Grace's Bell

Kids' bluegrass music that adults will love, too.

Artist: Ben Rudnick & Friends
Genre: Children's Music Label: Bartlett Ave. Records Parental Advisory: No Edited Version Available: No Release Date: 02/20/2007

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know this 13-song CD has new renditions of old favorites (including an island-influenced, upbeat "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"), plus a handful of original tracks. Ben Rudnick and his award-winning band have an American bluegrass, rootsy sound that's even reminiscent of The Grateful Dead, and uses a wide variety of instruments from pedal steel guitars to mandolins.

Families can talk about the different instruments used on the CD and then take a trip to the library to find out more about the unfamiliar ones. It may be fun to visit a music store and actually play with the instruments. Families can also talk about some of the songs' subjects they enjoy, too, such as merry-go-rounds and marching with a band.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Jennifer Axman

GRACE'S BELL, from Ben Rudnick & Friends, is a wonderful collection of old favorites and original tracks. The CD has a tight concert feel, and the band is full of talented musicians who play everything from the accordion to the steel drums -- perfect for a lively dance session.

"My Name," the first song on the CD, cleverly introduces us to the band and its instruments to the tune of "Old McDonald." Many of the remade songs are concert staples for the band, such as "Route 66," "When the Saints go Marching," "Mama Don't 'Low," "Hava Nagila" (with a twist), and an island rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in the style of Hawaiian artist Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole.

But, the original tracks are also a treat. In the fun and humorous "Vowels," Ben and his friends sing about their love of letters, and the necessity of vowels to sing their songs ("Without vowels it's just gibberish to me"). "Tuba Tune" has a whole horn section to help Ben imagine a world where he plays the tuba instead of the guitar. The title track, "Grace's Bell," is an inspired song about 2-year-old Grace's "loud and clear" spirit that rings through her happy tricycle bell.

A few songs have the welcome fun of guest musicians. "Cowgirl Song" and "Chet's Fabulous Diner" bring on a fresh sound with Buddy Cage (New Riders of the Purple Sage) on pedal steel guitar. Jeff Bird of the Cowboy Junkies helps celebrate in "Coming of Spring" on the bodhran (a handheld drum).

Fans of this CD might also enjoy New Orleans Playground or some of Ben Rudnick & Friends' other CDs, such as Emily's Songs and Blast Off.

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