their kids to the 'Tube). Her new power-pop English/Spanish singles are “Mask It Up" and "Mascara," related to (obvious) coronavirus, but also about positive self-image and the fun of kids dressing up. You can download the songs through the clickable links in the titles. And here's a recent episode of her YouTube show. Give your youngster a juice box and some pretzels and it's their version of Oprah, if Oprah channeled Lady Gaga.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 22, 2022

'Cause I'm A Man – Tame Impala
Glue – Francis England
Lazy Boy – Franz Ferdinand
Buenos Dias – The Lucky Band
With a Little Help From My Friends – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
Your Love is a Metaphor  – Danny Weinkauf
Flexible Brain – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 21, 2020

The Less I Know The Better – Tame Impala
It's a Miracle – Dog On Fleas
Two Towns – David Gibb & Brady Rymer
Lo/Hi – The Black Keys
Anything Can Be A Hat – Ratboy Jr.
Boy with a Hole in his Heart – Danny Weinkauf
New Pair Of Shoes – The Bazillions

Quick Hits: Story Pirates Live to Sleep; Goings is Grateful

It's hard for anyone to get to sleep these days. Kids have fevered imaginations and parents have dreams of 2021 vaccines. But the entire family can agree that a good bedtime story sets the right mood for relaxing slumber. Enter the Story Pirates with their new sketch and music theater experience, SLEEP SQUAD. Aimed at kids from 4 to 12, the production recently launched with a discounted "10-day pass" running through February 21 that gives each family their entry date into a world of inventive play.

The Story Pirates have a history of adapting children's ideas into fully-realized experiences and SLEEP SQUAD continues that work. Tony nominee Lilli Cooper (SpongeBob SquarePants, Tootsie) hosts the production as the Dream Queen, who guides audiences through different scenarios. The 45-minute episode include a visit to a desert island (“Stuck Island”), a dinosaur’s birthday party (“Spinosaurus’ Birthday”), and an intergalactic nightclub (“30 Moons”), and come with an additional 15 minutes of supplemental music. And just when your charges get all amped up, SLEEP SQUAD winds them back down with soothing music to ease them into a sleep zone to produce their own nighttime fantasies.

The Story Pirates continue to adapt material from young contributors and may break the production into three 20-minute episodes in 2021. The show's theme song, "30 Moons," written by nine-year-old Julien, has just been released as a single, featuring singer Ellen Winter.

Performances are available on the date purchased starting at 7 pm ET and can be viewed any number of times for 14 days thereafter. Buy tickets here.

With the holiday season fully underway, it's time to count your blessings and look ahead to better times in the new year. Genevieve Goings, former star of Disney Junior's "Choo Choo Soul," has an EP coming on February 8 and recently debuted the first single, "Grateful."

Choo Choo Soul existed long before Disney Music acquired the property. But those four seasons of original music and exposure opened the door for Genevieve to expand her own imprint as well as carry on the worldwide mantle of Choo Choo Soul.

The lyrics for the funk-rock "Grateful" plainly state what everyone feels when people try to see each other:

It can be a Zoom party or a Facebook feed
As long as we're together it doesn't matter how we meet
We'll be alright,
Even if it's on Skype

The 2021 EP is amusingly titled GREAT INDOORS, which everyone can relate to. "Grateful” is is available to stream and download via Spotify, Deezer, Pandora, Apple Music, and Amazon.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 18, 2020

The Less I Know The Better – Tame Impala
Inkpot – Kepi Ghoulie
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
Summer's Here – The Bazillions
You Can Get It If You Really Want – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart – Bee Gees

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The Moment – Tame Impala
All Star – Andrew & Polly
Wastin' Time – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Humans Are Still Evolving – Dean Jones
Run to Me – Bee Gees
One – Aaron Nigel Smith

Jazzy Ash Puts Her Good Foot Forward

Making a strong first impression is super important. With a a new generation of listeners coming fast and furious every few years in the field of children's music, Jazzy Ash (Ashli St. Armant) used her pandemic time to build GOOD FOOT, a six-song EP that introduces audiences to her influences – the Black American music sound of the 1950s and 1960s. 

The renaissance of kids' jazz continues unabated, from the 2019 Grammy win of Lucy Kalantari to present day. Ashli has chosen to revisit the classic jump rope song, "Teddy Bear" and uses a soul/funk beat on the mask-friendly "Be Outside" (see the video below). Who knew that walking your dog during coronavirus could inspire such an upbeat number? In fact, the song reached Number 1 on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live's "13 Under 13" over the summer. Ashli delves into the early rock roots of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley on the title track and executes a James Brown rave on "The Sauce." Guest performer Amelia Robinson (Mil's Trills) complement Ashli's vocals on "Seize the Day" and life partner Pam Rocker duets on the '60s harmony echo "Honey."

After spending much of her youth in New Orleans, Ashli decamped in Los Angeles, where she founded Leaping Lizards Music, a music and theater education program for TK-12 students. Her touring band, Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards, produced five albums and looks forward to returning to the road in 2021. The band is joined on GOOD FOOT by esteemed musicians Phil Glenn (Show Ponies, Psychic Temple), Danny Frankel (Fiona Apple, Lou Reed, Brian Eno), and Davin Givhan (Lauryn Hill, Psychic Temple). An authentic sound was almost guaranteed, as the EP was recorded at LA's EastWest Studios, which has produced more Grammy Award-winning albums than any other studio in the world, including Frank Sinatra and Marvin Gaye.

The playing field will be leveled for all performers in 2021 once vaccines and science coax us into the open from our sheltering pods. With GOOD FOOT, Jazzy Ash accomplished her task – a shiny first impression, clearing herself a prime landing space in our funky new world.

GOOD FOOT is available from Jazzy Ash's website, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.

