Pick of the Day: Ozomatli Presents OzoKids (CD)

SLJ — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:57:17 +0000

Ozomatli Presents OzoKids. CD. approx. 37 min. Hornblow Group/Megaforce Records. 2012. ISBN unavail. $11.98.
PreS-Gr 3–The Grammy award-winning Los Angeles-based Latin fusion group, Ozomatli, continues to defy being pigeon-holed. Never afraid to try new things, they accepted a challenge from PBS television to shed gang-violence and explicit lyrics and record several education-focused songs. Their new album is aimed at youngsters yet maintains a gritty, urban edge that should have wide appeal. Fusing Latino, hip-hop, reggae, techno pop, and rock, these 14 original tunes will teach youngsters and please grownups, too. The sophisticated and engaging arrangements feature a wide variety of musical styles and instrumentation. “Trees” explains what’s necessary for a tree to grow. “Germs” talks about good and bad germs. “Exercise” espouses its importance and various forms. “Water” lists the many forms it takes. “Pirana” encourages facing fears. Among the catchy numbers are “Moose on the Loose” (a techno rap), “Balloon Fest” (a cha-cha), “Like It’s Your Birthday,” “Let’s Go to the Movies” (features a strong percussion beat), “Spelling” (a fusion-infused spelling lesson), and “Changito” (a high-octane song sure to get kids up and moving). Rock on, Ozo!–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Pick of the Day: Blues in All Flavors (CD)

SLJ — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:30:20 +0000

Blues in All Flavors. CD. 42 min. with booklet. Prod. by Hot Toddy Music. Dist. by NewSound Kids. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.98.
PreS-Gr 4–Blues singer Gaye Adegbalola presents an amazing collection of 13 songs on her first CD for children. Each of the songs is sung in a musical style and flavor of the blues, including jump blues with boogie-woogie, doo-wop, Chicago blues with stop time, and reggae rhythm. The songs’ topics range from getting outside in the sunshine and dancing to saying please, recycling, bullying, and the importance of kindness. The lively tunes combined with Adegbalola’s rich, soulful voice will have listeners singing along, moving, and dancing. The accompanying booklet includes the lyrics as well as a learning activity for each song, such as discussion questions, instructions for making a family tree, movement suggestions, and more. This delightful, entertaining album deserves a place in every collection.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library District, IL

School Library Journal» reggae

Pick of the Day: Ozomatli Presents OzoKids (CD)

Pick of the Day: Blues in All Flavors (CD)