Inside the Full Forest Sound of the Hollow Trees

The Lawrence Welk Singers never called themselves "Welk." Buddy Rich never branded his bandmates as "The Rich Family." Music took a turn after the Ramones, even though kids' performers have assumed alternate identities for decades (Paging Captain Kangaroo). Bears & Lions may take it to an extreme (I defy you to find their names through a web search). At least the Hollow Trees freely fess up that it's all an act – singer and band leader Gregory Hollow Tree is, in fact, Gregory Mcilvaine.

After a respite, the Hollow Trees are back with their fourth CD, HELLO FRIEND. Continuing the folksinging stylings he learned from Burl Ives in his youth, Gregory realized he could use his powers for good after stumbling across Dan Zanes and Friends' kindie offerings. With a healthy dose of female lead vocals from Traci Hollow Tree (Traci Green), the Hollow Trees remind me quite a bit of the late (if not lamented) Wee Hairy Beasties, another amalgam of musicians who came together to deliver collections of similarly clever, quirky kids tunes. The Beasties also used pseudonyms
as John Langford was billed as "Cyril the Karaoke Squirrel," Sally Timms was "Monkey Double Dippey," and singer/songwriter Kelly Hogan was "Marjorie the Singing Bee."

One of the best things about kindie music is that nobody ever has to ask "Who's going to listen to a jug band bluegrass album" or "Where's the market for alphabet-themed reggae?" Kindie, by its largest definition, envelopes genres and processes them into a child-friendly format. The Hollow Trees have spent five-plus-years culling old-timey favorites like "Poor Papa" with endearing originals such as "Guitar You Gonna Sing Along" and "The Harmony Hills," which would not be out of place on a Red Yarn or Okee Okee Brothers CD.

Like Red Yarn, the Hollow Trees have cultivated a fictional landscape (the tertiary Hollow Tree and its chief resident, Nelson the animal of indeterminate origin). Natch, there's a puppet by that name who appears at the band's live shows. It's part of the Hollow Trees' multimedia appeal, if you get the opportunity to see them in concert.

The music of the Hollow Trees was borne from the heartland and harkens back through the generations. Yet they bring forth a SoCal spin with "What Do You Want On Your Taco" and the theme park anthem "Merry Go Round," complete with calliope breaks. Title track "Hello Friend" could be a Grand Ole Opry opening number. The Hollow Trees seek to be your child's newest and oldest friend at the same time. It's a quirky conundrum but they pull it off. I can't say that Gregory has out-Zaned Dan Zanes, but while Zanes stays mainly in the plains, the Hollow Trees have gone 'round the mountain to craft their own identity as West Coast mainstays. HELLO FRIEND expands the 2016 kindie quest into the underbelly of Americana. Perhaps it's the election year, perhaps it's just a longing for more traditional values. Your kids won't mind – they just want to know what the heck is Nelson?

HELLO FRIEND is available July 1 from the Hollow Trees' website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is their new video for the song, ""I Can't Dance (I've Got Ants in My Pants)":

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
Hello – Adele
Up To Something Good – Sunshine Collective
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.
Laugh With Me – Chibi Kodama
Hammer – Aaron Nigel Smith

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Carry a Tune – Recess Monkey
Secret Fox – Gustafer Yellowgold
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Water Under The Bridge – Adele
Wild  – Chibi Kodama
Brain Freeze – The Not-Its!

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 30, 2016

Wake Up – Red Yarn & Morgan Taylor
She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer
Hello Goodbye – Caspar Babypants
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
It's Only in Your Head – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
Boredinary – Chibi Kodama
The Start of Things  – Alison Faith Levy

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 27, 2016

A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
Rest Easy Now –  Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
L.A. Girlz – Weezer
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.

Kindie Quick Hits: Gee Whizpops For Nature, New Eric Herman Video, and Bears and Lions!

One of the occasional pleasures of being a children's music blogger is that people find me (it's also one of the nuisances but that's the Internet for you). Without the World Wide Web, how would acts from Montana find me? And I'm not talking about The Salamanders – I'm talking about The Whizpops. Yes, there are two high-quality acts from Missoula, so you can book both for your kid's party.

At their nucleus, the Whizpops are powered by elementary school teachers Kevin Cashman and Casey Schaefer (hey, aren't those Recess Monkey guys also educators, speaking of upcoming releases and also guest stars on this disc). The new CD, RANGER RICK'S TRAIL MIX, VOLUME 1, is produced with the backing of the National Wildlife Federation. Again, like their second CD, SEA BLUE SEA, it's all about the animals. Well, and also about power-ballad guitar solos ("It's All About the Mustache (Walrus Song") and Eagles-style harmonies ("California Condor").

Released on National Endangered Species Day, the Whizpops are emphatically putting their microphones where their mouths are, to urgently sound a clarion call to the ominous, precarious, disastrous situation befalling a stunning number of non-Homo Sapiens. Joining them on RANGER RICK'S TRAIL MIX are Bill Harley, Danny Weinkauf, Aaron Nigel Smith, the Pop-Ups and many more. It's a big world, we're not alone, and if we were, the human race wouldn't be here for long before we became extinct. And as the Whizpops are quick to anthem-ize, "Extinction Really Stinks" – the album-closer tune mixes Kansas, Toto, and the National Parks Service.

The National Parks Service commissioned their own CD (SONGS FOR JUNIOR RANGERS) a few years back. While that disc focused on the many facets of public service in the field, the Whizpops have turned their attention to the decidedly non-human denizens of the woods and waters. There's no Yogi Bear but a '70s vibing "Polar Bear" and a New Age-y "Bison." RANGER RICK'S TRAIL MIX, VOLUME 1 promises more editions. Cross your fingers that all the creatures commemorated are still with us when the time comes for VOLUME 2.

RANGER RICK'S TRAIL MIX, VOLUME 1 is available from the Whizpops' website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video for the band's song, "Black Footed Ferret":



Bubble wrap. That insidious plastic protective material that entrances children of all ages. The perfect subject for a song, yet kept at arm's length for so long. Finally, yes finally, an artist has dared to take it on. And that group is Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies. The title track of his brand new CD, BUBBLE WRAP also receives its own video! The album is coming June 10, but you can see the video below:



Bears and Lions, oh my! They duo (who dress like the erstwhile creatures) have a brand new EP of two songs, "Sleepyhead" and "Depot Park." If you like Wilco but wished they skewed more for kids, you get the general idea of their sound. Still, they make a funky pair. Bears and Lions should be natural enemies, yet they have banded together to make a band.

Bears and Lions claim they have made the greatest club in the woods, where all the animals can get along and not eat each other or be attacked by evil tourists. And what's a club without a theme song, or singalongs, or hot dogs? But I digress.