Here is the video for "Be Outside":

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 7, 2020

Afternoon Walk – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Who, What, When, Where, Why – The Bazillions
Village d'Ãtoile – Dog On Fleas
It's A Wonderful Life – Kepi Ghoulie
El Corazon – The Lucky Band
I Spy – Ants Ants Ants
Clown Shoes – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 4, 2020

Even When....  – Ratboy Jr.
Thank You For Being You  – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
What Kind Of Fruit  – Dean Jones
White Whale  – Kepi Ghoulie
Shine A Little Light  – The Black Keys
Two Towns  – David Gibb & Brady Rymer
Cut the Cheese  – Danny Weinkauf

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Helicopter Leaves – Ants Ants Ants
Almost Saturday Night – John Fogerty
You Are the One – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Perfect Day – Danny Weinkauf
Doppelganger – Dog On Fleas
Buenos Dias – The Lucky Band
It's So Easy – Linda Ronstadt

Parry Gripps the Holidays

The novelty song is a staple of the music industry, going back further than I can even fathom. For our purposes, let's use "The Twist." The song was first released by Hank Ballard (as a B-side of a 45) in 1958. 18-year-old Chubby Checker's version two years later rocketed the song into popular consciousness. In 1962, the song returned to Number 1 – the only time that's ever happened in Billboard Hot 100 history. The song also pigeonholed Chubby as a novelty maestro and he returned to the well dozens of times, including "Let's Twist Again" in 1962, "L-82" in 1982, a mashup with the Fat Boys in 1988, and a country version in the 1990s.

Children's recording artist Parry Gripp has dropped "Jingle Burgers" for December consumers. Parry is double-dipping on the success of his earworm of delirium, "It's Raining Tacos," with a holiday-inspired "It's Raining Tacos (For Christmas)." It's not much of a stretch to expect SiriusXM's Kids Place Live to pound all flavor out of the number during this festive season.

This is not an all-inclusive, check-off-the-denominations holiday collection. Virtually every song contains the word "Christmas," not that there's anything wrong with that. Similar to a rapper marking his territory when he breaks rhymes, Parry has cast a pretty determined net. The three songs without the "C" word are "Jingle Burgers" (which hews pretty closely to "Raining Tacos"), as well as "Pancakes We Have Cooked On High" (think 'Angels We Have Heard On High' with 'yummy yummy yummy' chorus) and "Pirate Santa Claus," which brings me full circle as far as rapping goes.

I'm not raining on Parry's parade. He promises 100% ridiculous holiday fun. If you're consumed with his special brand of infectious novelties, then here's another dozen thumbs up (including release-closer "Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas"). Merry JINGLE BURGERS for all, and to all, a festive twist.

Get JINGLE BURGERS from Parry's website, Apple Music, and Amazon.

Here is the new video for "Raining Tacos (for Christmas)":

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 24, 2020 (Matt's 10th Birthday)

Stars – Ants Ants Ants
Lost And Loving It – Kepi Ghoulie
Grandmaderation – The Okee Dokee Brothers
I'm an Optimist – Dog On Fleas
New Pair Of Shoes – The Bazillions
Your Love is a Metaphor  – Danny Weinkauf
You Can Get It If You Really Want – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Caspar Babypants Growing Up? Perish the Thought!

The prolific Caspar Babypants (Chris Ballew) is back with more infantile hijinks and hilarity on his 18th children's music release, HAPPY HEART! The 20 quirky and capricious tunes promises to be the penultimate collection of Babypants material. Earlier this year, Chris penned a Facebook post where he confessed it's gotten difficult to conjure another ditty about mirthful creatures or impossibly incompatible contradictions. With HAPPY HEART! and final CD EASY BREEZY! coming in 2021, he will continue to perform as Caspar Babypants, but his incredible output will expire (19 CDs in 12 years).

Chris, frontman for The Presidents of the United States, is a musician who has turned his sideline project (kids recording artist) into almost as big a deal as his "day job," which has taken on even more significance during the time of coronavirus. He has also expanded his cachet with books (with artwork by his talented wife, Kate Endle). 

Chris has a fascination with taking songs from the Great American Children's Songbook and adding new verses or expanding their stories. This go-round, he plays it fairly straight on the oft-covered "This Little Light Of Mine" and "Rockin' Robin." 

The concepts behind some of the best Babypants songs are right there in their titles. If you can't get behind ditties called "I Can't Remember This Song" or "Chimp In A Suit," then brother, this isn't gonna be a good hang for you. Plus there's a mean surf guitar in the instrumental "Mosquito" that demands attention must be paid.

It's kind of hard to pigeonhole Caspar Babypants, which means that he's accomplished what he set out to do. Like a hired gunslinger (or water pistol shooter, for the preschool set), Chris Ballew holsters his weapons of mass distraction and sets off into the sunset, having entertained a few generations of kids. At least we'll always have our Spotify playlists and happy hearts.

HAPPY HEART! is available from Caspar Babypants' website, iTunes, and Amazon.

Here is the video for the new song, "Five White Ducks":

Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 23, 2020

Glue – Francis England Honey
People Watching – Dean Jones
That's My Style – The Bazillions
With a Little Help From My Friends – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
Word Association – Dog On Fleas
Anything Can Be A Hat – Ratboy Jr.
Taco Tuesday – The Lucky Band

Frances England Debuts Honey EP and New Video

Sometimes when you want cake, you settle for a cookie. That's my reaction to Frances England's new six-song EP, HONEY. It's a teaser that leaves you wanting more; a one-sentence answer to a question that required a lengthy explanation. But in a way, we should feel relieved that Frances has produced these soothing tracks to address children and families who are stuck in a pandemic. 

Some of the songs are reimagined versions of past recordings, such as "Daddy-O" from FASCINATING CREATURES and "Red Balloon" from MIND OF MY OWN. Coronavirus has required all of us to step up and change the way we view the world. And Frances is challenging herself to reinterpret her music with new arrangements. 

The new song "Glue" addresses just how stuck we are in our homes, our pods, our self-determined communities by worldwide health concerns. Frances is inviting fans and families to record and share their own home videos demonstrating who they’ve been joyfully “stuck” with in 2020 – send submissions to her website. "Daddy-O" (also from FASCINATING CREATURES) takes on additional depth and meaning, as many children look to their adults to lead by example, keeping them entertained as well as safe and sound. 

The San Francisco-based England originally recorded FASCINATING CREATURES in 2006 to as a school fundraiser for her (now teenaged) son. Within a couple of years, her music had garnered a dedicated following and her second life as a touring children's musician began in earnest. On HONEY, she goes back to almost the beginning, using the lockdown to explore her past and find new significance in her lyrics. The title track is especially prescient coming on the heels of Election Day:

You look like you could use some rest
A little tired, a little stress
Take a load off, and sit back with me
Honey, honey honey

As the bee population dangerously dwindles, it's important to find sweetness and harmony anywhere, whether it's for your morning tea or an afternoon drive with rambunctious offspring. Frances England has pollinated a little HONEY for all your little busy bees.

