#Children's #CD #Review: U R Some 1

By now, I suppose some of my readers are familiar with Recess Music. Recess Music is a company dedicated to helping kids value a world that's wise, fair, and generous hearted. This isn't the first time I've done a review for their music. I love their morals an values and think they do a great job encouraging kids. They are now coming out with their second CD in its "Best Foot Forward" series of CDs, yup, today! So check it out.

Children's CD and Review: Rocknoceros -Colonel Purple Turtle

Rocknoceros, a trio from Northern Virginia, are about to release their 4th studio CD and first ever kid-friendly concept album, "Colonel Purple Turtle". Available September 13th, this music and its accompanying book will promote camaraderie, friendship and lifelong bonds.

Children's CD Review: Wild Child -4th CD in "Celebrate Earth" Series

Recess Music and their earth friendly music are about to release their 4th CD in its award-winning series of "Celebrate Earth" music. Available August 16th, I'm about to offer you a sneak peek into the world of Wild Child, a composition containing a variety of today's great kids musicians.

Children's CD and DVD Review: The Dirty Sock Funtime Band

So, I've definitely had my share of exposure to dirty socks but this was the first time I was exposed to the Dirty Sock Funtime Band. This band is an outgrowth of Kids Creative, which is an incredibly successful New York City after-school program in which schoolchildren can write and perform original rock and roll musicals. The band was writing music for the Kids Creative classes and parents were so impressed that they encouraged the Dirty Sock Funtime Band to release their music to the world.  I am ecstatic they did and so will you. 

Children's CD Review: Hope Harris in Cousins Jamboree

With the unfortunate blogger down-time and loss of some of my posts, I'm afraid I have to start from scratch and do some reposts which puts my schedule slightly behind. Nevertheless, keep your eyes peeled, some great reviews and giveaways are on their way!

Hope Harris, graduate of University of Virginia and Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre, has performed both on and off broadway in NYC, various productions across the country and stints at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe. She's most well known for her role as "Baker Bobbie" in the Chocolate Chip Chamber Music Series in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY. Her newest children's music album, Cousins Jamboree, has already won the 2011 Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award.

Children's CD Review: 'Flying!' with Recess Monkey

I love the cover of this CD, its so cute but still definitely cool with its super-hero feel! 'Flying' is Recess Monkey's seventh studio CD for children ages 3-8, with a run time of 47 minutes. The three inspirations behind Recess Monkey are elementary school teachers (Jack Forman, Daron Henry and Drew Holloway) who met while working at the same Seattle school and brought their real life children's experiences into musical compilations. 



While ditching their day jobs, they transformed into Super Cheese (Drew Holloway), Professor Pinstripe (Daron Henry) and Mustachio (Jack Forman) to create this super CD, made just for the little super heroes in our lives. While listening to this CD, I found myself tapping my feet along with the first song and bopping to the following tunes. Definitely catchy and down to earth, it makes you imagine what its like to be a superhero on the playground and picks your mood up, even if you were happy to begin with.  What kid doesn't love superheroes?! No matter the generation, we always love our superhero movies and wished that we could be a superhero ourselves. So, this CD caters so well to that genre that I'm sure kids will love it!


Recess Monkey's last CD, 'The Final Funktier' was on the "Best of 2010" lists by amazon.com, Parents Magazine, The Washington Post, Time Out NY Kids, and so many more and I can't imagine why not, this CD was absolutely awesome! To be released June 21, I am so glad I was able to get my hands on it to review it first. I absolutely love it and think its something that fans of Recess Monkey should look forward to. 


If you'd like to see them before the release of their new CD, check them out at their 2 CD release "Sneak Preview" shows in NYC.
APRIL 30 – BROOKLYN CENTRAL LIBRARY
MAY 1 – 92YTRIBECA


Visit Recess Monkey.

Buy It: Flying can be purchased for $14.99 from Amazon.com, CDbaby.com, and recessmonkey.com, bigkids.com, theAVcafe.com, and iTunes June 21, 2011.
Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been provided free of charge from the manufacturer or PR firm for the purposes of this review. Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure.