"Sleepyhead" is a parent's plea for a child "with a long, long life ahead" to get moving and start their day. "Depot Park" is a victory song about an actual depot building in their native Gainesville, Florida that was bulldozed and turned into a public playground. Yippee!!

This single seems to be a stopgap until Bears and Lions reproduce (not with each other) more music or videos for their YouTube channel. But we should all heed their call and stay vigilant. Be a "Sleepyhead" no more, they roar.

Hear them at Bears and Lions' website, Rebervnation, and iTunes.

Watch the video for the band's song, "Pancakes":

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 26, 2016

Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
Fun – Coldplay Feat. Tove Lo
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
King of the World – Weezer
Mama – Mista Cookie Jar & The Chocolate Chips

Booking the Woods With the Okee Dokee Brothers

I've found myself up the river again without a paddle. Luckily the Okee Dokee Brothers have accompanied me, bringing a guitar and banjo. Where there's music, there's light. And where there's light, there's hope. The Okee Dokee Brothers hope that their first book, CAN YOU CANOE? AND OTHER ADVENTURE SONGS, will encourage kids to try spending time in the great outdoors, or investigating the Old West, or perhaps go camping (even if it's only in their backyards).

Their bio reads like a Mark Twain short story – Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were Denver, Colorado friends from childhood. They built a passion for all things off the grid (hiking, swimming, rafting, exploring the trails through the Rocky Mountains) and eventually used their talents to team up and become Grammy Award-winning musicians. Three CDs into their journey, they are adding author to their hyphenates, with able-bodied illustrations by Brandon Reese.

Each of the 12 tales on CAN YOU CANOE? (published by Sterling Children's Books) is a selection from one of the Brothers' CDs. "Saddle Up" and "The Great Divide" represent this year's collection, SADDLE UP. Every two-page spread is lushly drawn with local flora and fauna, as Joe and Justin make their way across the plains and up the road less taken. While I missed the colorful narration (i.e., lyrics) that too often are not part of a CD's packaging, CAN YOU CANOE? is all that and more – a dozen songs, all lyrically displayed, with drawings to hold the interest of the kids who don't want to sing along (or be gently coerced into learning how to read).

As a suburban dad, I give myself "outdoor points" for showing my five-year-old how to light our propane grill after playing catch in the backyard. But the Okee Dokee Brothers are the real deal. To paraphrase a minor character in The Blues Brothers, they can play country AND western music. Kindie über-producer Dean Jones helps them deliver a warm and welcome message with arrangements that play down technology in favor of fiddles, organs, and an upright bass.

Malcolm Gladwell declared that you need 10,000 hours of practice before you call yourself an expert. I think it's a safe bet that Joe and Justin have each spent eight solid weeks outdoors in their lifetimes. And the Brothers' music shares their love of nature and all things rustic, from "Black Bear Mama" to "The Bullfrog Opera." CAN YOU CANOE? is not an instructional manual but it might as well be one. It's a primer for jamborees and folklore (such as the jackalope). You can lead a child to water but you can't make him drink. But you can lead a child to the Okee Dokee Brothers and ask him to sing. 

CAN YOU CANOE? AND OTHER ADVENTURE SONGS is available from the Okee Dokee Brothers' web site, Sterling Children's Books, and Amazon.

Here is the video for their song, "Saddle Up," which is also the title track of their latest CD/DVD:

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
Sweetest Devotion – Adele
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.
Wind in Our Sail – Weezer
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Sunday Morning – Maroon 5
Washington, DC – The Not-Its!
The Word – Caspar Babypants
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
California Kids – Weezer
Stay Up Late – Dean Jones

123 Andrés Es Para Todos Los Niños

Charm will open a lot of doors. And 123 Andrés is certainly charming. But don't be fooled. Latin music artist Andrés Salguero is cultivated as well – he's got a doctorate in music to prove it. With his second bilingual children's CD, ARRIBA ABAJO (Top to Bottom), Andrés teaches vowels, the musical scales, counting (with birds), and the wonders of nature.

The first 10 tracks are mostly in Spanish, with English versions following. Music continues to be the universal language. Matthew (5) can't speak more than 2-3 words of Spanish, yet went around the house repeating "Dame una A" after watching the animated video on Andrés' YouTube channel. I didn't have the heart to play the English version ("Give Me An A") that follows later on the disc. His first CD, ¡UNO, DES, TRES, received a nomination for a Latin Grammy award. Andrés now seeks to follow up by widening his base across both cultures.

I am by far not the ideal candidate to promote multi-cultural diversity. While I advocate for equal rights and self-expression, I grew up in a neighborhood that was decidedly middle class (and mostly white). When the racial climate in our Jersey suburb not-so-subtly shifted (and I became the target of bullying from some of those migrating elements), my family took flight to Long Island. That was decades ago but there are still lingering memories. However it's not the fault of the music or the arts. And I wholeheartedly endorse the values and sentiments of the talented artists who appear on this and other multi-ethnic CDs. {So much for full disclosure}

The music is part of a larger mission, as Andrés will release an accompanying "learning guide" later next month to explore Spanish/English concepts more in depth. ARRIBA ABAJO (top to bottom) indeed, as Andrés delivers an educational, entertaining message for very young listeners. Music is a subliminal teaching instrument – children who flee from a traditional classroom setting find inspiration and amusement in the auditorium or the band room. Andrés puts finicky learners directly in his melodic crosshairs – his persuasive percussion most effective on tracks such as "Diez Pajaritos (Ten Birds)" featuring Colombia's Nathalia Palis. Whether in English or Spanish, Andrés makes a sincere effort to charm your kids. Muy bien, Andrés. And gracias.

ARRIBA ABAJO is available June 10 from Andrés website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is Andrés'  video for "Dame una A":

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 23, 2016

River Lea – Adele
Go Jump in the Water – Keith Munslow
Cheese World  – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Turned Out – Paul McCartney
Thank You (feat. R. City) – Meghan Trainor
This Love –  Maroon 5

Chibi Kodama: Girls Just Wanna Make Music

Girl power is all about entitlement and freedom from societal shaming.

Chibi Kodama's John Cullimore is girl-overpowered. His band features himself, songs co-written by wife Yvonne, and four of their five daughters (Aletheia, Adaryn, Chasah, and Saoirse). The Cullimore house, one surmises, may have permanently-nailed-down toilet seats.

The band's new CD, STARDUST, has 15 new tracks (as well as acoustic versions of two older tunes). Chibi Kodama delivers nearly one hour of power-pop pitched from a child's perspective. The album kicks off (literally) with the '90s grunge of "Boredinary," buzzsaws into "Walk Like Me" and catches its breath with "Daydreamer," with the refrain "I was made to be me." That seems to be the over-riding theme, parboiled down from "free to be...you and me."