Find HONEY at Frances England's website, Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora.

Here is the new video for Frances England's song, "Daddy-O":

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 17, 2020

It's a Miracle – Dog On Fleas
Finally – Franz Ferdinand
All Star – Andrew & Polly
I Spy – Ants Ants Ants
Go – The Black Keys
Flexible Brain – Ratboy Jr.
Inkpot – Kepi Ghoulie

Elliott Park's Family Sound

Remarkable children's music draws families together; parents introducing their offspring to previously unheard genres, tempos, and performers. It's also a way for musicians to work with their own progeny. Nashville's Elliott Park is the latest in this long tradition. His latest self-explanatory release, SONGS WITH MY DAUGHTERS, aptly describes its contents. Off the top of my head, I can think of two recent musicians who incorporated their kids into their recordings and performances – Lucy Kalantari's son Darius plays cello on her CD and Jim Dague's son played drums for his band, ScribbleMonster.

Elliott used his coronavirus quarantine to creative SONGS WITH MY DAUGHTERS, twelve acoustic tracks with his teenage daughters Anna (18), Autumn (16), and April (14). The trio have popped up on previous songs as background vocals. As they grew into separate, more fully-formed personalities, Elliott decided to bring them into the forefront and showcase their abilities. 

Back in late March, the Park family went for a drive and his daughters began singing in the backseat. Their harmonies turned into the mashup, “Blue Skies Over the Rainbow,” which is included on this collection (and see the video below). The spunky “To The Moon and Back,” features a duet between Anna and her dad. “Rock Paper Scissors” sounds like it was discovered from the archives of some 1940s radio show, but it's a family original. Same with the sprightly "Cricket's Ball":

You're too big if you're too tall
Well, that's okay you can watch it all
Through the old knothole in the tool shed wall

Inspired by this article in TIME magazine, Elliott was moved to use his talents draw attention to current trends to engage social change. All streaming and sales proceeds for the song "Follow" are being donated to a foundation tasked with helping promote teen suicide awareness and prevention. 

Elliott's songs have a gentle, genial quality and his daughters' blended harmonies fit in perfectly with those sensibilities, with a side order of quirkiness, such as the bob-your-head "Orange Jello." Words of wisdom and encouragement are the theme of "Bloom." With three girls on the verge of college and emancipation, Elliott may be preparing for an imminent empty nest with the uplifting "Set Me Free." In the meantime, this 31-minute assemblage of SONGS WITH MY DAUGHTERS could be the start of something big for the Park family.

SONGS WITH MY DAUGHTERS is available from Elliott Park's website, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.

Here is the video for "Blue Skies Over the Rainbow":

Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 9, 2020

Afternoon Walk –  The Okee Dokee Brothers
Loving & Kind –  Aaron Nigel Smith
Lo/Hi –  The Black Keys
Two Towns –  David Gibb & Brady Rymer
Buenos Dias –  The Lucky Band
Village d'Ãtoile –  Dog On Fleas

The Story Pirates Inspire Imagination

Coronavirus may have stopped kids from going outside or attending school in person, but it hasn't stopped them from being imaginative. The proof exists on CATS SIT ON YOU, the latest release from the Story Pirates. The dozen songs were inspired by kids' original ideas, including the timely "The First Kids to Work at the Census," written by William, a 7-year-old whose father is an actual U.S. Census worker in California.

A nationally renowned group of top comedians, musicians, best-selling authors, and teachers, the Story Pirates have 15 years of experience creating content that literally did not exist before children thought it up, many times on the spot (for their live shows). Their Creators Club helps keep nascent minds firing on all cylinders with live stream workshops, radio shows, and podcast bonus activities. The fourth season of their podcast launches this week with the Halloween-themed "The Weird Sisters," by 9-year-old Evalea from Missouri, a poppy Billie Eilish homage song composed by Monique Moses and featuring Stephanie Hsu of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

The title track on CATS SIT ON YOU is a deceptive earworm (complete with a dance, see below video) adapted from an original story by six-year-old Alex. It made an impression on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live and now is immortalized on this collection. The troupe always draws an eclectic group of celebrity and musical guests. Grammy winner Secret Agent 23 Skidoo breaks some rhythms on "Banana Clown," about a fruit-obsessed fast food worker who finally finds his big break. 

Unpredictability and plot twists abound on the songs on CATS SIT ON YOU. That's par for the course, with titles such as "The Raccoon's Very Hard Choice," "The Boy Who Hated Kisses," and "The Mad Piano Player." A rabbit discovers the wisdom of foraging for vegetables on "Cheese Quest," and "Turtle Beach" is a paean to inclusion that sounds like an homage from a Disney film (think "Little Mermaid"). Speaking of big-time musical productions, "The Amazing Adventure" acts as a gateway to live theater, whenever that happens near you. "One Little Pink Rose" could be sung by Adele, if Adele performed kids songs. 

If your youngsters have a forté for creative thought, the Story Pirates may cater to their inner impulses. For your inner child longing for variety, CATS SIT ON YOU is cabaret on demand. 

CATS SIT ON YOU is available from the Story Pirates website, Amazon, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Here's the "Cats Sit On You" dance class video:

Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 2, 2020

 Wastin' Time – The Okee Dokee Brothers

Boy with a Hole in his Heart – Danny Weinkauf

El Corazon – The Lucky Band

Shine A Little Light – The Black Keys

Under the Big Umbrella – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Lazy Boy – Franz Ferdinand

Humans Are Still Evolving – Dean Jones

Halloween Tricks from Lucy Kalantari and Pierce Freelon

All Hallow's Eve is the perfect time to add spooky to these scary times. Grammy winners Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats have added their jazzy take on October's vaunted holiday with the jazz-infused "Haunting Days of Halloween." 

Are authentic, supernatural creatures walking among us, hiding, pretending to be human, not just politicians? Lucy speculates what if, on the days leading to Halloween, these beings got to be just as they are? As the song posits:

All the creatures you know
Have been walking with you hiding under your nose
But now now now now 
It’s time time time 
To be free!

