 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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Parades and Panoramas
- By Dan Zanes
- Genre: Children's Music
Common Sense Media says
A folksy celebration of Carl Sandburg.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's much for the whole family to enjoy in this tribute to homegrown American songs. Though parents may be surprised to hear mentions of whiskey, gin, and wine, alcohol is a part of these old songs. Younger kids won't know what they are, so don't worry too much about them.
What's the story?
Dan Zanes' folksy celebration of Carl Sandburg began when he received a tattered copy of "The American Songbag," first published in 1927 and including the poet's collection of 280 songs about pioneers, brutal cities, railroad workers, Mexican border antics, hobos, bandits, landscapes, love, and love's lament. In PARADES AND PANORAMAS, Zanes gathers 25 songs and a couple dozen musical friends for a good-time sing-along. The community of performers covers songs about "Wanderin'," "California," the "Titanic," and the "Erie." They "Roll the Chariot," take a "Cuckoo Waltz," and ride The Midnight Train." Zanes' intent is to encourage communities to sing and play their own legacy music, based on tunes from the memories of parents and grandparents.
Is it any good?
This panorama of American songs from a bygone era covers stories of hard times, hard work, drinking, playing, loyalty, heartache, and faith. The brief references to whiskey and gin, not to mention dope and killing, are woven into the authentic stories about adult lives. Instrumentation includes guitar, banjos, violin, tuba, flute, accordion, percussion, spoons, gourd drum, pump organ, mandolin, and more. The accompanying songbook displays lyrics with clever graphics and photos that add historical dimension.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how music helps pass along American history from generation to generation. And they can try to weave stories of their own into music.
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Revved up classic American tunes
Dan Zanes takes his study of folk music pretty seriously, which is why it makes sense he dips into the classic Carl Sandburg bag of American tunes. You may not recognize all of them, but they all tell stories about the U.S. in the early 20th century. yet, Zanes zips them up, makes them fun, danceable. Plus, see him in concert!
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| Artist: | Dan Zanes |
| Release date: | September 14, 2004 |
| Label: | Festival Five Records |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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