Jazz for "Kids" of All Ages
Louis A. D'Antonio | Randolph, Vermont | 06/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First, let's acknowledge what this cd isn't: it isn't cute, gimmicky, cliche-ridden, patronizing, watered-down, compromising, dull, sappy, etc., etc., which so many sessions aimed at a particular non-traditional audience usually are. On her own merits - for a moment taking the wonderful kids out of it - Lisa Yves is a remarkable musician with beautiful phrasing and a warm fluid voice that scats effortlessly, even when she's working in a register more suited to the kids. Her writing is hip, engaging and inventive, and she holds her own on Jon Hendricks' turf. But now, add these extraordinary kids. Where did they develop chops at such an early age? Usually, you hear kids trying to scat or sing jazz, they sound strained, off-tempo, uncomfortable, as if they'd prefer crooning with Raffi. But these youngsters relate to the music. They glide, slur, punch, skip, doubletime and all of it, like pros. I love them and I love this recording. I'ts what music & kids should be about and Ms. Yves gracefully puts it all into a comfortable context with references to folks from Bach to Monk - and many in between. My six year old & I ride around the Green Mountains listening to Jazz for Kids and happily scatting together. I wish Yves were teaching in his school."
Wow!
marabelle | Boston. Ma | 06/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hi. I would just like to say how wonderful this CD is. With jazz standards such as Straighten up and fly right and originals like the alphabet scat I was wowed by this CD. The music is stuff you and your kids will love. Its a fabuous Cd and I highly recommend it."
A cd for adults who think about jazz as kids do broccoli
jack goldman | springfield, pennsylvania USA | 11/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is a great kids cd but also doubles as a jazz cd for adults who consider jazz in the same way kids may treat broccoli. no pun intended: this is a tasty album. i have given this album to over fifteen parents with children aged 4-15 and all parents say this cd is their kid's favorite. sorry barney. and everyone knows kids are the toughest critics. just ask the broccoli."