Halloween is that time of year when monsters walk among men (and costumed children). Lucy sings from the vantage point of the ghouls, jazzed at being able to dance, unconstrained by their physical (or corporeal) appearance. Her orchestrated blend of classical (Libby Weitnauer plays violin) and jazz play over a swinging, nay hypnotizing, beat. Grab "Haunted Days of Halloween" from Lucy's website, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Here is the video link for "Haunted Days of Halloween":

Multi-hypenate Pierce Freelon has tasked himself to deconstruct the experience of being a Black millennial father living in the South with the D.a.D. project. The accompanying CD incorporated hip hop with clips of his two children to create an engaging, relatable aural trek, D.a.D, which touched on universal concerns that cut across the racial, societal, and generational spectrum. Pierce chronicles the commonality of raising children, delivering messages of encouragement, positivity, and creativity.

For the holiday season, Pierce and his 10-year-old daughter Stella are presenting "Zombi," a pandemic Halloween anthem. Stuck at home (so she doesn't catch COVID cooties), Stella feels like a zombie, in an all-ages song about social distancing during spooky times. Hear Stella and Pierce Freelon's "Zombi" at Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube (below):

Flor Bromley Fall Vid, Dan Elliott Preps for Halloween

Children's music is big enough for two Peruvian-heritage performers. Los Angeles-based Twinkle (Alitzah Warren) holds daily webcasts and Instagram sessions with her fans, and New York-based Flor Bromley has packed her schedule a well. 

Flor had the timing misfortune of debuting her latest release, FIESTA GLOBAL, immediately prior to the world getting slammed shut by the global pandemic (GLOBAL SIESTA would have been more appropriate). She conceived a “Fiesta Global” concept with the advent of children using technology to communicate and interact. Presciently, that's exactly how kids from Japan or Perú are now creating and celebrating together, even if coronavirus hadn't expedited the situation. You can order FIESTA GLOBAL from Flor's website. 

Flor spent the past few months assembling a video for the album's song “Otoño,” which means “Fall” in Spanish. The tune extols the pleasures and treasures of the season, from the colors of the leaves, to pumpkins and apple picking. Listen to "Otoño" from Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. 

Here is the video:

Dan Elliott (Pointed Man Band) gets the kids into the spooky seasonal spirit with his new song, "Halloween." Assisted by Patrick Hanlin (of Josh and the Jamtones fame), the song rocks out with a warning that candy-hungry kids are coming to your home very, very soon:

Yeah we’re knocking on your doors
Now we’re traipsing through the garden
Picking pumpkins from the patch near the old scarecrow
Now we’re running through the rows as the darkness will darken!

I've read a bunch of comparisons of Halloween to the global pandemic (it's here, be scared, etc). However Dan and friends strive to de-mystify the process, and bring it back to its core components – getting together on the one night of the year where it's okay to be scared, in the name of St. Hallow's Eve. You can grab the track at Bandcamp and make your contribution to the cause.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 20, 2020

White Whale – Kepi Ghoulie
New Pair Of Shoes – The Bazillions
With a Little Help From My Friends – Brady Rymer & David Gibb
Clown Shoes – Ratboy Jr.
Animals Talk – caspar babypants
If You Want a Song – The Okee Dokee Brothers
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 19, 2020

Summer's Here – The Bazillions
Anything Can Be A Hat – Ratboy Jr.
Sally-O  – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Knee High Thing  – caspar babypants
Cut the Cheese – Danny Weinkauf
Glue – Francis England
I'm an Optimist – Dog On Fleas

Video Premieres: Frances England Gets Glued; Brady Rymer Masked

Music is coming fast and furious as the holidays approach, including unexpected pleasures from coast to coast. San Francisco's ethereal Frances England drops HONEY, a seven-song EP, early next month. In the meantime, the first video praises the people that you're "stuck" in quarantine with, appropriately titled "Glue."  The short gets its point across with nary a mask in sight – effectively ignoring coronavirus in favor of the proverbial ties that bind us together, as families, pods, communities, whatever you choose to call your chosen living arrangement. I've heard the entire EP (spoiler alert – it's really good). Frances has a soft, fully-defined persona. Her new collection is very much an "extender" until she compiles a full batch of songs for 2021. Looking forward to the post-pandemic era and return of live performances, and hopefully a return to the East Coast from this West Coast original. Here's the video for "Glue":

On the other end of the spectrum (and country) is Long Island's Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, with their educational and instructional "Good Looking Mask." Brady wrote the song to cast mask wearing in a positive and creative light. "Some kids find masks a little scary and off-putting," he explained. "With the new video, I hope it helps kids feel good about putting on their good looking masks." 

Sway that insistent science denier in your family with simple lyrics:

We’ll protect each other
It’s a selfless, loving act
All just by wearing a mask

Brady reached out to his network of fans and followers to send their most fun, most expressive, creative, and joyful contributions, captured in photographs and video clips. The resulting YouTube short includes examples of humans (as well as animals and accordion players) promoting safety, community health, and fun activities with friends and family. There's a cottage industry in songs about the pandemic. Brady's North Fork enclosure is far from a cottage, but he's mastered the industry of consummate children's music. Here's the video for "Good Looking Mask":

Going Koo Koo for Masks; Sonia's Festival Celebration

Teenagers may adore K-Pop groups. But their younger siblings have Koo Koo Kanga Roo, the pure pop duo for kids. Over the past decade, friends Bryan Atchison and Neil Olstad have demonstrated in their live shows what a duo can accomplish with backing tracks on an iPod and two microphones. Their YouTube channel is populated by more than 30 innovative, danceable videos. 

Now they have gone back to the future to promote this year's fashion/safety statement with "Face Mask." I say "back to the future," because they've taken their 2014 song "Fanny Pack" and repurposed the musical bed with new lyrics. You can grab the song from Spotify. In the meantime, here's the brand new video:

Mexican-American songstress Sonia De Los Santos wrote and debuted her original work, "Fiesta con Sonia De Los Santos," at New York City's New Victory Theater in 2019. Children's music endures in the pandemic era as Sonia has separated the lively "¡Fiesta, Fiesta!" from that theatrical experience and released it as an independent single (buy it here).

A celebration of life, "¡Fiesta, Fiesta!" is Sonia's thank you letter, dedicated to all the people who have inspired her musical journey, from her early days in Monterrey, Mexico through her migration to the United States and around the world, literally and virtually. Sonia celebrates her life as a musician, the freedoms granted to performers in the United States, encourages young listeners to be grateful for everything that's made them who they are today, and looks forward to better, non-sheltered days to come.