Much like the Spice Girls were all about girl power, Chibi Kodama is all about kid power. "Different Like Me," "More Than Just..." and "Crazy Idea" promote the notion that all children are created equally to have fun, do their own thing, and not be stigmatized for thinking outside the box. With hands-on, 24x7 online support from Mom and Dad all the way down the line, Chibi Kodama is the prototype new millennium family band.  And the band walks the walk, talks the talk, and rocks the rock. The title track delivers a hint of the Cullimore family's spiritual side:

We are made of stardust
We are made of light
Filled to the brim with the energy
Of the maker of the day and night.

My dad was in the software business, and when my employment options went through a wormhole 25 years ago, I wound up (as a writer/editor) in the software business. John makes music and one hopes that as his girls continue to mature and evolve, that they will determine their own paths. But he (and Yvonne) have given them a large footprint of how to proceed. How many non-Disney performing kids can Google their own discography back to their preteen years? Whether the band made the kids or the kids made the band, Chibi Kodama is an ongoing adventure and you can peer in through their YouTube channel. Watch and listen and learn and decide for yourself. It's only rock and roll but they like it, at any age.

STARDUST is available from the band's website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video for the group's song, "Moonlight Dance," produced by 13-year-old Aletheia:

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 20, 2016

Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
Forever Young – Andrew & Polly
Hold on to Your Dreams –  Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Mom (feat. Kelli Trainor) – Meghan Trainor
Hello – Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies

Kindie Quick Hits: Free Summer Music, Pop-Ups and Brady Rymer in Concert

Need a quick hit of summer?

Sugar Mountain PR has released a FREE "summr road trip" playlist of songs from its roster of artists. Not to give anyone short shrift, but you get tunes from Frances England, Aaron Nigel Smith, Charity and the JAMBand, the Suger-Free AllStars, The Not-Its, Brady Rymer, the Whizpops, and more. See, I've shrifted most of them.

But hurry – the playlist will only be public through Wednesday, May 25!

The Pop-Ups are going to perform their latest CD, THE GREAT PRETENDERS CLUB at New York's City Winery on Sunday, May 22 at 11 am. Tickets are available at the low, low price of $15 per ticket.

Speaking of City Winery, you can also book tickets for Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could's next CD, PRESS PLAY! on Sunday, June 12 (also $15)! CD review will follow (after we finish playing it).

Here is their latest video from the Pop-Ups, for the song "We Live in An Orchestra":

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 19, 2016

The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
Bile Them Cabbage  – Red Yarn
Hey Everybody! – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions
Uh Huh – Dean Jones
Dance Like Yo Daddy – Meghan Trainor
That Guy – Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Amazing Day – Coldplay
I Won't Let You Down – Meghan Trainor
Fun Times – Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
Take Me Away – Sunshine Collective
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
Favorite Book – The Bazillions
NO – Meghan Trainor
What I Want – Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 16, 2016

All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
Hello – Adele
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Hymn For The Weekend  – Coldplay
Me Too – Meghan Trainor
You Are What You Eat  – Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies

Open the Bubble Wrap: Inside Eric Herman's New Kid Pop

Not every song about happiness needs to be sarcastic and melancholy. How's that for an introduction to a review of BUBBLE WRAP, the new children's music CD from Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies? The Rolling Stones recorded a song called "Happy" that was jaded and lewd. "Happiness" from the show You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown will reduce you to a puddle of your own tears. By that definition, "Hello," the closing number on BUBBLE WRAP, on the surface is an upbeat, simple, and earnest reminder that there's no bad time to say hello. Until you read the fine print...it's a tribute to Eric's late wife and co-writer Roseann Endres, who died during the creation process of the album. Its lead in, "Okay," was written right before and just after she passed away, and finishes with the haunting refrain, "I'll love you always," accompanied by their two daughters, Becca and Evee.

Great art can come from turmoil, tragedy, and struggle. Heck, Van Gogh cut off his own ear. But a smaller, personal family affair can change the dynamics for everything. It took Eric Herman five years to pull together his last CD, PARTY ANIMAL. At that point, he resolved not to put his recording career that far on the back burner. For the first time playing a full CD with his entire band, the Thunder Puppies, Eric delivers music both from the child and parent perspective. The six-minute-plus "Everybody's Watching" builds to the reveal of the protagonist gulping that he's backstage and petrified with stage fright:

I know they all will laugh at me
And this play is not meant to be a comedy.
I can't go on stage now
Because everybody's watching me.

Attention must be paid to the Thunder Puppies - Dave Pettey, Ben Macy, Chris Baugh, and Javier Ruiz. They take some of the workload off Eric, allowing him to concentrate more on his duties as lead singer and band frontman. Who else would rock out so hard on a song declaring "You Are What You Eat." The band gets to go full-blues mode on "Where's Saturday," while depicting the tedium of the typical school week.

Eric uses his ironic perspective to its best advantage on tracks like "Phone," where a child's youthful exuberance is tested by his parents obsession with their mobile technology. Has the invasion of the body snatchers been manufactured by Apple and Samsung? It's quite possible. Guest performers Keith and Ezra (Trout Fishing In America), Roger Day, Mister G, and children's poet laureat Kenn Nesbitt enliven every adult's regular treatise to "Take A Bath." The band deals with managing expectations on "What I Want," possibly a response to PARTY ANIMAL's "Can We Buy a New Car (So I Can Have a Balloon)?" It also serves as the appropriate setup for "Everybody's Watching." And what adult male hasn't at some point wished "I Wanna Be That Guy" who exudes positive role model testosterone from his pores.

Eric Herman invites your inner child to join him and the Thunder Puppies on a playdate. While you're at it, bring the kids. The music's ostensively for them, isn't it? Otherwise, who's going to point out the mathematical illogic on "Sunflower Seeds"? Music can educate, music can amuse, and music can help quell fears and sadness (not completely, but it fills the void). Eric Herman has more than 50 million YouTube views on his channel. If that were the only true measure of artistry, he'd be a household name. Well, he is around ours. With BUBBLE WRAP, Eric Herman is back on top of his game and looking for new fans to say "Hello." As the final line on the CD declares, "Any time is a good time to say hello." Are you ready?

