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Free Kids Music Web Site: Boopadoo!

  

Music Views

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Marla Lewis Loves to Talk to Plants!

Posted by: PKelly on Oct 02, 2007
Music Views 




Marla Lewis
I Love to Talk to Plants


When I reviewed Marla Lewis’ first CD, “We All Laugh in the Same Language,” in April of 2005 for Walking Oliver I said the following,

“It has all the necessary elements to make a great children’s music album: lyrics that speak eloquently and entertainingly combined with melodies that are memorable and singable.”


This more than holds true for I Love to Talk to Plants, Marla’s terrific new CD release on PlumJuice Records.

Beginning with the wonderfully infectious In My Pocket, Marla’s pop sensibilities are in fine form and kids would have to be pretty jaded indeed not to find themselves moving their bodies and singing along. I might even say the same for their parents!

Following the winning formula of her first CD, Marla mixes the styles with Billy Joel-esque pop sitting very comfortably next to–––



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The Roof-less Interrogator chats with Jeanie B.––the head Jelly Bean!

Posted by: PKelly on Dec 01, 2006
Roof-less Interrogator 



Click here to buy the new Jeanie B. CD!

It's December and it's chilly outside. No snow here in the south of England, though. And since I can't be out schussing downhill on my new Bone-i-fied Snowboard I've decided instead to talk to the beautiful and vivacious Jeanie B.–– she of the wonderful Jelly Beans. I therefore present, forthwith or withforth or frithwoth, the following interview. I hope you enjoy it. (wrothfrith??)

RI:Hello there, Jeanie B.! Let’s get the important stuff out of the way first––3 questions!
a) If you pamper a cow, will you get spoiled milk?


JB:No, but you will need to change the Pampers many times a day! (do you use that brand of diapers in the UK?)



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Great new CD from "Jeanie B. and The Jelly Beans"

Posted by: PKelly on Nov 12, 2006
Music Views 




Reviewed by Paul Austin Kelly


Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans latest CD, “Mommy Knows Best,” is a wonderful blend of countrified songs featuring the truly beautiful and expressive voice of Jeanie B., as well as the very capable band that backs her.

When I say that these songs are countrified I mean that in the contemporary sense––this is country music in the way Lucinda Williams, for instance, is country music. It’s a mix of styles from traditional country and country swing to blues and pop and even a gentle go at some rap. Never heavy, never crude, though. And always very musical. Not a condescending moment, musically speaking, on this CD––if you didn’t listen to the lyrics you wouldn’t know it was aimed at kids. That’s rule number 1 here at. . . (more)



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Check out Operakids website!

Posted by: PKelly on May 25, 2006
Music Views 


For the last 15 years, thousands of students along the eastern seaboard have enjoyed an innovative musical program, SO THIS IS OPERA. Lyric soprano and music educator Yvette Lewis has developed this unique, multifaceted program to introduce young audiences to the world of opera. Each component of SO THIS IS OPERA has been carefully crafted to enhance the operatic learning experience of your students.


OperaKids


The program features operatic arias, storytelling and audience participation. It is accompanied by a teacher guide that includes interdisciplinary and interrelated teaching strategies designed to enhance your student's appreciation and understanding of opera. Students learn the technical and artistic elements of opera.








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Songwriting Tip No.6––Writing Songs for Children

Posted by: PKelly on Jun 22, 2005
Music Views 


Songwriting Tip No. 6
Writing Children’s Songs––After receiving much mail requesting advice on writing music for kids I’m caving in and writing a separate group of tips just on this subject alone.

I’m going to offer some general advice on writing songs for children to start off with. This is because I’m currently involved in a project writing children's songs for a publisher that markets to the schools, so a lot of this information is very fresh in my mind.

Here we go––

When writing songs for kids assume that the kids are going to want to learn the song and sing along. Therefore:

1) Whenever possible keeps the scansion (the analysis of verse into metrical patterns) consistent throughout. For instance,



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