"¡Fiesta, Fiesta!" is in the upbeat rhythm of cumbia (a folkloric genre and dance from Colombia) featuring Sonia on vocals and guitar, with her band and many children. During the pandemic, Sonia has opted to connect directly with her audience through a Web series, "En Casa Con Sonia." She's within striking range of 1,000 subscribers, so help her out by clicking through and signing up.

23 Skidoo Wakes Up the Dream, Laurie Berkner Plans Halloween Concert

Nobody feels safe using the term "post-pandemic." But there's a lot of new music coming out that was recorded or filmed pre-pandemic and just making it into the marketplace. A shining example of that is Grammy winning children's music performer Secret Agent 23 Skidoo releasing a new song and video, "Wake Up the Dream."

Now more than ever, dreaming has importance for children. Skidoo and his brand spanking new Secret Agency meant to debut the song pre-pandemic. We all know how that turned out.  With his eyes on the future and a whole crew dancing and breaking rhymes, "Wake Up the Dream" espouses relevant values and doubles down on fun with family (and sometimes friends, if they're in your pod).

Here is the video for "Wake Up the Dream":

The Queen of Children's Music, Laurie Berkner, has a new Halloween-themed song, leading into the season of spirits. "What Am I Gonna Be (for Halloween)?" debates the ponderous preteen topic of proper costume etiquette. Once you're done listening to the song and your kids are properly in the mood for All Saints Eve, it's time for a pair of livestreamed family concert on Saturday, October 31. And family tickets allow you entrance into one or both of the events, held at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM ET.

In-person trick or treating is being discouraged in some states, and even banned in more strict communities. Laurie is promoting decorations, pumpkin carving, and a virtual experience where she and her band (Susie Lampert, Bobby Golden, and Brady Rymer) will deck the haunted halls with their spooky apparel. 

Laurie had been hosting Halloween concerts in the New York area for the past few years. A minuscule upside to the pandemic is the ability to perform in a virtual setting to potentially thousands of homes at the same time on that special day. Virtual tickets are available at Laurie Berkner's website. And here's the new single, "What Am I Gonna Be (for Halloween)?"

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 12, 2020

Lost And Loving It – Kepi Ghoulie

Finally – Franz Ferdinand

Doppelganger – Dog On Fleas

Hope Machine – The Okee Dokee Brothers

Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith

People Watching – Dean Jones

Come Down Here Monkey – caspar babypants

Raffi Sings Black Lives Matter; Red Yarn in the Backyard

Whereas many children's recording artists feel political songs are anathema, legendary performer Raffi has taken the opposite position. In the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, Raffi has decided to explore the concept of unwarranted police violence with his new song, "Black Lives Matter To Me." Simply uttering that very phrase will make him unwelcome in certain homes. Raffi has been around long enough (more than 40 years) to have cycled through several generations of audiences. With this song, he seeks to embrace an enlightened class of listeners.

Raffi founded the Child Honouring program many years ago, and diversity is one of the group's key principles. His admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King also played a part in his decision to branch into politically-charged material. Harmonies are provided by Raffi protégé Lindsay Munroe. Raffi is promising even more new music to further promote his views on diversity and inclusion.

The pride of Portland, Red Yarn, has launched “Red Yarn’s Backyard,” a new video series promoting at-home learning and fun. Episodes will post on his YouTube channel every other week, featuring songs, stories, and activity ideas from Red Yarn (Andy Furgeson), Miss Jessie, and the puppet critters from his live show.

Much like Raffi has embraced inclusion as a hot topic for toddlers, “Red Yarn’s Backyard” welcomes audiences to a warm, friendly space where all can sing, dance, and learn together. The first few episodes will touch on cooperation, body autonomy, and the multicultural roots of popular folk songs. 

Red Yarn recently dropped his seventh album, BACKYARD BOP, and has been active in live-streaming performances to engage young fans and build his following on Facebook Live. His mix of authentic early American folk music and puppetry is a combination that gives Red Yarn a unique place in the current field of children's music performers.

Here is a recent episode:

Peter Alsop Melds Camping With Community

When you're been writing, recording, and performing music for five decades, you're bound to learn a few things. Veteran music artist Peter Alsop has released 22 albums, including his 10th and most recent children's recording, CAMPING WITH DADS. Gather 'round the virtual campfire as Alsop and his comrades crack wise, literally and figuratively, with a diverse range of musical styles and stories.

Part of Peter Alsop's charm is the "they'll learn something if you don't tell 'em it's educational" aspect of his music. There is a mix of skits and songs on CAMPING WITH DADS. The architecture builds the premise, and Alsop manages to hang something outlandish, like "I Brought A Gorilla Home" with more grounded tunes like "You Need A Good Listenin' To." And "Bad Dad Jokes" is an a capella performance number with a few groaners thrown in. 

Alsop spends time deconstructing some of the boys vs girls myth. On "Anthropologist," a young female singer recounts how she's just as capable of becoming an accomplished professional. Widening the circle of caring and respect for women is the fundamental message of "Dads 'N Boys," pointing out that previous generations thought nothing about dipping girls pigtails in inkwells in school. Social issues are covered on "Skin Color" (with a lead-in skit between Peter and MLK) and "I Wear Pink," featuring Steve Denyes of Hullabaloo.

Among the myriad cast of characters on CAMPING WITH DADS are Gerald Rivers (who plays Dr. Martin Luther King); lead singer of Rhythm Child Norman Jones, singer/songwriter Stuart Stotts,  Peter's son-in-law actor/director Chad Scheppner, along with grandkids, Quinnlyn (11), Leon (8), and Julius (5). Other child talents include Gabbi and Brodie Beauvais, and Cosmo Bernstein.

The Okee Dokee Brothers have won Grammy awards with albums based around the concept that nature bonds us all together. On CAMPING WITH DAD, Alsop takes that tact with everyone is the same when we assemble with sticks to roast marshmallow as the sun sets on a nearby lake. He paints a picture of tranquility, equality, and unity. That's a pretty fine campfire to build after 45 years of practice. 

CAMPING WITH DAD is available from Peter Alsop's website, Google Play, Amazon, and Apple Music.

Here is the video for Peter's song "All Our Kids":

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Lost And Loving It – Kepi Ghoulie
Daydreamin' All Day Long – caspar babypants
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
Your Love is a Metaphor – Danny Weinkauf
Village d'Ãtoile – Dog On Fleas
Flexible Brain – Ratboy Jr.
Taco Tuesday – The Lucky Band

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 5, 2020

Even When....  – Ratboy Jr. 

