COOL MUSIC BRIDGES THE GENERATION GAP.Byline: Glenn Whipp Staff Writer Our occasional round-up of all-ages music this time features another masterpiece from Elizabeth Mitchell
Elizabeth Mitchell (born on March 27, 1970 in Los Angeles, California) is an American actress who is currently known for her role as Dr. , new (and old) from Farmer Jason and a fine effort from Maine's Mary Kaye For Mary Kay Cosmetics, see . Mary Kaye (born January 9 1924- died February 17, 2007) [1], sometimes called the "First Lady of Rock and Roll", was a guitarist and performer who was active in the 1950s and 1960's. . Elizabeth Mitchell / You Are My Little Bird (Smithsonian Folkways folkways, term coined by William Graham Sumner in his treatise Folkways (1906) to denote those group habits that are common to a society or culture and are usually called customs. ; $11.98) Mitchell's music has a purity and beauty that transcends the children's genre. Her albums -- ``You Are My Sunshine,'' ``You Are My Flower'' and her 2004 collaboration with Lisa Loeb, ``Catch the Moon'' -- rank high on admirers' lists of all-time favorites. Kids usually have to pry them out of their parents' CD players. Mitchell's latest, again recorded in her home studio with husband and musical partner Daniel Littleton (and, just as importantly, producer/engineer Warren Defever Warren Defever (first name often spelled Warn; b. 1969) is a musician and producer from Livonia, Michigan. He is most known for his chameleonic project His Name Is Alive, though he is active in numerous other circles. , a genius at capturing sound), continues her string of four-star efforts. Woodstock neighbor John Sebastian sits in on a couple of tracks, and Mitchell's young daughter, Storey, adds her sweet voice and a bit of harmonica harmonica. 1 The simplest of the musical instruments employing free reeds, known also as the mouth organ or French harp. It was probably invented in 1829 by Friedrich Buschmann of Berlin, who called his instrument the Mundäoline. . This is peaceful folk music folk music: see folk song. folk music Music held to be typical of a nation or ethnic group, known to all segments of its society, and preserved usually by oral tradition. Knowledge of the history and development of folk music is largely conjectural. delivered with stunning clarity and a power that nourishes the soul. Highlight tracks: Where to start? How about songs four, five and six -- Pete Seeger's great sing-along ``Little Bird, Little Bird,'' Bob Marley's ``Three Little Birds,'' driven here by an irresistible beat of sticks clanking clank n. A metallic sound, sharp and hard but not resonant: the clank of chains. intr.v. clanked, clank·ing, clanks To make a sharp, hard, metallic sound. together, and a rocking cover of the Velvet Underground's ``What Goes On.'' Best for: Anyone who could use a little peace like a river in their daily lives. Rating: Four stars Jason Ringenberg/ Rockin' in the Forest With Farmer Jason (Kid Rhino; $16.98) Jason Ringenberg/A Day at the Farm With Farmer Jason (Kid Rhino; $16.98) You might know ``Farmer Jason'' better as the fiery frontman front·man n. 1. also front man A man who serves as a nominal leader but who lacks real authority. 2. Music A leading singer with a group. of punk hee-hawers Jason and the Scorchers. Ringenberg has been working on his own since 2000, and released his first kids' album, ``A Day at the Farm'' (reissued here with the Kid Rhino imprint), in 2003. Ringenberg really is a farmer, and he really is a father, which means he has plenty of enthusiasm for kids and critters. The man's the real deal, and his music will make anyone grin from ear to ear. Highlight tracks: ``Rockin' in the Forest'' gets Jason off the Back 40, and sports string arrangements, horns and some pretty harmonizin'. The kids will like all that fine, but it's the contagious toe-tappers like ``Punk Rock Skunk'' and ``He's a Moose on the Loose'' that will give them a simulated sugar rush. The ode to a favorite bottom dweller, ``Catfish Song,'' is an instant classic, too. Best for: Anyone who digs fun music. Rating: Three and one half (each) Mary Kaye/Spin Your Web (MKM MKM Mathematical Knowledge Management MKM Mitsubishi Kagaku Media MKM Mortal Kombat Mythologies (gaming website) MKM Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia (airport code) MKM Marksman MKM Myopic Keratomileusis ; $16.98) Maine musician Kaye writes wonderful songs that nail the details of a child's experience and imagination. All 13 songs here are originals, and while the music is predominantly folk-based, Kaye also knows her way around country swing and soulful r&b. Her voice has drawn comparisons to Natalie Merchant, though it's not nearly as mannered. Highlight tracks: The percussive per·cus·sive adj. Of, relating to, or characterized by percussion. per·cus  sive·ly adv. ``Skeleton Song'' is great fun and a natural for the season. ``Waiting'' captures kids' frustration at how slow time (and adults) sometimes move, while ``Building a Ladder'' beautifully addresses a child's need to remember those who have left our earthly realm. Best for: Toddlers through about third grade. Rating: Three stars CAPTION(S): 3 photos Photo: (1 -- 3) no caption (CD covers) |
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