AUDIO

09-4-0471

15th Anniversary Collection. Redway, Calif.: Music for Little People, 2000. 53 minutes CD and cassette. $15.98 (CD); $9.98 (cassette).

The 15 segments on this fine recording of music for children include various performing artists, arrangers, and composers. Examples are John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Carrie Brandon, Cedella Marley Booker, Los Lobos, the Persuasions, Bill Haley, Tina Malia, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Titles of songs on this upbeat, light-hearted album include "Little Red Caboose," "Yellow Submarine," "The Banana Boat Song" ("Day-O"), "Shake A Tail Feather," and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" ("Mbube"). Several of these exquisite pieces have won awards from organizations like Parents’ Choice, the American Library Association, and the National Association of Parenting Publications.

Recording quality is first-rate, utilizing acoustic, electronic, and natural instruments such as the drum, the synthesizer, and voice. The singing is professional level, and the subject matter is wide ranging.

Perhaps the outstanding facet of this music is rhythm. Melodies and harmonies are not complicated, though they are logical and pleasing. Tone color is downplayed in favor of listenable texts, while playing technique is commendable. Emphasis is on popular and ethnic music that would have special appeal to young children. This is an excellent and well-balanced compilation that would be of special interest to preschools, elementary schools, and public libraries as well as to individual buyers.

—Geary Larrick
Stevens Point, Wis.