JAM--Music for Movement with Children (by Charity Kahn and the JAM Band, Children's Music)

Classically trained pianist Charity Kahn tickles the ivories in various styles to accompany her clever original songs on JAM, a CD intended for teaching movement and rhythm to young children. "Your Body's an Instrument" is a fun track that gets kids to "clap, slap, stomp, tap" along and stop and be silent in the middle of a rhythm. "Creeper Walk" uses boogie woogie piano and voice to create a compelling rhythm. A walking bass line and a train-like chuga percussion track take the "Kids Train" into the blues. "Major Scale" describes fundamental music theory in an engaging way. The standard "Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes" is jazzed up with new lyrics by Charity --"my head is for carryin' my brain around...my toes are for keepin' my feet on the ground."

"I See the World" and "Upside Down" are folky songs about "seeing the world in a different way." "Namaste" and "Lay Down My Dear Children" slow the pace for resting after all the movement. Flute, guitar, bass, and mandolin add variation to the songs and percussion doesn't overpower. Charity's pleasing voice and musical approach will please young children and most parents and teachers.

Released on: April 20, 2002
Label: MusiMatics
Genre: Children's Music