¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés!

¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés!

Bilingual music para la familia

I think it is important for children to have some knowledge of other cultures. After all the United States is one giant melting pot. The new music CD ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés!  by Andrés Salguero is a great way to immerse children in a new culture in a fun way. The mix of English and Spanish helps little ones learn another language and appreciate other a new music style. Lively and entertaining.

Andrés Salguero’s ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! is an interactive celebration of Latin culture for kids and families. Listen to the debut CD – filled with salsa, bachata, plena, mariachi and more – or find a live performance near you.

About Andrés

Andrés Salguero, one of the most exciting new voices on the family music scene, is going to make you bailar y aprender! A native of Colombia, both his debut CD and his live performances are infused with south of the border sensibilities.

Andrés has deep roots in the Latin music world, with over a decade of experience playing Latin Jazz, Salsa, Norteño and Latin folkloric music. He also brings a depth of musical knowledge, holding a Doctorate degree in music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

His carefully crafted songs earned him the first prize in the National Composition Contest in Colombia. In his music, there is always something to listening for, since he creates art with a purpose. In 2010 he co-wrote and produced a play based on interviews with DREAMERS, young immigrants who were brought to the US as children. Andrés’ songs incorporate themes such as immigration and cultural understanding and celebrate the rich Latino heritage in the US.

Andrés had his first studio experience at age 8, recording a full length record with a children’s group. Learning guitar from his father, he absorbed many of the folk traditions from Latin America. A career playing guitar, clarinet and saxophone followed, with Andrés joining numerous groups of all genres, from an opera company to a ska band.

Andrés found his true calling playing Latin family music in 2009. Now he performs his live ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! kids’ show more than 200 times each year at venues large and small, from full band performances at the Smithsonian Institution’s Discovery Theater to solo appearances at schools and libraries throughout the country.

Want to keep up with all things Andrés Salguero? You can like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! and get ya a copy or two.

Linda Marie Smith new album Mearra – Selkie from the Sea

Mearra – Selkie from the Sea

I love this CD. The music instantly transports the listener to a mythical time. Soothing and beautiful. Calming and mystical. Alluring melodies and an angelic voice combine to bring life to the story of Mearra – Selkie from the Sea. Wonderful.

The ancient Celtic legend of the Selkie, a mythical seal with the mysterious ability to metamorphose into a human being, is the setting for Chicago-based singer/songwriter Linda Marie Smith’s fourth album, Mearra – Selkie from the Sea, to be released in February 2014.  (Linda Marie Smith, $15.00, for ages 9 – adult, run time 42 minutes.)

Mearra – Selkie from the Sea transports listeners, inviting chldren and adults alike to use their imaginations as they enter an enchanted world that has inspired writers and composers like Yeats, Synge, and Arnold Bax for centuries.  The highly evocative “Ian’s Song” sets a mood of Celtic mystery.  “Mearra” follows, and the listener is swept up in an expansive cloud of orchestral colors created by strings, percussion, and synthesizer that conjures images of sea, sky, and a wild, rocky coastline.  The melodic line and tastefully expressive phrasing of Linda Marie Smith’s vocals effectively carry the story while never distracting from it.  “All This and More” delivers a change of pace with something of a Nashville country sound, which effectively introduces a human element into the watery, mystical world of the Selkie.  The jazziest number on the album is “Heaven Knows,” with its upbeat rhythm set by piano, concertina, and enthusiastic hand clapping.  “Surrender to the Sea” opens with a piano interlude reminiscent of Claude Debussy, and the vocal line proclaims, “I hear them calling,” offering a hint of what is to come.

Linda Marie Smith reflects, “As a child I was captivated by fairy tales and folklore.  I loved being transported to other worlds where the impossible was possible.  These mystical adventures fired my imagination, which is why I think I eventually became a songwriter.  Folklore involves fantastic people or animals and brings our attention to things we value most highly, fear most deeply, and hope for most ardently.  My spirit and childlike innocence were rekindled while doing research for Mearra – Selkie from the Sea.  The Selkie myth inspired and challenged me to shed my own skin, reveal my true self, and boldly express my heartfelt desires.”

Want to keep up with all things Linda Marie Smith? You can like her on Facebook.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to Linda’s Website and get ya a copy or two. Available in February 2014. I received a copy of the CD for review.

