Back to Basics: Ella Jenkins' '123s and ABCs' from Smithsonian Folkways -- Available on 1/28 -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was sent a review sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

C is for caring... and I care a lot about you."
Smithsonian Folkways distills the genius of America's 'First Lady of Children's Music:'
Ella Jenkins: 123s and ABCs
available January 28th

"Ella Jenkins: 123s and ABCs (out Jan. 28, 2014) distills the genius of America’s “First Lady of Children’s Music” into 16 tracks teaching counting and the alphabet in multiple languages. Ella’s joyful engagement, delight in music and game-playing, and deep respect for children of all backgrounds—all make this a classic recording for and with young children. This is Ella’s 34th album for Smithsonian Folkways, spanning an amazing 56 years. Now in her ninth decade, Ella continues to provide a rare model of the music that best suits the lives and learning styles of young children. Her irresistible songs—performed at preschools, schools, camps, and community institutions as well as on radio, television, concerts, and at teachers’ conferences—draw on a long history of children’s game songs coupled with her own genius as a composer and music educator. 123s and ABCs features songs in four languages (English, Spanish, Swahili, and Yiddish) and includes classics such as “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” and “This Old Man.” The new CD ($11.98 SRP) will be available in stores, digital music outlets and from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings." ----- More About Ella Jenkins "Chicago-based Ella Jenkins has received many awards over her long career, including a 2004 GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005, ‘cELLAbration,’ an album of Ella’s songs performed by Sweet Honey In The Rock, Riders in the Sky, Tom Paxton, Cathy & Marcy, Pete Seeger, Tom Chapin, and others won the 2005 GRAMMY for best children’s album. In 2013, Ella kicked off the Lollapalooza festival kid’s stage. She was the first woman and first children’s musician to receive the ASCAP Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 and in 2009 earned a United States Artistsaward. She is one of the first African American women to have a TV show, when in the 1950s she hosted “The Totem Club,” a weekly children’s program broadcast in Chicago. Her “Me Too Series” films were featured numerous times on “Sesame Street,” and she has also appeared on “Barney and Friends” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Her 1966 album ‘You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song’ is the best-selling title in the history of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and is part of the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. Parents and educators continue to rely on Ella's inviting style to lead sing-alongs with children. She has won multiple awards from Parents' Choice, the National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) and the American Library Association. Parenting magazine has said that Jenkins’ “simple but irresistible songs, poems, and mini-language lessons... reflect the beauty of diverse cultures.” Family music star Dan Zanes also said, “Ella Jenkins is a constant source of inspiration and a bottomless well of songs, ideas, and spirit. She is by far the most  worldly performer that children’s music has ever known.” ---- My Thoughts: Last year around this time I shared a review of "Get Moving" a CD by Ella Jenkins that had released, and shared how this 15-track CD really did my girls off the couch and moving and grooving around to familiar classics like “London Bridge Is Falling Down” and “Who Fed the Chickens?”.  If you missed my review, or want to learn more about this CD, click here now to read my review -- http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2013/01/keep-kids-active-this-winter-get-moving.html.  Since receiving this CD last year, I have since picked up a handle of Ella Jenkins' (AKA "The First Lady of Children's Music.) other CDs to share with the girls.  These CD sure did come in handy over the summer on long car rides, and most recently during the cold weather stint we had, where the girls had to stay indoors.   You can only imagine how excited we were when I opened up an envelope the other day and saw the new Ella Jenkins: 123s and ABCs CD.  With the craziness of the holidays and recent colds that went through the house, I totally forgot that she was releasing another CD.  But, it sure did make for a fun afternoon of counting and reciting the alphabet.  :-)   While Savannah already knows her ABCs and can count to 20, Arabella is just starting to pick up on it, and this CD really helped to teach her the correct alphabet sequence, as well as words that begin with each letter.  It only took a few times of listening to before the girls were both saying their ABCs and counting 123. How could Bella pick up the ABCs so quickly? Well, if you are not familiar with Ella Jenkins, just one listen and you will see why.  She has an amazing ability to connect with children of all ages, while teaching things like ABCs and 123s through rhymes, games, songs and more.  And, through repetition and asking kids to fill the blanks on the songs, she keeps little ones engaged and eager to shout out the correct responses.   Both of my girls couldn't stop smiling as we listened to all 16 tracks of this upcoming CD release.  When my husband came home the other night the girls couldn't wait to show how they learned how to count in Spanish.  My husband is from El Salvador and speaks Spanish.  He has been trying to read to the girls and teach them basic counting and words in Spanish.  But, either he catches the girls when they just want to play or are tired -- so, they never really stop to retain what he is saying, or try to practice the correction pronunciation of Spanish words.  As he sat on the couch, I put the CD on and the girls wowed him as they counted in Spanish.  He was truly a proud Daddy, and couldn't wait to scoop the girls up and give them a great big hug and tell them how proud he was.  Now, whenever he gets home from work, or we are going for a car ride, Ella Jenkins' upcoming CD "123s and ABCs" comes with us, and we all sing along.   I never expected my girls to be able to say their ABCs and count in Spanish like they, let alone Swahili and Yiddish.  But, thanks to this new Ella Jenkins CD from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, they are having fun, while learning -- which as a parent, I LOVE!  If you love educational children's music, or are a fan of Ella Jenkins, then you will want to make a point to pick up her new CD when it hits store shelves on Jan. 28th.  In no time at all, your little ones will be saying their ABCs and counting 123s, with the help of Ella Jenkins, as they ask you to hit the repeat button on the CD player. :-) --GIVEAWAY-- Thanks to the folks at the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and Ella Jenkins, one lucky reader will win a copy of this fun children's CD to enjoy with their child(ren).  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I was sent a review sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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A Rare Holiday Recording from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings -- "The Sounding Joy" on CD (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

