| Review: "It's rare to hear a children's CD that combines various acoustic instruments in arrangements that are clearly aimed at musicality as a priority to the light and accessible lyric/vocal that must appeal to the audience (adults and children alike). But… that's what the Italian CD, "Canzoni Per Bambini, Volume I" from Centro Raccontami does. Tuba, accordion, trumpet, clarinet, and other non-midi instruments support the track, "Buon Giorno!' - as the ensemble says hello to listeners. It's important to note that the vocal and approach is a breath of sincerity and freshness as no one in the entire production stands out for attention - the vocalists perform with authenticity this Italian language collection - along with children's voices that are as endearing. The CD teaches compositions that could have been written hundreds of years ago, but are completely original music that pays accurate tribute to a genre few have experienced. "La Metropolitana", is a fun tune - long baritone 'ahhhhh's’ accentuate some instrumental painting of a cityscape. Nice. "il Cielo", is a memorable melody that ascends keys in an Italian version of the sound of 'charge' in baseball. “Coloriamo!', is our favorite tune on the CD - the intricate music is shadowed by the inventive and enjoyable banter between singers and children. Sesame Street tries to be this good. This is a children's CD for the ages. A natural masterpiece of composition, arrangement, performance, and joy - and whether you understand Italian or not, it is sure to please music lovers of any age."
-Don Kimenker /earBuzz.com |