‘MAMA DONI’S JEWISH HOLIDAY PARTY’ – DVD

I am a Christian, and the way I read the Bible, Jesus was a Jew. Therefore I also celebrate Jewish Holidays. Mama Doni gives Jewish and Christian children alike a way to celebrate the holidays with her new DVD Mama Doni’s Jewish Holiday Party. I received a copy for review and I absolutely love it. Not only does the DVD have great music, ya also get to learn how about Chanukah, Passover and Shabbat. Jewish Holiday Party also includes Mama Doni’s recipe for traditional latkes. If ya don’t know what a latke is, well it’s a really delicious potato pancake. Traditions such as Chanukah Gilt and the lighting of the menorah are highlighted in the video. Fantastic gift idea. Includes a CD of the songs. How cool is that?

About Mama Doni:

 Embracing and honoring Jewish tradition with a fresh, new approach, two-time Parents’ Choice winner Mama Doni (Doni Zasloff) sings, dances, and cooks her way through the holidays in a fun and inspirational DVD, Mama Doni’s Jewish Holiday Party, and its companion CD soundtrack, Mama Doni: The Acoustic Jewish Holiday Collection.

 There has never been a mama quite like Mama Doni, who manages to score a perfect 10 in the world of family music with a joyful celebration of Jewish tradition, culture, and ruach (spirit) set to the colorful sounds and vibrant rhythms of contemporary American bluegrass.

With so many Christmas entertainment options available to families, Mama Doni’s Jewish Holiday Party is ready to take its place on the shelf, filling a need for the millions of children who celebrate the Jewish holidays and for audiences who would like to learn about them.

Focusing on three Jewish holidays — Chanukah, Passover, and Shabbat — Mama Doni’s Jewish Holiday Party promotes an understanding of Jewish traditions, in Mama Doni’s warm, contemporary style.  Each episode tells the story of the holiday, offers exciting, original music, and includes a scrumptious cooking “how to” segment for such wondrous Jewish dishes as Traditional Latkes, Uncle Milton’s Challah, and Mama Doni’s very special Matzo Pizzza.

Check Out The Trailer:

Want to keep up with all things Mama Doni ? You can like her on Facebook.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to Mama Doni’s Website and get ya a copy.

FRANCES ENGLAND’S ‘BLINK OF AN EYE’

‘BLINK OF AN EYE’

SPARKLING, NEW ACOUSTIC POP KIDS’/FAMILY ALBUM
TO BE RELEASED IN AUGUST

WITH ELIZABETH MITCHELL, CASPAR BABYPANTS,
MOLLY LEDFORD & MORGAN TAYLOR (GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD)

Love this CD. Music is great for children and adults as well. I enjoyed listening to it even without the grandkids around. Mellow and entertaining. One of my favorite children’s music CDs wonderful rhythm, lyrics and vocals. Let’s your imagination run with vivid imagery. Delightful. Love Frances England’s style.

“England has a truly original sound, marrying lo-fi indie rock with simple lyrics that speak to both preschoolers and young grade-schoolers.” — Real Simple magazine
SAN FRANCISCO – The long wait is over!  Award-winning, San Francisco-based family recording artist Frances England looks ahead with pride to the August 6 release of her greatly anticipated, fourth CD for kids and families, Blink of an Eye ($13.99, for ages 5 – 12, run time 28 minutes).

Showcasing eleven Frances England originals and produced by Grammy winner Dean Jones, Blink of an Eye features guest appearances by kindie music luminaries Elizabeth Mitchell, Caspar Babypants, Morgan Taylor (Gustafer Yellowgold), and Molly Ledford (Lunch Money). 

Frances England has a gift for capturing the wonders, simple pleasures, and beauty of childhood, and she frames her music in ways that both children and parents can appreciate.  In the vein of Simon & Garfunkel or Jack Johnson, the sparkly, acoustic pop songs on Blink of an Eye are both catchy and heartfelt, the kinds of songs that linger in your head long after listening.  Indeed, Blink of an Eye is imbued with a subtlety that encourages repeat listening.

As Frances England’s own kids have grown, her songs have followed suit.  Frances explains, “Blink of an Eye is very different from my other children’s albums.  My boys are growing up, and more and more, they are listening to their own music and deciding for themselves who they like.  Bruno Mars, Adam Levine, and Taylor Swift are suddenly played alongside Lunch Money and Caspar Babypants.  Blink of an Eye is geared for a slightly older audience than my previous albums and has a quiet pop sensibility about it that I hope both kids and parents will like.”