 

Elizabeth Mitchell and Friends present an exploration of Christmas and winter solstice songs from the American folk tradition on this rare holiday recording from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

"GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Elizabeth Mitchell releases The Sounding Joy, an exploration of Christmas and solstice songs from the American folk tradition.  Drawn almost exclusively from the often overlooked but deeply influential songbook of revered composer and anthologist Ruth Crawford Seeger, these songs evoke an era before mass media and the commercialization of Christmas, when sacred song, dance, contemplation, and gathering were prized above all else during the holiday season. Mitchell’s fifth album for Smithsonian  Folkways, The Sounding Joy features husband Daniel Littleton, daughter Storey, and special guests Peggy Seeger, Natalie Merchant, Amy Helm, Aoife O’Donovan, Gail Ann Dorsey, Larry Campbell, Dan Zanes, and John Sebastian, among many other family, friends, and neighbors. This gorgeously reverent 24-song collection attempts to save these traditional American holiday songs from an “unmarked grave,” as Merchant puts it in her essay included in the liner notes. The Sounding Joy is truly for listeners of all ages and is Smithsonian Folkways’ first holiday album in more than a decade."    For more information about this and other award-winning family music recordings, visit Smithsonian Folkways online.

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My Thoughts:

You would have that Christmas fell in November, as stores were already putting up holiday displays and even playing Christmas music, before Halloween.  Is it just me, or are the holidays feeling rushed as each year passes by.  But, I guess I can't complain as Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year.  Not because of the gifts, but because I love the holiday music, lights and opportunity to spend time with family and friends I haven't seen in a while. And, now when family comes for Thanksgiving this year, I will have a new holiday CD I will play while we trim the tree after dinner.

In the past, I would play songs like "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and other fast temp, up-beat songs.  But, after listening to "The Sounding Joy" by Elizabeth Mitchell and Friends, I can't help but wish that my neighborhood was the kind that would get together and go caroling, or enjoy each other company as we get into the holiday spirit sharing stories and singing classic Christmas songs.

As I listened to this CD, which released back on October 15th, I couldn't help but reminisce about my childhood and how my mom would take us to the Christmas Eve midnight mass, where we would not only hear the holiday sermon, but also sing Christmas songs.  I used to love hearing everyone join in together in singing the different songs, and how, even if we weren't singers, our voices would melt together to form a beautiful choir of voices that made you feel the spirit of the season in the church.   

With 24 tracks to this holiday CD, you are bound to find songs to not only sing along to, but ones that will remind you about the true meaning of Christmas.  My personal favorites included "Joy to the World," "Shine Like a Star in the Morning," "The First Noel" and my all-time favorite Christmas song "Silent Night." 