BUBBLE WRAP is available on June 10 from Eric's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is the video for "What A Ride," from the CD of the same name:

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 13, 2016

She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer
Sons and Daughters – The Bazillions
One After 909– Caspar Babypants
Odd Socks– Dean Jones
Best Friend– In The Nick Of Time
Unwind–  Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Sugar– Maroon 5

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 12, 2016

Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Bionic (feat. Shiz & Lady Asha) – Father Goose
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
That Way – Chibi Kodama
The Grass Is Always Greener – The Okee Dokee Brothers
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Other Days – Andrew & Polly
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
This Love – Maroon 5
Don't Stop – 5 Seconds of Summer
Snaggletooth – Dean Jones
Good Old Times – The Okee Dokee Brothers
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Shake a Friend's Hand – Andy Z
The Word – Caspar Babypants
Young at Heart – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Cow Cow Yippee – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds Of Summer

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 9, 2016

Purple Rain – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
The Rainbow Connection – Diana Panton
The Great Divide – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Coney Island Crazy – Ben Rudnick & Friends
No Direction Home – Cheap Trick

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 6, 2016

Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Don't Fence Me In – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter

Okee Dokee Brothers Saddle Up for Western Adventure

Alan Lomax would be proud to see the current movement of artists celebrating and reinvigorating Americana music. From Elizabeth Mitchell recording the songs of Ruth Crawford Seeger to Red Yarn creating pioneer-style animal puppets for his videos, it's sure as shooting a great time to whet your whistle.

Near the top of the mountain are the Okee Dokee Brothers (Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing). The Grammy-winning duo are back with their third collection, SADDLE UP, which comes with a DVD of their adventures on a 30-day trip through the Continental Divide. The sky-climbing range pours water in one direction to the Pacific Ocean and flows to the Atlantic Ocean on yonder side. The childhood friends used the opportunity to record 15 songs that vary from Depression era optimism ("Hard Road to Travel") to Native American Indian culture ("Sister Moon and Brother Sun"), inspired by a stop at the Navajo nation in Northern Arizona.

The focus is decidedly on important cultural concepts from around the turn of the century and just beyond. There's nary a "let's drive fast" reference, since the horse was the primary method of transportation (if you weren't taking a cross-country train ride). Hence the title track, "Saddle Up," as well as "One Horsepower" and "Lead a Horse to Water." Instead of indoor pets, Joe and Justin jostle and josh about heifers in "Cow Cow Yippee":

It's a love/love relationship we all agree
I love my cows and they love when I feed 'em.

I got an odd re-introduction to American music in my high school years. I'd aged out of little kid music programs (and besides, we had moved to Long Island and I had yet to learn how to drive). Uncle Floyd was a cult presence on cable and I fell under his sway. I bought several of his novelty singles, which were structurally sound. His band was led by brother Jimmy, who currently plays with the house band on Conan. Floyd was obsessed with the old West as well, recording "I'm My Own Grandpaw" and a remake called "Deep in the Heart of Jersey." I can hear elements of those songs on SADDLE UP, from Cindy Cashdollar's steel guitar on "Shootin' Star" to Carlos Medina's accordion on "Somos Amigos."

The one weather-worn cover tune is "Don't Fence Me In." The song Cole Porter wrote from a poem be bought for $250 (true story) is not shoehorned or oddly out of place. The uninitiated would think it an original song, comfortably nestled by the campfire. I've run out of superlatives for über-producer Dean Jones, who works his quiet magic once again. Have I mentioned John Sebastian? He's here as well. SADDLE UP's rustic sound puts you out West under the skies, roaming and exploring and telling tall tales for nighttime entertainment, in the pre-electronics era.

The best testament to any artist are the reactions from their audiences. It may be a matter of cowboy semantics, but Matt (5) felt obligated to correct me when I sang "Cow cow yippee aay yay." He said, "Daddy, it's cow cow yippee yippee yay," before proceeding to sing it for the next 30 minutes. The chorus line, that is. Okee dokee, pardner, you said it.

"Saddle Up: A Western Adventure Album" is chronicled in the 45-minute DVD packaged with the CD. Join Joe and Justin for a little history, some amusingly bad tunes that didn't make the cut, and vistas that take your breath away. You'll learn about fly-fishing along the way. There's even a real-life "Jackalope" puppet, courtesy of the aforementioned Red Yarn. If you pass on the CD, the video will be streaming on Netflix starting June 1. Speaking of ancillary merch, the Okee Dokee Brothers' first storybook, "Can You Canoe And Other Adventure Songs," hits e-seller shelves this month as well.

SADDLE UP is available May 13 on the band's website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video from the CD's title track, "Saddle Up":

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 5, 2016

All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Sweetest Devotion – Adele
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Sound of Silence – Disturbed
Airplanes  – 5 Seconds Of Summer

Kindie Quick Hits: Wednesday Is Video Day!

A batch of new kindie videos went live this week.

The belle of the kindie ball, Laurie Berkner, has released a dance remix of one of her classic tunes, "We Are The Dinosaurs." New kids (i.e., real young ones) will be enthralled. Older kids (i.e., pretty much everyone in the world) will appreciate something from their childhood already being repurposed.



I wrote last summer about how gripped and affected I became after listening to Renee & Friends' song "You Were Meant To Be." Now they have released an animated video for the song, performed with Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket).



The Okee Dokee Brothers have released the video for "Somos Amigos" from their upcoming CD, SADDLE UP. Filmed on a bridge over the Rio Grande, the tune featuring an authentic mariachi band from Albuquerque, New Mexico.


Bilingual children's recording artist Andrés Salguero (aka 123 Andrés) is returning with his second CD,  ARRIBA ABAJO and is debuting the first video, "Dame Una A." You can see Andrés in Brooklyn next month, playing with Sonia De Los Santos at Jalopy in Red Hook on Sunday, June 19 or Friday, June 17 at the Lark Cafe with Lloyd Miller.



Speaking of Sonia, here is HER latest video from her CD, MI VIAJE: DE NUEVO LEON TO THE NEW YORK ISLAND, for the song "Chocolate":

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
Extraordinary – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
Sunday Morning – Maroon 5
Jersey Dinosaurs – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 3, 2016

LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
River Lea – Adele
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions
The Ultimate Frisbee – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
A Head Full Of Dreams – Coldplay

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 2, 2016

Another Good Year  – Lori Henriques
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
Done With The Science Fair – The Not-Its!
Water Under The Bridge  – Adele
Hey Jude  – Caspar Babypants
Your Happy Place – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 29, 2016

Carry a Tune – Recess Monkey
The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
Hello Goodbye – Caspar Babypants
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
Mama – Mista Cookie Jar & The Chocolate Chips
Sing A Summer Song – Charity and the JAMBand
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 28, 2016

Forever Young – Andrew & Polly
Bile Them Cabbage – Red Yarn
Archaeology – Danny Weinkauf
One After 909 – Caspar Babypants
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Washington, DC – The Not-Its!
Shine – Charity and the JAMBand
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions

Jungle Gym Jam Checks In With Lollipop Motel

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Lollipop Motel and it's located in North Wildwood, NJ. It's noted as a piece of Americana, harkening back to the 1950s and pioneer-era rock and roll. An earlier, purer, simpler time for music, just the thing for kids. And wouldn't you know it, just the thing for Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam to utilize for its iconography for their second CD, LOLLIPOP MOTEL.