Want to keep up with all things Frances England? You can like her on Facebook.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to Frances England’s website and get ya a copy.

15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!)

15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!)    

Various Artists
Bossy Frog Productions
6 August 2013

These are the songs I remember from my early childhood. Love how these artists have put their own spin on these classics. Each is done in a wonderfully unique style. My favorite is “Shoofly” Cajun style. Would make an absolutely adorable gift for the kids in your life. Such an eclectic mix of music styles. I love this CD. Want to give a listen click on the Bossy Frog website link at end of review.

Award-winning children’s musician and certified music therapist Jeffrey Friedberg has invited some of today’s best performers of Cajun, bluegrass, rockabilly, jazz, Irish, roots, African, Cuban, soul, funk, and folk music to join him in putting together a collection of songs that every child should know.  15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!), the first in a projected series of “15 Songs” recordings from Friedberg’s Bossy Frog Productions, is set for release on August 6.

The fifteen classic children’s songs on 15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) form a body of work that seeks to preserve our heterogeneous culture, like an old-time potluck where people come together to show off their distinctive gifts and to relish the contributions of others. 

15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) takes off with the deep-rooted, soulful quality and compelling rhythmic energy of Adam Falcon’s rendition of “5 Green & Speckled Frogs.”  The durable American standard, “Shoo Fly,” gets a load of Cajun spice from The Upsouth Twisters, courtesy of some authentic harmonica and squeezebox accordion playing.  Steve Bernstein’s traditional New Orelans trumpet stylings layered over a “shuffling rhythm” from the bass and drums provide the perfect setting for Frankie D’s distinctive basso profundo on “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”  Other highlights include more Cajun sounds with Jon Pousette-Dart’s vocal and virtuoso guitar work on “Waltzing Matilda,” the classic country string band authenticity The Bossy Frog Band imparts to “Skip to My Lou” and “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” a Cuban-Styled “Old McDonald” featuring Mayra Casales (considered to be ont of the most gifted and versatile percussionists of her generation), and John Hart’s finger picking teamed up with Lynn Stein’s smooth country mezzo on “I’ve Been Working on the Railraod.”  Singer Big Jim Wheeler and honky-tonk piano virtuoso Kenny Margolis channel Jerry Lee Lewis with a rockabilly version of “If You’re Happy & You Know It.”  “Wheels on the Bus” is treated with some cool African drumming performed by Chiku Awai, joined by the Montessori Center of Nyack Kids.  A sweet bluegrass “Hush Little Baby,” enhanced by some tasty dobro playing, is offered by Alice Leon and Jonathan Gregg.  The album comes to a jazzy close with almost everyone joining in on “Froggie Went a Courtin’.”

Want to keep up with all things Jeffrey Friedberg and The Bossy Frog Band? You can like em on Facebook and follow em on Twitter.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to Bossy Frog’ Band’s website and get ya a copy of two.

Novica Mother’s Day $40 Gift Code Giveaway

 Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Have you found that extra special gift for your Mom? Novica sent me two $4o Gift Codes so I could check out their beautiful artisan crafted Mother’s Day gift ideas. I used one for myself and one of y’all will win the other one. If ya haven’t heard of Novica let me tell you a little about them. They are associated with National Geographic. This team finds…more

Shushybye Baby Complete Season 3 DVD Collection Giveaway

 In celebration of the new season of Shushybye, I am proud to let y’all know about the newest giveaway on Texas Kitchen. On Sunday, January 27, BabyFirst, America’s television destination for parent-child interactive entertainment will debut the new season of its popular music-centric series Shushybye Baby. (BabyFirst is available on DirecTV, Dish Network and Comcast.) I was…more

Novica $40 Gift Code Giveaway

I love to find unique gifts from all over the world. One of the best ways I have found to see thousands of ideas in the same place is Novica. Novica is associated with The National Geographic Society. I have shopped here many times. Sometimes it was hard to navigate through the massive selection. Novica received many e-mails regarding this issue and they listened. They sent me a gift code to test out their new easy to use gift finder. Wow what a difference. The Gift finder makes it super simple to find exactly what you are looking for. Navigation lets you search according to…more

Steve Songs Oranutan Van Children’s CD

Steve Songs of PBS Kids has a brand new kids CD available. I was sent a copy  so let’s check it out.