My husband is not big on holiday music, because to him they commercialize the holiday too much and with the 24/7 song playing on the radio, he is all Christmas'ed out by early November.  So, I was surprised to see him sit in the room and listen to the CD in its entirety.  I had to get up to change Bella's diaper, and paused the CD.  He asked if I was coming back, as he liked what he was listening to.  He especially loved when Elizabeth Mitchell was joined by others to sing, including her husband and daughter.  This is one holiday CD my husband will not mind me playing on repeat in the house or in the car.  And, come Thanksgiving night, I can't wait to share all the beautiful holiday songs with my family, and hear what they think about this unique blend of voices, in the one-of-a-kind holiday album, sure to become a staple in many family's "must listen to" holiday music CD collections. :-)

---BUY NOW---

The Sounding Joy, is available for purchase for only $14.98 on CD, or digital download for $9.99.  It comes with a 32-page booklet that includes descriptions of each song and information about the performers who join Elizabeth Mitchell on this album.  Click here to order now -- http://www.folkways.si.edu/elizabeth-mitchell/sounding-joy-christmas-songs-ruth-crawford-seeger-songbook/childrens-american-folk-holidays/music/album/smithsonian. 

Download a Free Song: 

Please enjoy a free download of the cumulative song, "Children, Go Where I Send Thee."
Simply CLICK HERE.

---Holiday Concert in New York City...Get Your Tickets Now---

Elizabeth Mitchell, her family band, and a host of musical guests will perform a holiday-time concert  on Special Guests include Natalie Merchant. Tickets are available now. Details are at the Symphony Space Just Kidding website. Saturday, December 14th at Symphony Space.

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Keep Kids Active this Winter - Get Moving with Ella Jenkins (Review and Giveaway)

"Who fed the chickens... on this fine day?

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Releases

Get Moving with Ella Jenkins

 

Available on January 29th

 

Listen here now

 

"Ella Jenkins is a pioneering music educator and children's performer who wears the title given to her by her many fans, "The First Lady of Children's Music." Now in her 9th decade, she is still going strong with her 33rd title from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.   Get Moving with Ella Jenkins is a collection of 15 recordings, including 3 previously unreleased on CD, featuring Ella's core principals: rhythmic movement, careful listening, singing and improvisation. She has been instrumental in integrating these developmentally important skills into early childhood education in her nearly 60  year career. For example, the activities featured in these songs help children reach the 60 minutes of play recommended by First Lady Michelle Obama as part of her "Let's Move" program to prevent childhood obesity. This week, the Chicago Metro Association for the Education of Young Children (Chicago Metro AEYC) will honor Ella Jenkins with a Lifetime Achievement Opening Minds Award for her contributions to and advocacy in music education for children.   Get Moving with Ella Jenkins features classics such as “London Bridge Is Falling Down” and “Who Fed the Chickens?” and counting games like “And One and Two” and “One Potato, Two Potato.”   The new CD ( $11.99 SRP) will be available in stores, digital music outlets and from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings on January 29th."

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My Thoughts:

Before our house got hit by the stomach bug, which lasted the past two weeks, my daughters, Savannah and Arabella, were enjoying moving and grooving to Ella Jenkins' upcoming CD release, Get Moving with Ella Jenkins, that I was recently sent to review.   Even though Ella Jenkins has been around for years, and was many many awards during her long career, this was the first time I had the pleasure of listening to her music.  Now, both my girls and I are hooked, and will definitely be purchasing and listening to some of her past CD releases, as well as keeping an eye out on future ones.  

This upcoming CD release is jam packed with 15 tracks that are bound to get your little ones (and yourself) up of the couch and dancing around the living room.  I was surprised to see a handful of familiar songs that I have been singing to the girls including Head and Shoulder, Follow the Leader, Teddy Bear, One Potato, Two Potato and London Bridge is Falling Down.  Ella Jenkins did a better job at singing these :-), as the girls were able to sing along to these familiar favorites.  Even the the CD has a running time of 46 minutes, we always found ourself hitting replay on a few of our favorite songs, and dancing in excess of an hour.  What a great way to introduce children to music and rhythm, as they get up on their feet and dance and move around.  This is definitely a CD worth checking out, and sharing with your little ones. I even lent it to a friend who used it during a recent snow day to get her children to shake and move, and not rely on the television for entertainment. She, too, loved all 15 tracks, and said her children asked for the same songs my did, to be replayed. With this CD releasing on Jan. 29th, make sure you pre-order a copy for your family today, so you all can Get Moving with Ella Jenkins.