It's amazing that the Jungle Gym Jam exists at all, but New Jersey is the perfect setting. A 2013 songwriting project for Jason and wife Amy Didner, their scope organically transformed when a performance opportunity beckoned. Three years later, the band is still developing its identity and honing its unique sound, while rocking out for kids and parents along the Eastern seaboard.

LOLLIPOP MOTEL could be described as the soundtrack for a summer vacation, featuring "A Day at the Beach," "Jam Packed," and their holiday anthem "Summertime Santa," wherein Saint Nick takes a sabbatical on the Jersey shore. The band is not afraid to rock out on such numbers as "Ultimate Frisbie" and "Jersey Dinosaurs" (and no, they're not singing about local stalwarts Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi). The latter even ends with the declaration, "Baby, we were born to roar."

"Restless Heart" could be the under-seven anthem version of "Born to Run," with its revved backbeat and lyrics howling, "fingerpainting inside the lines, baby that ain't me" and "I wanna bust out of this tiny chair." Indeed the spirit of New Jersey looms large over the CD, to the extent that one wonders if the shout-outs to specific shore towns are modified when the JGJ crew performs in New York, Virginia, Connecticut, and other states. Perhaps it doesn't matter when kids are too busy jumping up and down, singing along, or protesting that they're not "Too Big To Jump on the Bed."

The CD features a lineup of local musicians, including kindie artist Suzi Shelton on a rollocking album-closing version of "Free To Be...You and Me." Production duties are ably handled by Marc "Baze" Bazerman. The mix amps up the tenor sax (of Matt "Shooby" Schoenebaum) on "Little Yellow Plane" and accordion (by Andy "Squeezebox" Sandel) on the title track. LOLLIPOP MOTEL is dedicated to the memory of the band's late bassist, Lou DeMartino, who played on the CD, played a handful of shows with the group, and passed away last summer.

Could LOLLIPOP MOTEL be the kindie version of HOTEL CALIFORNIA? Let's not put any crazy notions into Jason Didner's head. For now, the Jungle Gym Jam are happy to spend some time reminding you that summer is coming and there are worse destinations than the backyard, the playground, or the beach. Will you enjoy yourself? That's a shore thing.

LOLLIPOP MOTEL is available on May 13 from Jungle Gym Jam's website, Amazon, CDBABY, Bandcamp, and iTunes.

Here is the video for the group's song, "Too Big To Jump on the Bed":

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Hello – Adele
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Danceology – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Best Friend – In The Nick Of Time
Brain Freeze – The Not-Its!
Share Your Love – Charity and the JAMBand
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Secret Fox – Gustafer Yellowgold
Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Jelly Beans! – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Grizzly Bear – Red Yarn
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
Little One – Charity and the JAMBand
Favorite Book – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 25, 2016

Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Kid Of The Week – The Not-Its!
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer
Keep a Green Tree in Your Heart – Charity and the JAMBand
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 22, 2016

Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer
The Start of Things – Alison Faith Levy
Toothloser – Gustafer Yellowgold
Take Me Away – Sunshine Collective
New  – Paul McCartney

Charity & JAMband Share Earth Music

Earth Day is Friday, April 22. But in reality, every day should be Earth Day. As long as an environmental crisis grips the planet, people must remain vigilant. Especially in the face of climate change deniers and politicians who fear corporate powers more than the thought of ocean levels a foot higher and a depleted ozone layer.

Charity and the JAMband commemorate the occasion with a brand-new CD, EARTH. "Every day should be Earth Day," she sings on the track with that name. Truth be told, Charity Kahn and company have always been ecologically-conscious and 100 percent bio-kindie-gradeable. From their base in San Francisco, California, their website mantra is "Music - Love - World Peace." So don't dispute the message or hate the messenger. Come for the harmonies and stay for the natural warmth in the lyrics.

While you can't fault Charity for her earnest sincerity, subtitling your CD "Songs for the Earth and All Beings" is going to set off internal alarms in less socially-conscious parents. For instance, "We Speak for the Earth" is immediately followed by "I Am the Earth." Okay, if the Earth can speak for itself, why... oh why even ask the question.

The band does deliver some less-weighty thoughts with "Sing A Summer Song" and "We Love Everybody." The former I can absolutely concur (don't ask me about the latter these days). And "Pebble Meditation Song" would not feel out of place on Kira Willey's latest yoga for kids collection. "But it's a little hippie dippy," you might blurt, finally unable to control yourself. Yeah, but this is 10 songs devoted to the singular concept that the next generation needs a gentle entrance ramp to the world of liberal arts and open-mindedness. Your world may not be perfect but we only have one planet and Charity points out that EARTH is what we all share, no matter what our differences may be.

Closing track "Little One" starts with a sonic callback to Cyndi Lauper's "All Through the Night" (at least for me) but turns into a gentle lullaby whispering "I am here forever for you." In the context of EARTH, Charity is singing about this fragile planet with the double entendré of a parent tucking in a child. But the underlying sentiment is a comforting promise we all want somebody to tell us every night of our lives, no matter how young or how old. Let sweet Charity sing your sorrows to sleep and dream about a healthier world and a sunnier EARTH for all.

EARTH is available from Charity's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes. Check the band's Facebook page next week for one free song download per day from the CD!

Here is the video for Charity and the JAMband's song, "Earth Day":

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 21, 2016

Odd Socks – Dean Jones
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions
Hymn For The Weekend – Coldplay
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Harder To Breathe – Maroon 5
Don't Stop – 5 Seconds of Summer
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 20, 2016

All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Other Days – Andrew & Polly
Up To Something Good – Sunshine Collective
Fun – Coldplay Feat. Tove Lo
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Hey Everybody! – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Amazing Day – Coldplay
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
How Great Can This Day Be – Lori Henriques
Hammer – Aaron Nigel Smith
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 18, 2016

The Bullfrog – Red Yarn
The Word – Caspar Babypants
Stay Up Late – Dean Jones
Yawn – Gustafer Yellowgold
Go Jump in the Water – Keith Munslow
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 15, 2016

Groove – Lori Henriques
Mystery – Dean Jones
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
One  – Aaron Nigel Smith
Airplanes – 5 Seconds Of Summer

More Than "One" Reason to Hear Aaron Nigel Smith

Kids like what they like, just like adults. Different kids like different things from other kids, just like adults. Just because you like hard rock doesn't mean your kids are going to the Slipknot concert with you. But the point of exposing your kids to genres that you like is that it increases the likelihood that their musical tastes will wind up in sync with yours.

