CHANGE is in the air, with presidential hopefuls promising it everywhere they turn. Kids’ musicians are getting in on it, too, with a jazzman going green, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers going young, hip-hop legends heading back in time, and a familiar favorite trying out a foreign language. Here are the latest platters that matter.
HAYES GREENFIELD, “Music for a Green Planet”
Hayes Greenfield, the creator of children’s jazz album “Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz,” has crafted one of the most authentic jazz albums for kids to date. Boasting eco-friendly packaging made of recycled paper and biodegradable inks, the theme of “Music for a Green Planet” is obvious. What really sets it apart is the music itself.
With tons of percussion and varied instrumentation, what you’re getting actually sounds like jazz. It’s not watered down in any way, but is legitimate jazz music! Plus there’s the occasional foray into other territories, as on “Greenable Rap” (self-explanatory).
If you’re sick of pseudo-jazz meanderings but don’t want your kid’s mind to be blown by Miles and Coltrane just yet, you can’t go wrong with “Music for a Green Planet.”
THE DINO-5, “Baby Loves Hip-Hop”
It’s hard for hip-hop-loving parents to share their enthusiasm with their kids. But now the legendary Prince Paul (producer of De La Soul’s classic “3 Feet High and Rising”) has teamed up with other hip-hoppers to create a long-overdue children’s opus.
Narrated by poet Ursula Rucker, the album tells the story of the most old-school rappers of all: the Dino-5. The deep baritone of MC T-Rex (Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na) is enough to make you believe he really is a dinosaur, while the smooth delivery of Tracy Triceratops (Lady Bug Mecca of Digable Planets) glides over Prince Paul’s groovy beats. Rounding it out are Billy Brontosaurus (Brooklyn MC Wordsworth) and Teo Pterodactyl (the human beatbox/turntablist Scratch, formerly of the Roots).
It’s hard to pick a highlight, but if the prehistoric battle rap of “That’s Funny” doesn’t make you chuckle, you should hand in your humanity license immediately.
JERSEY BABYS, “The Music of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons for Kids”
The Four Seasons, popular once again thanks to Broadway’s “Jersey Boys,” are targeting younger ears. Bob Gaudio, chief songwriter of the ’60s group, was persuaded to make kiddie versions of tunes such as “Rag Doll” and “Sherry” for his daughter’s own children to enjoy.
The album is made up of pleasant instrumentals using keyboard, synth, flute and xylophone sounds that would probably be ideal for younger children to relax to but won’t grate on parents. I enjoyed the new versions more after hearing the originals first. You might want to use this album as a supplement to the real recordings for more variety.
RALPH’S WORLD, “The Rhyming
Circus”
Ralph Covert is back with more of Ralph’s World, his own brand of indie rock for kids. “Rhyming Circus” is a playful and fun album for young rockers and hipsters, best exemplified by the sly vibes of “Bad Bug Ball” and the catchiness of “Do the Math.”
There’s also the hilarious “Folsom Daycare Blues,” a version of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” that any kid could relate to.
DAN ZANES, “Nueva York”
The unstoppable juggernaut of children’s music that is Dan Zanes continues its journey with his first all-Spanish album. It’s pretty much your standard Dan Zanes affair seen through the lens of Latin America, with exotic instrumentation and Spanish vocals. Guest musicians are in full force, from the wonderful vocals of Bernardo Palombo and Sonia De Los Santos on “Tambora De Los Morenos” to the Rubi Theater Company’s call and response on “El Canario.”
You won’t need a passport for some authentic and inspired Latin American music for all ages. Look no further than “Nueva York.”
Make room for daddy
YOU wowed us for Mother’s Day – now let’s give some props to pops. Just in time for Father’s Day, we’d like to hear from Post readers, especially those under 18, who can tell us exactly why (examples, please) their dads rule. Write us at My Dad/Pulse, New York Post, 1211 Sixth Ave., New York, NY, 10036, or e-mail us at mydad@nypost
.com. Please include your age, town and phone number, so we can check back with you. We’ll run our favorites, along with some photos, next Saturday.