 

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will win a copy of Ella Jenkins' new CD.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

More About Ella Jenkins:

Chicago-based Ella Jenkins has received many awards over her long career, including a 2004 GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005, ‘cELLAbration,’ an album of Ella’s songs performed by Sweet Honey In The Rock, Riders in the Sky, Tom Paxton, Cathy & Marcy, Pete Seeger, Tom Chapin and others, won the 2005 GRAMMY for best children’s album. She was the first woman and first children’s musician to receive the ASCAP Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 and in 2009 earned a United States Artists award. She is believed to be one of the first African American women to have a TV show, when in the 1950s she hosted “The Totem Club,” a weekly children’s program broadcast in Chicago. Her “Me Too Series” films were featured numerous times on “Sesame Street,” and she has also appeared on “Barney and Friends” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Her 1966 album ‘You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song’ is the best-selling title in the history of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and is part of the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.

Parenting magazine has said that Jenkins’ “simple but irresistible songs, poems, and mini-language lessons... reflect the beauty of diverse cultures.” And Dan Zanes says, “Ella Jenkins is a constant source of inspiration and a bottomless well of songs, ideas, and spirit. She is by far the most worldly performer that children’s music has ever known.” 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to review and share my honest thoughts.  The views above are mine and mine above.

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Now Avaiable on CD -- Elizabeth Mitchell's 'Blue Clouds' - Classic Rock and Traditional Folk (Review)

Smithsonian Folkways Releases Elizabeth Mitchell's 

Blue Clouds

Buy now for only $14.99.

 Traditional Folk and Classic Rock... for Kids

"When Storey was three years old, there was a bedtime story that Daniel used to tell her called “The Land of Blue Clouds.” Many magical things happened in this land where the sky was gold and the clouds were blue. storey and daniel would weave the tales together, imagining adventures with fairies, elephants, oceans, rainbows, jaybirds, and beyond.

 

During this time, we were on our first cross-country tour with Storey, often spending every night in a different town. Returning to this “land of blue clouds” each night gave Storey a sense of home, whether we were in Tucson or Louisville, Eugene or Chicago. On our journey, Storey saw her first rainbow in Texas, her first cactus in the desert of Arizona, rode on her first pony (named Pickles!) in California, drove through her first tornado in Kansas, picked her first peach in Colorado, and made her first mural (a Christmas tree and a snake!) with her godmother Tara Jane in Oregon. Halfway through the tour, we were in northern California visiting my sister Caroline and her family. While we were there, Daniel picked up a ukulele, and the song “Blue Clouds” was born. Now we had a lullaby to carry us home, and we still sing it today, many years later.


Anything could happen in the land of blue clouds, and it still can. A frog can propose to a mouse and they can share buttercups and dewdrop tea, a bunny may go off on an adventure and gather chestnuts for her friends. When times get tough, we can throw the homework in the fire and take the car downtown. Everyone can sing along, hop up, and ask the moon to stay just a little longer, because you never know, two octopuses might marry, have a baby, and dance every day arm in arm in arm in arm in arm in arm in arm in arm…just one more story, one more song, while the silver moon is on the rise…."

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My Thoughts:

"In the land of Blue Clouds, anything can happen"  I wish I could travel here with my daughters and let them experience all the wonders that Elizabeth Mitchell's daughter, Storey dreamed about after listening to her father tell her this bedtime story.  But, thankfully, Elizabeth Mitchell put together a wonderful album that celebrates family, imagination and love, for families to enjoy.

Released on October 23rd, I was sent an advance copy to review, and couldn't wait to listen to it with the girls.  After hearing that she covered songs by David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Withers, Ella Jenkins, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers and The Good Ms Padgett, I couldn't wait to see how they sounded.  Who would have thought a Jimi Hendrix song could be turned into a Jodi Mitchell type song?  Well, leave it to Elizabeth Mitchell to do just that. 

Her other CD, "Little Seed" became an instant hit in our house, and so did this new release.  The girls love listening to this CD in the car, and always seem to drift off to sleep peacefully.  I think they are just eager to get to the "Land of Blue Clouds."  Even though all the tracks on this album are great, we especially love to listen to "Arm and Arm" and "May This Be Love."  Savannah's personal favorite is the Allman Brother's cover of "Blue Sky."

This album is definitely one worth checking out.  If you have other Elizabeth Mitchell albums, then you know how great her music and voice is?  And, she outdoes herself again with "Blue Clouds."  Parents and children will enjoy listening to this album together, and will be wishing like we are to travel to the "Land of Blue Clouds." 

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Selected family concerts with

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower

November 3 - Town Hall, Seattle

November 4 - Village Ballroom, Portland, OR

November 11 - Eddie's Attic, Decatur, GA

December 8 - One Longfellow Square, Portland, ME

December 15 - Symphony Space, NYC

Get updates at www.youaremyflower.org

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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