We've taken the kids to a plethora of musical events, including introductions to classical music. The initial entree into reggae came through Father Goose, who would join Dan Zanes and Friends on stage during the final sections of those concerts. The audiences would come to their feet and dance and sing along. It was a change of pace from the mostly folkie material and dusty "songbook" stylings. Sad to say, we never followed up with a full show by a similar performer – Aaron Nigel Smith.

Which is not to say that Aaron Nigel Smith has made it easy for us. Frustratingly, he has remained insatiably accessible with his music and local performance schedule, including shows at Symphony Space. His latest CD, ONE, remains as effervescent as ever, a mix of traditional junior reggae and rhythms. From the familiar opening shout of Father Goose, it was clear we were in the right place – "Dance to the Reggae Rhythm" puts young listeners in the right frame of mind to accept some friendly beats. By the time we got to "Natty Dreadlocks," Matt (5) began to sing along with the chorus, "Market woman, on her way to market." In fact, he sang along for the next week, whether or not the CD was playing.

Aaron's work with the 1 World Chorus continues, as the kids from Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Kenya, and Jamaica provide youth vocals on ONE. Founded by Aaron in 2006 in Los Angeles, 1 World Chorus demonstrates and promotes unity through the performing arts, with an emphasis on the transformative experience of choral singing. The program has expanded to six locations in three countries on two continents. Adult guest artists include Ernie Smith, Ras I, Dubtonic Kru, and Cathy Fink (of Cathy & Marcy fame). Despite the wide expanse of ages and talents, the focus remains on unifying values through universal themes – "Seasons" points out that no matter where you live, there are four seasons. "Take Time in Life" urges a mix of amped-up fun as well as relaxed downtime, with family. "Hammer" is a melodic take on the Pete Seeger classic. For a generation that may never have heard the folkie original, it's as good an entry point as you could hope for.

There are innumerable puns and plays on words that could be used to emphasize the positive values and zesty funk of ONE. Aaron Nigel Smith delivers a full portion of entertainment with a small side order of education. For a father and writer who visibly winces at the phrase "world music," that's a major accomplishment for ONE musician like Aaron.

ONE is available on April 22 from Aaron's website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video for "Man Gave Names" featuring puppet versions of vocalists Laurie Berkner, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, and Lucky Diaz:

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 14, 2016

Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Extraordinary – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Unwind – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds Of Summer
That Way – Chibi Kodama
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 13, 2016

LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Domino Town  – Dean Jones
Water Under The Bridge – Adele
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
By The Light –  Yarn
Sunday Morning – Maroon 5

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Sweetest Devotion – Adele
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions
Fourth Day Of July  – Red Yarn
Sugar – Maroon 5

Ben's Playlist - Dad's Birthday, April 11, 2016

Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
Shake a Friend's Hand – Andy Z
River Lea  – Adele
Uh Huh – Dean Jones
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Clap Your Hands – Red Yarn & Mo Phillips
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 8, 2016

The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions
Hey Jude – Caspar Babypants
Danceology – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
Wake Up – Red Yarn & Morgan Taylor
This Love – Maroon 5

Red Yarn Spins More Folksy Kindie Fun

Part of the appeal of children's music is the "I can do that!" aspect. Whenever you see a toddler strum a toy guitar, bang on an oatmeal box, or shake a tambourine, they are actively engaged and participating in the experience. My five-year-old loves nothing more than to sit, stone-faced, during a live concert of his favorite musicians (Recess Monkey) then go home and recreate the show, song-for-song, in front of a tinny microphone with a cheap, broken plastic guitar.

There's nothing cheap, broken, or plastic about Red Yarn (aka Andy Furgeson). Since committing to his role as an American roots musician, Andy has devoted his attention to reviving traditional folk music, following in the legendary stylistic footsteps of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. For his third CD, WAKE UP & SING, Andy and über-producer Dean Jones broach Guthrie's iconic "Wake Up," accompanied by Morgan Taylor (Gustafer Yellowgold) as well as a trove of rediscovered numbers, such as "Fourth Day of July," "Molly Cottontail," and "Hound Dog Song." Portland mainstay Mo Phillips also drops by for "Clap Your Hands" (not the They Might Be Giants song).

I want to specifically stress the "light bulb" moment that youngsters have in regards to certain performers. While my kids may have enjoyed the Wiggles, in no way did they ever feel they could emulate that style. But when my son sings "I Had a Rooster" and mimics Red Yarn's vocals, I can tell that the compact fluorescent switch has been flipped – this is something my kid can do, and that's a testament to Furgeson's simplicity and folkie integrity. Kudos also to Red Yarn bandmate Jed Greenberg (bass and fiddle) and guest cellist Jane Scarpantoni for their contributions to the "cause."

Andy is not seeking to make a career from just covering dustbowl classics. He sprinkles in contemporary and catchy originals. The first song and accompanying video, "Beautiful Day," demonstrate a clear example of the musical and puppetry talents that Andy uses to hook his target audience. Here is "Red Yarn," not precisely Andy, with his puppet family and their daily fun activities. If you're under seven years old, how can you look away?

Andy (and wife/vocalist Jessie Eller-Isaacs) close out WAKE UP & SING with a charming pair of new tunes ("Welcome to the World" and "Sleepy Song") informally dedicated to their young son. It's a commonality among artists, especially kindie peeps (for example, Harmonica Pocket and Chibi Kodama). It's a personal touch that speaks to their children while speaking to an audience of children and the children of those who first heard this genre of American songs. It's enough to make a kid grab a kazoo, or an oatmeal box, or, well you get the idea.

WAKE UP & SING is available on April 22 from Red Yarn's website, Amazon, Bandcamp, and iTunes.

Here is the new video for "Beautiful Day" from WAKE UP & SING, directed by Laki Karavias:

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 7, 2016

A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Favorite Book – The Bazillions
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
A Head Full Of Dreams – Coldplay
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Brain Freeze – The Not-Its!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Secret Fox – Gustafer Yellowgold
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer
It's Only in Your Head – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips

Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 4, 2016

Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
Turned Out – Paul McCartney
Hello – Adele
Snaggletooth – Dean Jones
Kings & Queens – The Hipwaders
Bionic (feat. Shiz & Lady Asha) – Father Goose

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 1, 2016

All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
Archaeology – Danny Weinkauf
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions
The Word – Caspar Babypants
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
Jelly Beans! – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
How Great Can This Day Be – Lori Henriques

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 31, 2016

Other Days – Andrew & Polly
Extraordinary – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Airplanes  – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Done With The Science Fair – The Not-Its!
I Love the Beach – Keith Munslow

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Another Good Year – Lori Henriques
Forever Young – Andrew & Polly
Hello Goodbye – Caspar Babypants
It Suits You – Gustafer Yellowgold
Sunshine Blue Skies – Miss Nina & The Jumping Jacks
Best Friend – In The Nick Of Time

Tots Can't Miss Miss Nina's Every Day's Your Birthday

I have a soft spot in my heart for Miss Nina. Her second CD, 2013's SHA DOO BE DOOP, was the first time our son (then 2 1/2 years old) showed an active interest in selecting his own music. He would walk to the cabinet in the living room, carefully open the door, select her CD, turn on the CD/DVD player, put in the disc, and play the first two songs (usually). This month, when I brought home the new CD by Miss Nina and the Jumping Jacks, EVERY DAY'S YOUR BIRTHDAY, even though he is now five, he insisted I play it, despite the presence of two other CDs with more immediate release dates.

Sadly, time marches on and he is aging out of her demographic. Miss Nina records lively, upbeat original tunes (the title track and "DJ in My PJs") and energetic interpretations of "(Silly) Wheels on the Bus" and "Subway" (adapted from the Anastasia Suen/Karen Katz board book). With a three-year-old of her own, Miss Nina has both hands on her target audience, literally and figuratively.

Ably produced by Marc Bazerman (of Baze and His Silly Friends fame), Nina and friends give you a peppy "Freeze Dance," a strummable, hummable "Colors of You," and a motion-activity "Up and Down." On her weekly children's vlog, Nina takes on classics and oftentimes does some re-invention. "Five Little Pumpkins" puts a Halloween spin on the traditional one-at-a-time elimination. "(Silly) Wheels on the Bus" features jumping kangaroos, wiggling spaghetti, and marching soldiers in addition to children, parents, wipers, et al.

When we first heard "Every Hero," my older son thought it was Charity and the Jam Band, who are known for rocking slightly harder for slightly older sprites. But the song that delivered the biggest smile for my youngster was the closing "DJ in My PJs," the logical successor to "My Hula Hoop" from her last CD. It inspired him to jump on his bed and shout "I'm a DJ!" that night at bedtime.

The best thing you can say about any performer is that their passion is contagious. The dictotomy of entertaining the youngest of the young is that they are easy to amuse but you can't alienate the parents by being insufferably cute or infantile. Miss Nina walks that fine line of rousting the fervor of children without rustling the feathers of the elders of their flocks.  EVERY DAY'S YOUR BIRTHDAY is a Brady Bunch-esque romp in the playground that the under-6 set will find enchanting and intoxicating. And it's over in a slim, lean 38 minutes before your caramel macchiato gets cold. That should inspire some jumping jacks.

EVERY DAY'S YOUR BIRTHDAY is available May 6 from Miss Nina's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is one of her latest video song posts, featuring "Roly Poly Caterpillar":

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Pj Party – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
One After 909 – Caspar Babypants
Stay Up Late – Dean Jones
Toothloser – Gustafer Yellowgold
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney
Breakdancin' – Sugar Free Allstars
Grizzly Bear – Red Yarn

Ben's Easter Playlist - Monday, March 28, 2016

Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Kid Of The Week – The Not-Its!
Music is Everywhere – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Upside Down Town – Sugar Free Allstars

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 25, 2016

Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
Dad Is Takin' a Nap  – Keith Munslow
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Hold on to Your Dreams – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter

Ben's Playist - Thursday, March 24, 2016

Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
Sweetest Devotion – Adele
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Young at Heart – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips

Music Is Everywhere With Mista Cookie Jar

After recording and releasing one song every month for more than a year, it would have been easy for Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips to just compile their offerings onto a quick-pressed CD. It would have been easy, but it wouldn't have sat right with Mr. Jar (a.k.a. CJ Pizarro).

Instead, he spent more than six months going back to the drawing board – many of the tunes do make the new CD, MUSIC IS EVERYWHERE. But there are new tracks as well, featuring surf music, rock and roll, big band swing, Motown, as well as CJ's upbeat raps and rhythms. "Young at Heart" is a modern take on Bob Dylan's "Forever Young." If Dan Zanes relocated to the West Coast, he would be proud to write a song like "Hold On to Your Dreams," co-written and performed by Tembra Campbell:

You've got to hold on to your dreams
It's not as hard as it may seem.
It's up to you, you've got the power
Life will open like a flower
You gotta hold on to your dreams.

CJ never loses track of his primary audience – young kids who need a diverse range of musical influences to cultivate their own tastes. When I was a kid (let's not go there for too long), I had school trips to the Philharmonic as well as ballet and theatrical productions. My younger son is getting some of that now but we had to hunt for the Little Orchestra's Lollipops concert series 10 years ago to give our older son a taste of classical music. Thankfully that program thrives to this day. In the meantime, I don't hear a lot of bluegrass and ska on a Selena Gomez or 5 Seconds of Summer CD. But Mista Cookie Jar stretches the boundaries of children's music to make those genres acceptable, palatable, and contemporary.

"Music Is Everywhere" asks kids to live in the moment and wait for that one perfect note in concert. Yes, children's music is the gateway genre that acts as an entree to live performance and interaction with professional artists. As such, CJ emphasizes that there's no wrong way to listen to music, as long as you're excited by the experience. And if the music galvanizes your children enough to seek out videos, concert clips, and perhaps ask if that artist is coming to your area, all the better. MUSIC IS EVERYWHERE started as an ambitious experiment. Although the CD has dropped through numerous outlets, the experiment continues with every new listening.

MUSIC IS EVERYWHERE is available through Mista Cookie Jar's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is the video for the new song, "Young at Heart":

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Mama – Mista Cookie Jar & The Chocolate Chips
Water Under The Bridge – Adele
The Start of Things – Alison Faith Levy
Favorite Book – The Bazillions
Danceology – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Can You Picture That? – Sugar Free Allstars
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
New  – Paul McCartney
I Can See It Now – Sugar Free Allstars
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 21, 2016

All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Carry a Tune – Recess Monkey
Groove – Lori Henriques
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Monster Truck  – Sugar Free Allstars
Brain Freeze – The Not-Its!

Sugar Free Allstars Make Friends and Influence Kids

No band wears their influences on its short sleeves more than the Sugar Free Allstars (SFAs). In fact, there were so many inspirations for their new self-titled CD, SUGAR FREE ALLSTARS that the duo included an "album listening guide" to document them.