 Stars  – Ants Ants Ants 

 That's My Style  – The Bazillions

 Five White Ducks  – caspar babypants 

 Perfect Day  – Danny Weinkauf 

 It's a Miracle  – Dog On Fleas 

 Two Towns  – David Gibb & Brady Rymer

Rena Strober Sings the Music of Sesame Street

When I attended elementary school, the fifth grade was tasked to sing the Carpenters' hit "Sing" as part of a musical assembly. I had stopped watching Sesame Street a few years earlier and was stunned that so many of my classmates seemed to have internalized the song, which I later discovered was written by composer Joe Raposo. Since there was no Internet to download the tune or watch the video, I went to a local department store and plunked down 79 cents to buy the 45 record and learn the lyrics. It was infectious ear candy. Decades later, when I sorted through my "old 45s," I decided to keep that tune.

Broadway performer Rena Strober also kept that tune, as well as a host of others, for a new compilation paying tribute to Raposo and fellow Street composer Jeff Moss, IMAGINE THAT! Some listeners may know Strober from her stage work, including productions of "Fiddler on the Roof," however younger audiences probably got their first exposure to her on the Disney Channel’s "Liv & Maddie" playing Liv’s manager Becky Bickelhoff.  

Strober uses her expressive vocals on such favorites as the title track, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon,” “Being Green,” and “Imagination.” Theatrical collaborators French Stewart and Jason Alexander guest on “I’m Pretty/I’m an Aardvark,” and Alexander also duets on “Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers.” Strober also brings the "Blind Soprano" opera singer Cristina Jones and DOTZ, The Blind Children’s Choir, along for the ride. 

Strober's life and career have been inspired by performers with vision impairment, and she's chosen to release IMAGINE THAT! during National Guide Dog Month. A portion of the proceeds from all digital and hard copy sales of the album will go to Guide Dogs of America as well as the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation, whose mission is to find a treatment and cure for blindness, with a focus on Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA).

IMAGINE THAT! is available from Rena Strober's website, Amazon, and Apple Music.

Here is a video of Rena Strober performing "Bein' Green":

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 22, 2020

You Are the One – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Thank You For Being You – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
Garden of Your Mind – Andrew & Polly
I Spy – Ants Ants Ants
Humans Are Still Evolving – Dean Jones
alligator – caspar babypants
Who, What, When, Where, Why – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 21, 2020

all around town – Red Yarn
Grandmaderation – The Okee Dokee Brothers
pickle holiday – caspar babypants
Boy with a Hole in his Heart – Danny Weinkauf
All Star – Andrew & Polly
Buenos Dias – The Lucky Band
I'm an Optimist – Dog On Fleas

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Helicopter Leaves – Ants Ants Ants 

lazy tonight – Red Yarn 

Wastin' Time – The Okee Dokee Brothers 

You Can Get It If You Really Want – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could 

Fanga Alafia – Aaron Nigel Smith 

It's A Wonderful Life – Kepi Ghoulie 

Word Association – Dog On Fleas

Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 11, 2020

It's a Miracle – Dog On Fleas

Afternoon Walk – The Okee Dokee Brothers

All I Need Is You – Mista Cookie Jar

Clown Shoes – Ratboy Jr.

A Song that Makes Me Happy – Danny Weinkauf

El Corazon – The Lucky Band

Inkpot – Kepi Ghoulie

Mista Cookie Jar and Father Goose's East/West Coast Kid Hop Connection

East Coast and West Coast rap fans unite! Children's music stars Mista Cookie Jar (Los Angeles) and Father Goose (NYC) are back with new releases just in time for back to remote learning.

On his fourth original CD, DON'T GOTTA BE COOL, Mista Cookie Jar is back with nine (relatively) new tracks. Some of these saw daylight over the past few years, as CJ slipped them out under the radar with his collaborative partners. "Serotonin" received nice airplay on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live. Fellow Filipino-American kids artist Little Miss Ann guests on "Halo-Halo," Father Goose drops some Jamaican hooks for "Free Bubbles," Minnesota is in the house with Uncle Dox for "Chillin'," and Grammy winner Secret Agent 23 Skidoo trades vocals on the finale, "Rock This World."

Mista CJ keeps evolving, a difficult feat in the children's music sphere, especially in the era of coronavirus. Grab DON'T GOTTA BE COOL from Bandcamp, Amazon, and Spotify.

On the East Coast, Father Goose has dropped two new projects. The first branches out his "brand" as a family musician and features his son, Irie Goose, on "STOP DA BULLYING." The EP sports a video of the same name (below). At the same time, Goose drops another EP of his own, somberly titled, "LIFE." 

Like Mista Cookie Jar, "LIFE" also features a Grammy winner, in this case Lucy Kalantari, as well as Goose regulars Danni Ai, Tricia Lynn, Irie Goose, David Allan Rivera, and Etcetera.  When Father Goose returns to the performance stage, newcomers will realize that his shows heavily focus on family. There's good reason for this – Goose first came into prominence through his association with Dan Zanes. Now he is returning the favor, paying it forward by bringing together different cultures. LIFE musically celebrates how we live by singing and dancing in the dog days of summer, with tracks like “Lemonade & Sunshine” until we can all together “Come Again." What a life indeed.

Family Musicians Explore Suicide Prevention and Defying Gravity

September is Suicide Prevention Month. How's that for an introduction to a children's song? But Elliott Park is not trying to make adults comfortable with a sensitive topic. He's attempting to push forward a dialogue about the disturbing, serious rise in teen suicide statistics. Many of these deaths are attributed to heavy use of technology and social media, due to the pandemic lockdown on social interaction outside of secured pods. Inspired by this article in TIME magazine, Elliott was moved to use his talents draw attention to current trends to engage social change.

In advance of his next family album, SONGS WITH MY DAUGHTERS, Elliott has released "Follow," with all streaming and sales proceeds being donated to a foundation tasked with helping promote teen suicide awareness and prevention (to be announced). The album straddles the chasm between those tween and early teen years, hence the strong messaging on "Follow":

You can follow your own heart

And when you do, that's where the fun will start

Put your Google on a shelf, find a giggle in yourself

And search for who you really are.

Grab "Follow" here on Spotify or click to Elliott's website.