ORANGUTAN VAN

This is a really fun way to get your kiddos energized. Steve teaches while keeping the music pumping. Exercise, learning and fun abound in these catchy songs. Children learn they are important and have a place in society where they can succeed if they try. I think this is a great CD for uplifting your kids and keeping them entertained. Love that Steve shows that all of us are important no matter what sort of background we come from. My favorite song is MLK where he explains “We Are All In This Together”.
Orangutan Van —  the first new SteveSongs album of full-length songs in six years — continues the SteveSongs tradition of great melodies, catchy lyrics, and playful humor, all wrapped up into what WERS-FM’s The Playground called “a lovingly created concoction of fun and smart.”

“Smart” captures the essence of the respect shown to Steve’s work.  Steve Roslonek, who performs as SteveSongs, is committed to entertaining while educating, laughing while learning.

Steve explains, “Laughter is important, and a lot of the songs on Orangutan Van are really fun.  There’s a subtraction song about Dan, Stan, flanana flavored flan and an 11-seat orangutan van, and Silly Vanilli (from my album Marvelous Day) is back to explain why ‘A is for Silly.’  But as hilarious as many of these songs are, they’re imbued with lessons that I hope will resonate with kids, reinforcing similar messages that they hear from parents, teachers, or mentors.”

A highlight of Orangutan Van is “All In This Together (MLK),” with lyrics inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and music driven by the masterful rhythm section of Paul Kochanski and Sturgis Cunningham, Anand Nayak’s amazing, raw, wah-wah pedal guitar, and the sensational Matt Steckler on sax.  Special guest Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is heard on “Superhero You,” which talks about how kids can be heroes in small but super ways if they make a point of looking out for others.  “Soaring with Reading” features a cameo from Glen “Big Baby” Davis of the Boston Celtics/Orlando Magic, who helps motivate young listeners to G-O anywhere they want to go — through reading.

Since May 2008, Steve Roslonek, as “Mr. Steve,” has co-hosted the PBS KIDS preschool destination that features the popular shows Curious George, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, Dinosaur Train, Super WHY! and Martha Speaks.  Steve regularly makes appearances nationwide at PBS station events, and, along with other notable PBS KIDS characters, such as Hooper, he is a featured visitor at libraries across the country, encouraging kids to read through the JetBlue and PBS KIDS collaborative “Soar with Reading” program.

ORANGUTAN VAN TRACK LIST:
Recess Rocks
Superhero You
“A” is for Silly
Orangutan Van (and Banana Transit)
Brush, Brush, Brush
All In This Together (MLK)
Bubbles
Flat Stanley
Grumpy Boy
Soaring with Reading
Song Without a Rhyme
Our Tune
Someday I

Want to See Steve Live? Here’s the List

November 2012 – January 2013 SteveSongs Show Highlights:
Nov. 17         The Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA
Nov. 18         CPTV Benefit Shows, Hartford, CT
Dec. 1           Parker Damon Building, Acton, MA
Dec. 2           Leventhal-Sidman JCC, Newton, MA
Dec. 7 & 8    The Village Theatre, Canton, MI
Dec. 31         First Night, Middletown, CT
Jan.19           Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA
Jan. 21          Temple Emunah, Lexington, MA

Want to keep up with all things Steve Songs? You can like him on Facebook and follow em on Twitter.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to Steve’s website and get ya one of these CD’s Pre-orders will  be taken via Steve’s website — starting Thanksgiving week (next week)  with delivery  in mid-December, in time for Christmas.

Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project

Most children love calming music to sleep by.  I was sent Over the Moon:The Broadway Lullaby Project for review. This is a wonder 2 CD set that includes a beautiful full color book and an e-book. I love the music on the CDs. Calming and delightful. I think it is a wonderful way to introduce your children to theatre and the wonderful music of Broadway. Book is full of gorgeous illustrations. Would make a great gift.

Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project is both a timeless benefit effort and a uniquely compelling multimedia experience. The ambitious project—which incorporates a 2-CD, 26-song set; a lavishly illustrated hardcover book of 17 songs from the album; a corresponding e-book encompassing the entire collection; and a documentary film and web series —gathers many of contemporary musical theatre’s greatest composers and vocalists, as well as illustrators, all of whom have donated their talent to deliver an emotionally affecting set of new lullabies, many written specifically for this project.

Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project’s roster of world-class vocalists features some of Broadway’s most respected and popular performers and friends, including Anastasia Barzee, Stephanie Bast, Michael Cerveris, Walter Charles, Victoria Clark, Jed Cohen, Janet Dacal, Kate Dawson, Raul Esparza, Sutton Foster, Brian d’Arcy James, Kelli O’Hara, Marva Hicks, Dana Ivey, Nikki M. James, Luke Kolbe Mannikus, Marc Kudisch, Judy Kuhn, Rebecca Luker, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Christiane Noll, Laura Osnes, Anika Noni Rose, Caesar Samayoa, Will Swenson, and Vanessa Williams.

Meanwhile, the project’s book component also features a distinctive cover illustration by fabled cartoonist/playwright Jules Feiffer, along with a foreword written by stage and screen legend Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton. Among the award-winning illustrators lending their talents are Selina Alko, Lynne Avril, Paulette Bogan, Beowulf Boritt, Lauren Castillo, R. Gregory Christie, Seymour Chwast, Jane Dyer, Richard Egielski, Daniel Glucksman, Julia Gran, Ying-Hwa Hu, Genevieve LeRoy-Walton, Betsy Lewin, Anna Louizos, Victor Mays, Emily Arnold McCully, Wendell Minor, Barry Moser, Jon J Muth, Sean Qualls, Peter H. Reynolds, Marc Simont, Javaka Steptoe, Melissa Sweet, Cornelius Van Wright, Neil Waldman, Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, Tony Walton, Gary Zamchick, and Paul O. Zelinsky.

Want to keep up with all things Over the Moon:The Broadway Lullaby Project ? You can like em on Facebook and follow em on Twitter.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to Over the Moon:The Broadway Lullaby Project and get ya a set or two.

Olasonic TW-S7 USB Powered Speakers

I have a pretty descent computer, but the sound that comes from the monitor was never very good . Until now. The nice folks over at Olasonic sent over a set of their TW – S7 USB Powered Speakers for us to review. These speakers are amazing. By far the richest, clearest, high quality sound I have ever heard coming from a home PC. I am impressed. Olasonic has created what I consider the ultimate affordable speaker system. These guys added all the touches necessary to make these speakers rock.

What makes em special?

Amazing Sound

USB Powered + No electrical cord

Plug and Play

Compatible with PC and Mac

Uses direct transfer of digital audio signals over the USB interface to minimize added noise and distortion

Available in Brilliant White or Noble Black

A bit of info from the sponsor:

Robust bass reproduction is essential for heartfelt musical enjoyment. The compact form factor of the TW-S7 conceals a 60mm diameter long stroke speaker unit and jointly co-developed passive radiator positioned along the same axis. This passive radiator employs bass resonance to provide acoustic bass reinforcement.

For PC speakers, the listening point is generally 50cm closer than in a standard listening environment. For such near field listening, a sharp sound point is particularly important. The low diffraction, elliptical shape of the TW-S7 provides an ideal point source that faithfully reproduces the position and depth of musical instruments. Additionally, a diffuser employed along the front axis improves orientation by scattering high-range sounds to achieve reproduction of a sharp position and clear sound field.

High-quality silicone insulator stands not only absorb base vibration, they also allow for fine-tuning of the angle of orientation to ensure an ideal stereo listening environment.

Why are they egg shaped?

The TW-S7 employs an acoustically ideal elliptical cabinet design that not only provides greater strength than a box-shaped speaker of the same size but also eliminates standing waves and “box-ring”. By eliminating the need for insulation, the TW-S7 achieves higher efficiency through greater effective use of space.

Want to keep up with all things Olasonic? You can like em on Facebook.

Ready to buy?  Head on over to Olasonic and get ya some of these awesome speakers.

A Toy Garden $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

A Toy Garden let me choose a toy for review on Texas Kitchen. I looked through their wide variety of toys for quite awhile before I decided.  I decided to get a ThumbDrum so I can teach the grand-kids how to play. Music has been an important part of life for generations.  ThumbDrum is a wonderful way to play with and teach the young ones in your life a little culture and history. All the while giving you the oppurtunity to spend time together. Very Well made, and suitable for children and adults as well. ThumbDrum has several optional songbooks available as well. Easily played using the numbers 1 – 8 anyone can…more