The 11 songs on the new collection draw from (yet are not limited to) the affects of Chris "Boom" Wiser and Rob "Dr. Rock" Martin being exposed to Eric Clapton, barbershop quartets, Grandmaster Flash, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, the Muppets, Prince, Black Sabbath, and Paul Revere and the Raiders. I've missed a few dozen more. But the SFAs distill these disparate elements and generate danceable 21st century kid's music from the heartland (Oklahoma, to be precise).

It's always fascinating when musicians release original music, cite who they hear from their perspective, and compare and contrast to what we hear as unbiased, home audiences. For instance, the SFAs reference the Meters for "I Can See It Now," whereas I sensed a strong Leon Redbone vibe. The latest Muppets incarnation on ABC is fighting for its life. But the Paul Williams-penned "Can You Picture That?" is going strong in its fifth decade, if you can believe it. Tom Hanks' directorial debut "That Thing You Do" was not a breakout hit. Yet I put songs from the soundtrack on different tapes over the years. [Fun side facts – Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger ghost-wrote the title track and Katy Perry later covered Fountains' HACKENSACK.] But I digress. If Fountains was still around, they would be proud to call UPSIDE DOWN TOWN one of its own songs.

Diversity has become the linchpin of most programming, counter-programming, and world initiatives directed at young audiences. The SFAs use a slightly different take, calling their third CD the duo's "most ambitious album to date." Wiser and Martin spent four years (between family time and live performances) honing the tracks, which offer as much diversity as your typical Spotify randomizer. The SFAs are drive-by kindie auteurs. The semi-biographical "Monster Truck" depicts the bond of manchild and machine (along with a fantasy interlude with said child and vehicle listening to Air Supply and watching sad movies – no spoilers!).

If anything, it's hard to clamp a label (funky! quirky!) onto a band that morphs its sound from song to song. Wiser's keyboard and Martin's drumming provide a resonant one-two punch behind every number. Similar to Molly Ledford (Lunch Money), you can picture the guys smiling from ear-to-ear as they sing the preposterous "Grumpopotamus (and the Crankosaurus Rex)" with guest vocalist Genevieve Goings (Choo Choo Soul). The SFAs are not a band to look back in anger, except to motivate themselves to get every single listener on their feet. With the Sugar Free Allstars' latest release, that's an ambition worth sharing.

SUGAR FREE ALLSTARS is available on April 2 from the band's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is the debut video from SUGAR FREE ALLSTARS' new CD, for the song "Monster Truck":

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 18, 2016

Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Word – Caspar Babypants
City Of Hills – Frances England
Amazing Day – Coldplay

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 17, 2016

Other Days – Andrew & Polly
Domino Town  – Dean Jones
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions
That Way – Chibi Kodama
Street Life – Frances England
Hello – Adele

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 16, 2016

LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
Hey Everybody! – 5 Seconds Of Summer
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions
A Head Full Of Dreams – Coldplay
City Don't Sleep – Frances England
Uh Huh – Dean Jones

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 15, 2016

A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Hymn For The Weekend  – Coldplay
Explorer Of The World – Frances England
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones

All the World's A Song for Frances England

Frances England falls smack in the middle of the Venn Diagram of children's musicians/multimedia personnel. Originally a recording artist via accident (a home-recorded CD reached the ears of people who knew people in the biz), she has morphed into the accidental tourist.The role she's well-played for a decade is not done; rather, England has added another brush to her palette.

Her new CD, EXPLORER OF THE WORLD, delves into community and awareness of ones physical surroundings. Many children's musicians create busywork around their music – a hopping song, a wave your arms song, etc. England is more interested with interactivity. The CD was borne from counting people going through their day-to-day lives while wrapped up in their electronic cocoons. Is this what kids should aspire to become when they get older, she wondered. Or is this another avenue for education and musical enlightening?

The two-year process involved more than words and music. England shot innumerable photos in San Francisco and the surrounding area, turning those into family activity books as well. "So much to discover, so much to do," she sings on the album's title track.

EXPLORER OF THE WORLD mines the spirit of San Francisco and delivers a love letter through "My Street," "City of Hills," and "City Don't Sleep," featuring ambient street sounds. Capturing audio is one thing, assembling and decoding it is another. For that task, England brought in two men who had never worked together – über-producer Dean Jones and Not Ready for Playtime instrumentalist Dave Winer. The pairing works, as the Burt Bacharach-esque "See What You Can See" rubs shoulders with the percolated drumsticks and horns of "City Don't Sleep." England goes completely meta on "All The Things I Found." During the song, she sings about documenting her process. But it's a song about things she found that constituted the documenting.

Gustafer Yellowgold's Morgan Taylor drops in for "City of Hills," a digital Hallmark card merged with a Google Map laundry list of tourist attractions. "Ballad For a Beatboxer" finds a sweet showcase for England's former nonprofit colleague, Carlos Aguirre. "Sweet" is the all-encompassing word for England's traveling vision on EXPLORER OF THE WORLD. Your eyes may start to tear at the end of the closing tune "Little By Little," but it's not from the dirt in the street, it's from the wind-swept sand high in the hills as you overlook the ocean and a breathtaking city. And a brand-new art and activity volume to ensnare the burgeoning traveler in all youthful adventure-seekers.

EXPLORER OF THE WORLD is available April 1 from Frances England's website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video for "City Don't Sleep":

Ben's Pi Day Playlist - Monday, March 14, 2016

Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends
Hey Jude – Caspar Babypants
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
Harder To Breathe – Maroon 5
Go Jump in the Water – Keith Munslow

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 11, 2016

Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
The Bullfrog – Red Yarn
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Favorite Book  – The Bazillions
Take Me Away – Sunshine Collective
Jelly Beans! – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 10, 2016

Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney
Airplanes  – 5 Seconds Of Summer
One After 909 – Caspar Babypants
Give Me Love  – Ed Sheeran
Odd Socks – Dean Jones

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Bile Them Cabbage  – Red Yarn
Turned Out – Paul McCartney
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Start of Things  – Alison Faith Levy
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Lego House – Ed Sheeran
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Dad Is Takin' a Nap – Keith Munslow
Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
Washington, Dc – The Not-Its!
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer
The City – Ed Sheeran
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 7, 2016

It's Only in Your Head – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Poofy – Ratboy Jr.
Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions
The A Team – Ed Sheeran
River Lea  – Adele

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 4, 2016

All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Unwind – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Hey Everybody! – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Mystery – Dean Jones
E.T.  – Katy Perry
Kings & Queens – The Hipwaders

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 3, 2016

Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Shake a Friend's Hand – Andy Z
The Word – Caspar Babypants
Stay Up Late – Dean Jones
Bionic (feat. Shiz & Lady Asha) – Father Goose
Firework – Katy Perry
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Hey Jude – Caspar Babypants
That Way  – Chibi Kodama
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) – Katy Perry
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter