WONDERFUL!
A. Mulligan | NJ | 12/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a Dan Zanes fan ever since my (then) toddler twins discovered him on Playhouse Disney. I decided to buy a copy of his CD "Rocketship Beach" and quickly learned that Dan Zanes had much more to offer than the few catchy kids' tunes I saw on TV. Fast forward to today... we now have every one of his CDs, and I can tell you in all honesty that not only are they all great fun for the kids, but they are equally as appealing to the grown-ups.
I don't want to say anything negative about some of the other artists out there who play for children. I sincerely appreciate them for entertaining my children, but after the fourth or fifth time hearing some of their songs, my mind would just go numb and I would think, oh my goodness, I can't wait until my child outgrows this! It's just the opposite with Dan Zanes. You can't really outgrow his music because it's not really children's music... it's just MUSIC. And it's GOOD.
There is usually at least one track on every Dan Zanes and Friends album that stays with me, and I number them among my favorite songs. Take his newest CD, for instance... I find myself listening to "I Am What I Am" over and over. "Mi Luna", a track on his "Nueva York!" CD is another one. "Welcome Table", "Linger for Awhile", "I've Just Seen a Face" (a poignant duet with his daughter)... I could go on and on. Good stuff.
Here is my prescription for a happier life: Buy a Dan Zanes and Friends CD. Listen to it! If you don't play an instrument, learn one! (I'm working on the Mandolin right now.) Get together with your friends and family and sing and dance as often as possible. Don't forget to read his beautiful, colorful (and environmentally conscious) liner notes cover to cover for insightful commentary... he can paint a pretty picture with words, too. And make sure you catch him live whenever you can!
Dan Zanes has truly changed my family's life for the better. His music has brought us closer together in a way I never knew possible. It speaks in a language of wonder, joy, acceptance, and love for life. Often light, but never shallow, sometimes deep, but never depressing, frequently brilliant, but always, ALWAYS great."