You may have noticed that I don’t often review children’s music CDs…with good reason. I’d much rather have my children listen to classical music for nap time or upbeat oldies in the car. It’s important to me that I instill within them a lifelong love for music, since the benefits are numerous.
Having traveled all over the world, I’ve been exposed to a number of different music genres. With that being said, I’m usually open to new and different music (I still have Celtic Woman in my CD player!). I’m artsy and cultural that way.
Several months ago, I had an opportunity to check out Sesame Street Playground from Putumayo Kids (a division of Putumayo World Music created to introduce children to other cultures through lively world music). This is the type of music I want my children listening to. Music with meaning and depth.
Putumayo World Music recently released Jazz Playground, “a collection of international jazz songs for children.” The CD features bepop, swing, and jazz from a number of countries. I had no idea that jazz spanned the globe! The CD depicts varied interpretations of jazz from countries like France, Australia, Brazil, and even Japan. We live in a diverse, multi-cultural country and it’s important to me that my children recognize and appreciate other cultures. The CD is a great way to introduce children to varied music and cultures. The CD features a colorful, storybook-esque booklet which gives a bit of background information on each song (in vernacular that children will understand). Here is a brief overview of the CD:
On “Oyatsu No Jikan,” Japan’s Modern Conya celebrates sharing at snack time and Latin artist Jose Conde offers the irresistible sing-along “Cumbamba.” Gui Tavares brings his Brazilian bossa nova/jazz crossover sound to “Dois Meninos” and Australian bands Kinderjazz and The Mighty Buzzniks infuse their songs with loads of fun and humor from the land down under. Bringing the album back to the original home of jazz, New Orleans-born artists Ingrid Lucia closes with the classic song “This Little Light of Mine.” Jazz Playground also features songs by South African-born artist Selloane (featured on Broadway in The Lion King), French band Triocéphale, acoustic jazz combo Lewis Franco & The Missing Cats, Canadian musician Chris McKhool and Dutch band Trapperdetrap.
And here is a preview of one of the tracks on the CD:
Kinderjazz – Gazooba from Putumayo World Music on Vimeo.
I anticipate that children won’t recognize a majority of the songs, however, I don’t think that is a bad thing at all. The CD is upbeat and diverse. It has character and depth. It had me wanting to snap my fingers and even move a bit. I would listen to this in the car if my children weren’t around (which is the sign of a great CD). Our favorite track from the CD is the Little Lamb Jam (a really neat take on a traditional nursery rhyme).
Jazz Playground retails for $14.98 and is available for purchase on their website. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to listen to sample tracks (you’ll be bopping to the music in no time!).
I did not receive compensation for this post. A copy of the CD was provided to facilitate this review.
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