Until next time,

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Daddy A Go Go -Grandkid Rock Childrens' CD Review

Former CNN producer John Boydston gave up his job long ago to become a stay-at-home dad and leading advocate for kids rock and roll music and are we glad he did! John Boydston's, aka Daddy a Go Go, newest CD is called "Grandkid Rock" and is comprised of 16 of his all-time best tracks from his 7 previous albums, many of which have won awards in the past. Five of his past CDs have actually made Amazon.com's "Best of the year" critics' list. He started out in 1998 when his sons were ages 3 and 5 and now his sons are teenagers and helping out in the band! Talk about being family oriented! The  tracks on "Grandkid Rock" are suggested for children ages 3-10 and have a total runtime of 40 minutes.

Its not your typical children's tunes as it has a feel of classic rock and yes, in my humble opinion, a slightly country feel in some of the songs. However, I do love the guitar music in this and I can see parents that are fans of classic 60's rock loving it just as well. LOL, my parents always told me I loved rock music as a kid and I was the crazy little kid that always danced and sang as much as I could when I heard my favorite songs and I tell you, this would probably be on my list of favs as well. :)


Filled with humor and rhymes, I'm sure everyone in the family will enjoy singing along and dancing to this one! Go give Daddy a Go Go a visit and listen to his samples online and you'll see what I mean!

Visit Daddy a Go Go.


Buy It: Grandkid Rock can be purchased for $11.99 from Amazon.com, CDbaby.com, and daddyagogo.com, iTunes and specialty toy and bookstores April 19, 2011.

Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been provided free of charge from the manufacturer or PR firm for the purposes of this review. Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure.

Until next time,

Like what you see? Follow me on GFC and twitter (@CinnyBBS) to get the latest updates. Like us on facebook or join us through Network Blogs. Leave me a comment if you'd like me to follow back on any of these.

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights -What A Zoo Children's CD Review

Joanie Leeds and her band the Nightlights brings to us a new, animal-filled CD in the form of "What a Zoo!", set for release on April 12.  It contains 14 tracks with a runtime of 37 minutes jam packed with fun critters, creatures and lyrics for kids aged 2-9. Each song is filled with boundless energy and elicits your imagination.

Joanie has won various awards for her childrens' music such as the Parents' Choice Gold Award, NAPPA Honors Award, 3 TELLY Awards for City Kid Live DVD, John Lennon Songwriting Contest Finalist and USA Songwriting Competition Finalist. Joanie started her music career as a child, when she belted out "Tomorrow" after grabbing the party performer's microphone! This was the modest beginnings of a girl that is now known by Time Out NY Kids as "one of the best at-home sing-along entertainers for kids".

I'd have to agree with that last line. I found a little insert with the song lyrics so that children can sing along and even learn. What better way to learn how many legs various animals have than through the song All the Animals? Tofurky!? I never even knew those existed! Or what about Big Blue Whales? Did you know they were the bigger than 25 elephants? or 3 school busses? Filled with amusing information and inspiration to belt out the lyrics at the top of your lungs, "What a Zoo" is so justly named! I simply love it, even at my age...I can't imagine my nephews not enjoying it either!


See Joanie on tour:
April 3  -Dave & Mary Alper JCC -Miami, FL
April 10 -JCC Manhattan      CD RELEASE SHOW! -New York, NY
April 16  -Brooklyn Children’s Museum   CD RELEASE SHOW!  -Brooklyn, NY
April 19 -Children’s Museum of Manhattan  -New York, NY
April 23 -Off Broadway -St. Louis, MO
May 15 -92Y Tribeca  -New York, NY

Visit Joanie.


Buy It: What a Zoo can be purchased for $15 from Amazon.com, CDbaby.com, and citykidmusic.com and specialty toy and bookstores April 12, 2011.

Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been provided free of charge from the manufacturer or PR firm for the purposes of this review. Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure.