*****************

Roger Day continues to promote his new release, INVINCIBLE! with a brand new music video for his song, "Me and My Jet Pack." The songs can be downloaded through Bandcamp and his website.

Are your kids getting stir crazy? Not thrilled with your remote education choices? Allow Roger to make some suggestions to help motivate science-themed thinking kids and families, with visual examples from other families. The video celebrates the triumph of imagination over the limitations of gravity (and family budgets) as kids build their own space-age creations, juxtaposed by archival footage of authentic astronauts, blastoffs, and moon landing footage. The countout is over, here's the video!

Kids Can Be the Change, Says SaulPaul

If SaulPaul hadn't come along organically, you wonder who would have come along to fill the void. The Austin, Texas-based singer/songwriter and rapper spent a decade cultivating a personal style. But SaulPaul waited to enter the children's entertainment arena until 2017, delaying his entrance until he could sufficiently present his vision of music and education.

SaulPaul's third collection, BE THE CHANGE, attempts motivation through music, with a bevy of contemporary children's recording artists – the Alphabet Rockers, Lori Henriques, Red Yarn, Mo Phillips, Grammy winner Lucy Kalantari, and Latin Grammy winner 123 Andrés.

There are some selections that ring familiar, because they are reprises of "greatest hits" from the SaulPaul catalog – "Vamanos" with 123 Andrés is a fun tune, but it's like a carbon of "Home," the previous collaboration that appeared on the previous collection. From his signature songs, "Rise," is here with a violin remix featuring JC Stringz. And "Hands in the Sky" gets an acoustic treatment. I don't mean to nitpick, though. With children's music, there's a new audience literally cycling through every few years that may not have heard the earlier versions. Other uptempo songs include the 70's jazzy piano song, "I Am Enough," "Stardust," which answers the question, "Can you rap over ukuele?" and "The Quilt," with Red Yarn, under the supervising eyes of über producer Dean Jones.

SaulPaul recently published his memoir of the same name, "Be the Change." There's some serious stuff in the book and he doesn't dumb it down for kids on the CD, as "Once Upon A Time" is definitely not a fairy tale, referencing "Tammy who wants a family."  his own life SaulPaul turned to children's music to use his voice, lessons learned from his journey, and his perspective on modern events. His belief is that children, the next generation, can overcome today's prejudices and injustices, and literally be the change that he sings about.

But wait, there's more! With the release of the album, SaulPaul has launching the "30 Day Be The Change Challenge." Homeschooling parents can do it with their kids and teachers and educators can try it with students. Choose 30 acts of kindness, one for each day, to do with the youths under your supervision. Visit WeDreamIn3D.com for more details.

BE THE CHANGE is available from SaulPaul's website, Amazon, and Apple Music.

Here is the video for SaulPaul's song, "Home," featuring 123 Andrés:

The Wiggles Address Modes of Travel, Togetherness

I've been reviewing children's music for 15 years. The Wiggles have been around for 29 years. In our collective space, I've only reviewed one CD by the Australian troupe – a solo effort by Greg Page in 2015. Not that they've waited for me; the Wiggles, currently in their second iteration, have released their staggering 55th studio album, entitled (wait for it) CHOO CHOO TRAINS, PROPELLER PLANES & TOOT TOOT CHUGGA CHUGGA BIG RED CAR! (and yes, the exclamation point is part of the title).

Emma, Lachy, Simon and original member Anthony have collected 23 tunes for preschoolers, including songs about all forms of travel – walking, wheelchairs, space travel, swimming, surfing, trains, planes and that aforementioned Big Red Car. "The Wheels on the Wheelchair Go 'Round and 'Round" is certainly an inclusive take on the old chestnut. "We Fly the Plane to the Outback" manages to work in wallabees, kookaburras, and other Australia wildlife during their flight. "Social Distancing" is about as topical as the group gets, addressing the necessity to stay home and be safe and using online technology to visit with friends and family.

I had two kids cycle through a fascination with the band and was stunned to read about their vilification Down Under after a contentious separation from Wiggle Sam. The re-invigorated quartet came back strong and Matthew was riveted the two occasions when he saw the group live on Long Island during their trips to the U.S. "Do The Propeller," an early song from those days, is given an acoustic recording. The nearly 30-year-old "Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car" gets a shine and polish as well. 

CHOO CHOO TRAINS slipped through during the frantic first wave of the pandemic, and was released in July. But the Wiggles have managed the feat of staying young (curse you, Anthony and Captain Feathersword) while engaging with new generations of preschoolers for nearly three decades. They've traveled near, they've traveled far, they're kept in motion and kept kids moving in the process.

CHOO CHOO TRAINS is available from the Wiggles' website, Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, and Barnes & Noble.

Here is their video for "Here Come the Wiggles":

An Invincible Attitude From Roger Day

Roger Day was one of the first children's music artists that my son Ben was excited to seek out and see live, in person. We'd heard "It's a No-No To Kiss a Rhino" on Spare the Rock, but the chances of a drivable performance seemed remote, as Roger lives in Tennessee. However he planned a two-week New York summer tour, and we wangled tickets for a library show in Roslyn, Long Island through a family friend whose parents lived in that municipality. 

At that time, more than a decade ago, Roger was performing songs from his first two CDs. Since then, as his own children have grown (oldest son Thomas is finishing medical school), he has crafted a new path for both his recorded music and live stage show. Roger is more science-directed (one stage show is entitled "Zoo Keeper's In the House") and his latest release, INVINCIBLE!, promotes positivity and the value of facing your challenges head-on.

Roger has pivoted from traditional children's music performances to themed sets targeting schools. The INVINCIBLE! show comes complete with study guides and student worksheets. I don't recall the Wiggles ever providing such materials (To be fair, I'm not throwing the Aussie quartet under the bus here).

"I can do anything at all," is the power-pop chorus of the title track, with the codicil, "through the pages of a book." Followup "No Ordinary Super Hero" stresses that imagination is key to developing what makes someone special. "Get A Robot First" digs a southern rock vibe as Roger urges future scientists that:

Robots are cool, 
Robots are smart, 

And if they get on your nerves,
You can press restart

Many children's music releases these days are focused on distraction from the world outside. Roger doesn't deal directly with the pandemic, but he assures kids that they can master their own destinies. Songs like "Solve the Problem, Save the Day" and "The Everyday Hero Song" encourage children to think for themselves. Album-closer "Love Is My Super Power" reminds the most self-reliant child that they are not alone, and that we can all work together to get through the day. Parents may not be invincible, but INVINCIBLE! affirms that there are modern-day heroes walking amongst us every day.

INVINCIBLE! is available on August 14 from Roger Day's website, Amazon, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Here is the video for the title track of Roger Day's new album, "Invincible":

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 1, 2020

All I Have To Do Is Dream – The Everly Brothers
outside my window – Red Yarn
Music Train – The Okee Dokee Brothers
All Star – Andrew & Polly
With a Little Help From My Friends – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
Boy with a Hole in his Heart – Danny Weinkauf
fuzzy buzzy buzzing bug – caspar babypants

Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 28, 2020

 outside my window – Red Yarn

The Sun Comes Up Again – Jack Forman

If You Want a Song – The Okee Dokee Brothers

Summer's Here – The Bazillions

Lazy Boy – Franz Ferdinand

Village d'Ãtoile – Dog On Fleas

Quick Hits: Raffi Celebrates Frontline Workers, Pierce Freelon Ponders Fatherhood

You would think I have very little in common with Pierce Freelon. But that would just be a vacuous first impression. Yes, Pierce is a Black millennial living in the South. He's also a hiphop musician and multi-hyphenate. But he's also a father, and the songs on his new collection, D.a.D, touch on some universal concerns that cut across the racial, societal, and generational spectrum.

Fatherhood bonds men – there are times we all feel like we're not doing enough, and other times when the simplest action brings unexpected returns. Freelon (with his daughter guesting on "Daddy Daughter Day") chronicles his experiences raising a child, with messages of encouragement, positivity, and more. "Bubble" is about personal space, not coronavirus. But "help is on the way to make you safe" is definitely something we all need, moving forward into 2021 and beyond.

D.a.D is available from Pierce's website, Amazon, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Here is the video for the song, "My Body," featuring Rissi Palmer:

Raffi is the gift that keeps on giving, not only for children's music but also for children. His new single, "For All You Do," gives thanks to first responders and other frontline healthcare workers who keep the world moving during a pandemic. Written by Raffi, the song features children’s artist Lindsay Munroe and celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Proceeds from downloads and streams will got to Direct Relief, an organization dedicated to providing equipment and medication to health care workers around the world. A humanitarian aid organization, Direct Relief is active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. Learn more about Direct Relief. 

You can purchase "For All You Do" through Raffi's website, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Here is the video for the song:

123 Andrés Shares Friendship in Two Languages

Something contagious is in the air, and it's not coronavirus – it's activism. Many in the children's music field have caught it, and begun promoting multiple positive forms of intelligent civil community involvement. Once such performer is Latin Grammy winner 123 Andrés. His new CD, HOLA, AMIGO! revisits the title track of his first release, itself a response to a troubling incident from more than a decade ago. While using an ATM, Andrés saw someone had scratched off the Spanish instructions. He processed his mixed feelings – anger, confusion, frustration – into a song that's become a fan favorite at his concerts.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary "Hola, Amigo," 123 Andrés (now recognized as couple Christina Sanabria and Andrés Salguero) released new versions of “Hola, Amigo” in Spanish and English, along with nine more songs exploring the theme of friendship, in two languages. Sandwiched between two major political party conventions, HOLA, AMIGO celebrates diversity, harmony, and love. 

Guest artists include Cathy Fink (of Cathy and Marcy fame), Rissi Palmer, Uncle Devin, Little Miss Ann, Konshens the MC, Verny Varela, the Sugar Free Allstars, Rita Rosa Ruesga, Lea Morris, and Steve Denyes of Hullabaloo Band. Despite quarantine conditions, Andres has brought a "Rainbow" (a duet with Brooklyn's Suzi Shelton) of talent to his new collection.

You will certainly get a spine-tingling with songs like "Hambone," which takes a folks chestnut, mashed-up with "say their name" chants including Breonna Taylor, Ryan Stokes, Sean Bell, and George Floyd (ending with "I can't breathe") – timely and controversial for a children's music release. As I played it, Ben began chanting behind me, however unaware of the immense impact that these deceased individuals have had on our society. 

But wait, there's more – as Andrés has partnered with Scholastic to turn “Hola, Amigo” into a bilingual board book for families, with text in both Spanish and English. There may be better ways to spend your time or send a message right now, but Andrés and Christina know that kids take small steps, and little feet can grow up to make big impressions. Better make friends with them now. 

HOLA, AMIGO is available from 123Andrés' website, Amazon, and Apple Music.

Here is the recent episode of 123Andrés' video series,  focusing on siblings:

Quick Hits: 123 Andrés Hits the Beach, BeatBuds Hit Minds

The upcoming 123 Andrés' album, HOLA AMIGOS, has generated its second pre-release video for the song, "Beach." An enhanced lyric video, the song features performers Jazzy Ash and Aaron Nigel Smith (who has his own new album coming later this month).

Late August is considered the dog days of summer – with sheltering, homeschooling, cancelled camps, and a general lack of traditional seasonal pleasures, Andres, Christina, and friends attempt to inject some normality and implanted memories of the regular pleasures of the season. You can watch the recently-released video here:

The pandemic continues to bring out more artists with more socially conscious material. The BeatBuds are the latest to join the trend, with their new song, "I Have A Voice." The song drops on Friday, August 21. With Election Day coming in less than three months, now is the time to gently (or at least not that heavy-handedly) introduce the concepts of good citizenship, expressing your opinion, and that voting is a right, not a privilege. 

Similar to the Okee Dokee Brothers, Buds Jonny Jonah and Matty Shapiro tout a friendship that dates back to practically infancy (six years of age). They have decades of experience supporting and opening for mainstream groups, including The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Jet, Motley Crue, and Fallout Boy. In fact, their press sheet reads like a who's who of modern mid-venue rockers. 

The BeatBuds merged their talents in 2012 to create children's music and lay claim to more than 6,000 performances. They happily promote their connect to Scooter Braun (don't mention that name to Taylor Swift), who is helping to plot their ascension into the first tier of children's musicians. A Nickelodeon animated preschool series is in the works, with a post-pandemic 2021 debut pencilled in.

The BeatBuds conducted a series of livestreaming concerts that ended in June. Here's "Sunday Funday," a 45-minute performance: