Great songs from Pierce Freelon, Ella Jenkins, and 123 Andres!
Well, hello again! I have not been posting for a while, that as I was taking my Christmas break, and this my first kindie related article for 2021. Happy new year from the Matt's random Thoughts Blog, and I will continue to celebrate the best in kindie music in 2021!
The first major fiasco of the year in the Kindie scene is the Grammy Nominees and the issue surrounding the nominees and the systemic racism involved. This report from NPR details the artists that could have been nominated for the Best Children's Album. Find it here: https://www.npr.org/2021/01/04/951420019/3-grammy-contenders-share-outrage-at-all-white-category-decline-nominations
Here's a closer look at what could have been nomintated.
More Multicultural Songs from Ella Jenkins
(Ella Jenkins)
Photo: Smithsonian Folkways
One of the many names mentioned that had not gotten any Grammy honors was Ella Jenkins, who was revered as "the first lady of children's music" Why? She has been making children's music for many, many years.
And this album is also a very good window into the cultures and traditions of many countries and cultures from a very warm and friendly point of view. It's like hearing from your grandmother on her world adventures. From her descriptions of a train ride to the Great Wall of China to being in a hurry in Russia and even playing around with the name "Cairo" It really has a very warm feeling when you hear this, and it's gonna make you appreciate how beautiful other cultures are, all through the eyes of a well-known figure of children's music.
Not to mention all the folk-inspired rhythms interspersed and woven into this wonderful, one-of-a-kind album. It gives off a homey feel, and it's like you're sharing the adventure and the descriptions of the countries are like a very good introduction, and they give you a sense that despite national boundaries, we all have a way of having a love of exploration.
I can tell you: There's a special feeling that you get whenever you hear something from Ella Jenkins.
For more on Ella's music, check this link out: https://ellajenkins.com/
Daddy-Daughter Day
(Pierce Freelon)
One of the artists that were mentioned as potential Grammy nominees was Pierce Freelon. He released this powerful and uplifting kindie anthem about a father's unconditional love. It was released in time for Father's Day, and the music video (seen below) was dedicated to the memory of the fathers of the artists mentioned above.
It has to be a very great, head-banging tune about how much fun fatherhood can be despite all the troubles and hardships it comes with. The hip-hop inspired motif makes this description of family fun, even if it is just one parent. And just like Doctor Noize or Marsha and the Positrons, it's got a head-banging, uplifting, mood boosting vibe that makes you want to appreciate the wonders that our fathers to for us to make us feel loved under any circumstance, all in a hot poppin atmosphere. I really rate this awesome song an 11/10.
This song comes from his latest album, D. A. D., which is very beautiful and uplifting. And without a doubt, one of the best kindie albums of 2020! It's jam-packed with messages of love, encouragement, and personal empowerment. This is one kindie album you wouldn't wanna miss!
ARTIST SOCIALS:
WEBSITE: https://www.piercefreelon.com/
Hola, Amigo: Songs of Friendship
(123 Andres)
Photo:123 Andres on Facebook
This album from the half-Colombian duo 123 Andres is probably the best way to empower children and perhaps is very enlightening also. It also has a few bilingual songs and also some in Spanish. It is packed with multi-lingual songs of encouragement and empowerment and it leaves behind a few lessons about friendship and how it can transcend boundaries and it also has a slight spattering of ethics as well, and with the bilingual aspect, this album really does speak for everyone.
My favorite songs off this album are "Fly, Shine, Soar", and it features one of my favorite kindie artists, Little Miss Ann. It has a very beautiful message of sell-confidence and being able to fly and soar above the rest. It's very much well-written and also a nice reassurance like only Little Miss Ann and 123 Andres can do. Another song that hits me hard is called "Boomerang" and it's about how what you do affects the people around you. That really tackles ethics and respect for others in a hard way but it's done in a way that's not-too hard for kids to understand and take to heart. It's quite an influential message.
This album also features a plethora of kindie artists and this video lists them all.
ARTIST SOCIALS:
WEBSITE: https://123andres.com/
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