| Review: "Children's music is often a strummed guitar and happy, shiny lyrical delivery with the occasional musical indulgence of a wayward instrument. This is not the case with Centro Raccontami. In the latest edition, "Canzoni Per Bambini, Volume II", composers Katia and John Gentry Tennyson, respect the art of music and the goal of nurturing Italian children as they deliver a 20-track record that delights children. Each song is an adventure musically with traditional and not-so-traditional instrumentation that supports the lyrical movement like a fine Broadway score. There is subtlety and there is abundance. The CD starts with "Benvenuti", which introduces the musical journey with accordian, church bells, and the vocal ensemble that delivers the melody and message without a hint of indulgence. Track 4, "Pinocchio", presents flute, muted trumpet, classical guitar, xylophone, and accordion in support of the gentle and playful vocal performance. Track 9, "Il Gusto", is a peppy and modulating vocal joy - horns give the sound of car horns as a single violin follows the chord movement. Track 14, "Cenerentola", is a hide and seek movement that musically takes pages from Bach in its composition and vocal depth. Percussive tones pan left to right as the movement includes a brief delectable trumpet fanfare. The most gentle and heart-warming piece is "La Vista", as Centro Raccontami nurtures a beautiful piano with cello as Katia and John deliver with tenderness. Overall the record is worthy of the multitude of awards its destined to receive. it's truly a musical work of art created with love."
-Don Kimenker /earBuzz.com |