Until next time,

Like what you see? Follow me on GFC and twitter (@CinnyBBS) to get the latest updates. Like us on facebook or join us through Network Blogs. Leave me a comment if you'd like me to follow back on any of these.

Billy Kelly -The Family Garden Children's CD Review

Billy Kelly is a singer/songwriter/performer/animator/illustrator/entertainer/guy from Pennsylvania...well, that was a mouthful! All you really need to know is that he has come out with numerous children's music CD's including "Thank you for Joining the Happy Club" (2009) and "Is this some kind of Joke" (2010) that have landed in the Best of 2009 lists and Top 10 albums of 2010 on the children's review music blog Zoogobble.

Set for release on April 5 is Billy's newest album "The Family Garden", a CD featuring 16 tracks with a runtime of 37 minutes recommended for children ages 2 and up. His band The Blahblahblahs (love the name, by the way), his children and him recorded this CD live in the music studio with minimal overdubs and would you take a listen at the fun and goofy songs that resulted?! It may be crazy, it may be confusing at times, but in the end, its just a lot of fun and craziness! I think my favorite song on the whole album was Scootdootdoodlydoo...hehe, even the song name is full of spunk!


Not to mention, I think I spent more time admiring all the artwork on the cover and insides of the album than the time needed to listen to the whole disc! Love the cartoons and reading all the little blurps and I think kids beginning to read may enjoy it just as much!


See Billy and The Blahblahblahs on tour:
February 19 – Symphony Space, NYC
February 20 – Café Nola, Frederick, MD
March 5 – Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Pittsburgh, PA
March 26 – Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA
May 14 – World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA
May 22 – 92YTribeca, NYC


Visit Billy.


Buy It: The Family Garden can be purchased for $12 from Amazon.com, CDbaby.com, and thebillykellyshow.com April 05, 2011.

Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been provided free of charge from the manufacturer or PR firm for the purposes of this review. Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure.

Until next time,

Like what you see? Follow me on GFC and twitter (@CinnyBBS) to get the latest updates. Like us on facebook or join us through Network Blogs. Leave me a comment if you'd like me to follow back on any of these.

Shabbat Shaboom Children's Music Review

Have you heard of Mama Doni? She's a mom, music teacher, songwriter and lead singer in the Mama Doni Band. They've been performing over 250 shows since 2008 throughout the USA and they've been seen on on FOX-TV's Good Day New York, NBC's Weekend Today New York, Shalow TV and E Channel's The Soup.

Her music is a fusion of reggae, rock, disco, Latin, klezmer and "Jewgrass" that introduces Jewish music in a fun and interesting way to children of all backgrounds. This CD that I was sent to review is a "Challah Day" album titled "Shabbat Shaboom" and it is filled with fun and funky music that I've never experienced before. I'll admit this is the first Jewish music I've ever heard and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was all so funky and happy. I think its a great way to introduce children to the Jewish culture and the Yiddish language. I know it opened up my eyes!


Shabbat Shaboom is a CD for all ages, with a runtime of 42 minutes and 21 tracks, its sure to keep the kids singing and dancing!


Very impressive! If you'd like to see them live, check out heir schedule for the next few months below:
February 20                Congregation Emanu El                                               Houston, TX
March 5                       Congregation Beth Or                                                  Maple Glen, PA
March 6                       Young Limmud Philly/Gershman YMHA                 Philadelphia, PA
March 20                     Museum of Jewish Heritage                                        New York, NY
April 3                          Congregation Keneseth Israel                                    Elkins Park, PA
April 22                        Friedberg JCC/Mid-Island YJCC                                 Oceanside, NY
May 10                         Weinstein JCC                                                              Richmond, VA
May 11                         Simon JCC                                                                    Virginia Beach, VA


Visit Mama Doni.


Buy It: Shabbat Shaboom can be purchased for $15 from CDbaby.com, MamaDoni.com and Itunes March, 2011.


Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been provided free of charge from the manufacturer or PR firm for the purposes of this review. Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure.

Until next time,

Like what you see? Follow me on GFC and twitter (@CinnyBBS) to get the latest updates. Like us on facebook or join us through Network Blogs. Leave me a comment if you'd like me to follow back on any of these.

Jamie Broza's "I want a Dog!" Kids CD Review & Giveaway

CLOSED

Have you heard of Jamie Broza?? He's the four-time winning composer/performer and he just came out with a new children's CD, called "I want a Dog!" It features Israeli superstar David Broza and its his first new children's album in five years. That's not all about Jamie Broza...if you don't know him as Jamie Broza, you may recognize his alter-ego, Jamie Lawrence, the name under which he does music for adults and various music stints writing music scores for the Berenstain Bears (I used to love the Berenstain Bears!), films for CBS, NBC, PBS, HBO and the Discovery Channel)

So, who doesn't want a dog!?! Virtually all kids do and even I did as a child. This album title and fun graphical elements were attractive to me even before I listened to the album! Although the CD title was "I want a Dog!", this CD was definitely not all dog. It had a great variety of songs and I think one of my favorite on the album is "New School".  It even has a Spanish lesson within the song "Guatemala" if you want to start your kids off early with learning a little bit of a new language.


This album actually came about as a result of Jamie's family dog, Dusty, who they adopted from the North Shore Animal League America so 20% of the profits from this CD will go towards North Animal League America. What a great cause! Let me tell you, my baby was adopted and although I've gone through a lot with her already (Imagine this, 4 surgeries and she's only 6.5 months old!!), I don't regret a second of it. I think my adoption of her was one of the best things I've ever done in my life.  Jamie hopes that this CD will encourage others to adopt rescue animals and I fully support this cause. My puppy is absolutely beautiful and thriving much better now than she would've at the domestically violent home she was born into. This gives her a chance at life that she deserves, as do all the other dogs at shelters and adoption centers. If you are considering getting a dog, consider adoption...it changes both your lives and it has been nothing but great since I've adopted her and she is such a vital part of my life that I wouldn't change anything. :)


Anyhow, back to the album... its 41 minutes of fun for kids aged 3-7. A great addition of fun and learning to that childrens' CD library. For more information on Jamie, checkout his website.

Buy It: Jamie Broza's "I Want a Dog!" CD ($12.99US) will be released March 15, 2011.

Win It: One very lucky Whirlwind of Surprises reader is going to win a Jamie Broza's "I Want a Dog" CD set before the official release!

To Enter (MANDATORY): This must be entered as ONE entry before the bonus entries count! I will check. PLEASE Leave a contact email in your entries if it is not found in your profile, if I can't contact you, you can't win. :)

1) Follow Whirlwind of Surprises on Google Friends Connect 

Bonus Entries -Please make sure you put 1 comment for each entry. e.g. If it says 2 entries, put 2 comments.

• Like Whirlwind of Surprises on facebook. Please leave your first name and last initial-1 entry
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post. Please leave your link. -2 entries.
• Grab my button and tell me where its at -2 entries
• Enter any of my other giveaways -1 entry
• Follow Whirlwind of Surprises on Networked Blogs -1 entry
• Follow Whirlwind of Surprises on Twitter and ReTweet this: RT @cinnybbs #Win 4-time Emmy Winning Jamie Broza's "I want a Dog" #Kids CD from #WOS http://bit.ly/eV4YB3 US/CAN. Ends 02/19. #giveaway
• (can be Tweeted up to 3x daily for extra 2 entries each time. Each tweet must be 2 hours apart. Leave your tweet link)
• Subscribe to Whirlwind of Surprises via email. -2 entries

Giveaway ends 11:59 pm EST on February 19, 2011. Open to US and Canada. Winner will be drawn by a random number generator, posted on this blog and emailed. Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been provided free of charge from the manufacturer or PR company for the purposes of this review. Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure.

Until next time,

Like what you see? Follow me on GFC and twitter (@CinnyBBS) to get the latest updates. Like us on facebook or join us through Network Blogs. Leave me a comment if you'd like me to follow back on any of these.

Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock DVD/CD Review & Giveaway

CLOSED

Okay, to be totally honest, although this is the fourth in the award winning series of Gustafer Yellowgold DVD/CD sets, I had never heard of Gustafer Yellowgold before and I thought, "Wow, what a funny looking character!" But this is an award-winning series that has won massive praise from various media sources such as The New York Times, Parenting, Newsweek, and so on...so I couldn't help but to be curious who this interesting yellow character was. I'm sure most of the mommies and daddies out there probably know who he is and guess what, the world premier engagement of Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock will take place at the DR2 Theatre (103 E. 15th St, NYC) with Saturday performances at 11AM and 1PM from Feb 26 -April 2, 2011 before the show's national tour. If you're already fans or if you're not, you're about to be...so go and check that out with your kids! Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for kids under 12. 


Created by illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor, Gustafer Yellowgold is the yellow, cone-headed main character who's come to the Earth from the Sun with a pet eel named Slimothy and a best friend who just happens to be a pterodactyl named Forrest Applecrumbie. In this particular DVD, they are settling into his new Minnesota woodland home with songs like "A Sock Runs Through it", "Slim Gets In 'Em", "Wisconsin Poncho". Its pretty neat since its a musical moving storybook so it'd be great to keep the kids interested and it has karaoke titles for the little ones that are learning to read and for those who want to join in and sing. And if you want to take Gustafer Yellowgold on a road trip, there's the accompanying CD that has all the songs in it as well.  


Personally, I enjoyed this DVD/CD combo, I actually listened to the CD first and was through the whole thing before I realized it. Its different from other kids music I've heard so far because it does not sound like kid music. It is very suited for kids but amazingly, I believe parents and grandparents may enjoy the songs as well. I think its the way the melodies are set up...its not too too kiddish. Believe me, these tunes will grow on you as well. 

There are even bonuses in the DVD including Gustafer Guitar Lessons and How to Draw Gustafer with Morgan Taylor so this is extra engaging for the kids and could definitely make for some well spent family time. Overall, this is a great DVD/CD combo and I think it brings not only enjoyment but a thought-provoking experience for children of all ages. This DVD/CD is recommended for ages 4 and up and lasts about 90 minutes in total.


Buy It: Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock DVD/CD sets ($19.99US) will be released March 1, 2011.

Win It: One very lucky Whirlwind of Surprises reader is going to win a Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock DVD/CD set before the official release!

To Enter (MANDATORY): This must be entered as ONE entry before the bonus entries count! I will check. PLEASE Leave a contact email in your entries if it is not found in your profile, if I can't contact you, you can't win. :)

1) Follow Whirlwind of Surprises on Google Friends Connect 

Bonus Entries -Please make sure you put 1 comment for each entry. e.g. If it says 2 entries, put 2 comments.

• Like Whirlwind of Surprises on facebook. Please leave your first name and last initial-1 entry
• Like Gustafer Yellowgold on facebook -1 entry 
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post. Please leave your link. -2 entries.
• Grab my button and tell me where its at -2 entries
• Enter any of my other giveaways -1 entry
• Follow Whirlwind of Surprises on Networked Blogs -1 entry
• Follow Gustafer Yellowgold on Twitter
• Follow Whirlwind of Surprises on Twitter and ReTweet this: RT @cinnybbs @Gustafer #Win a Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock DVD/CD Set from #WOS http://bit.ly/hCTXjk US/CAN. Ends 02/11. #giveaway
• (can be Tweeted up to 3x daily for extra 2 entries each time. Each tweet must be 2 hours apart. Leave your tweet link)
• Subscribe to Whirlwind of Surprises via email. -2 entries

Giveaway ends 11:59 pm EST on February 11, 2010. Open to US and Canada. Winner will be drawn by a random number generator, posted on this blog and emailed. Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been provided free of charge from the manufacturer or PR company for the purposes of this review. Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure.

Until next time,

Like what you see? Follow me on GFC and twitter (@CinnyBBS) to get the latest updates. Like us on facebook or join us through Network Blogs. Leave me a comment if you'd like me to follow back on any of these.