Today we have the final game from The American in Paris Region #1 seed Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck are taking on the 6th seeded Suzi Shelton (try saying that out loud 10 times real fast).
I just couldn't help myself with this pairing..."Special Kind of Day" vs. "No Ordinary Day"...I mean, c'mon that was just screaming to be put together!
After the voting ends on this contest, we will move into the final round which will actually leave just three records (as opposed to a "final four") because, well, I suck at math and I didn't extend out a 12 team tournament ahead of time to realize that ending up with 4 was impossible. Ha! What I will do is throw in one of the non-Final Three records to the lucky winner. While I won't reveal which disc, I can tell you it will be a good one that will surprisingly not advance into the next round.
(1) Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck "Special Kind of Day"
"Special Kind of Day", Rebecca's fourth album, and is a rousing work that shows what having an eight-piece band (yes, that's right...a kid's band with nine total members...a sort of kiddie Polyphonic Spree or, for my older readers, P-Funk) can do for you. Every artist has a story, but Rebecca's journey to the kiddie rock world is a rather interesting one. She has spent time as both a music teacher and as a "showbiz gypsy", as she puts it, in traveling productions of EVITA and A Chorus Line. Clearly no stranger to the stage it should come as no surprise that her live rock show is an energetic and splashy affair with dancing and theatrics.
"Special Kind of Day" opens with the pleasant sounds of birds chirping then quickly kicks into the terrific ode to the greatest season - Spring. "Come on Out", along with Justin Roberts' "I Chalk" from "Meltdown!", is one of the finest lead tracks on a kid's album I've heard in a long time and is timed perfectly with this new disc's April 8th release date...just in time for the ducks, squirrels and birds to begin appearing again in our backyards and, deep in the woods, bears to wake up from their long winter slumber.
Rebecca's voice is lovely. She shows off her technically-sound singing style all over "Special Kind of Day" but especially on the tracks such as "Sidewalk Chalk" and "Birthday Song". Many of the cuts feature some real-life white noise at the top which is really cool - not obnoxious like what Bright Eyes does on his records - and pretty unusual in the kid's genre.
"So Nice To Meet You", much like the title track of Brady Rymer's new effort, is screaming to be that all important first song during a live concert. It would shock me if this happy, salutory (yes, I know that is not a real word) tune is not the one Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck kick off their upcoming shows with.
Rebecaa Frezza and Big Truck's "Special Kind of Day" has a clever, seasonal arc to it. As I mentioned, the disc starts with a springtime ode, then it moves through the seasons. Sidewalk chalkin' and carnival fun in the summer, spooky dancin' at Halloween, leaves fallin' in Autumn, ending with a snowy winter. Brilliant composition of a true album in a digital/singles world - I love it.
"Special Kind of Day" is a wonderfully written and well executed record from start to finish. The instrumentation and vocals are mixed perfectly. The flutes are up front and prominent when needed, the backup singer's harmonies are full-bodied and integrated very nicely. It's rare that this kind of technical detail gets mentioned in a review here but this disc is so perfect in that regard that I couldn't not give it precious space here on the digital pages of OWTK.
Sample tracks from this fine album right here.
vs.
(6) Suzi Shelton "No Ordinary Day"
Was there an artistic ordinance to draft songs about road trips this year? First Ellis Paul, then Brady Rymer and now Suzi Shelton...they all have travelin' songs on their new records. How funny. Check out Suzi performing "Goin' on a Road Trip" live at Southpaw in Brooklyn:
And speaking of tremendous opening songs, "Lift Me Up" - the lead cut on "No Ordinary Day", is a wonderful tune featuring Suzi's cheery voice along with what sounds like a handful of kids providing backup vocals. The track, like the whole album, is put together so well and serves as the ideal introduction to the music of Suzi Shelton. "No Ordinary Day" is akin to a ray of sunshine after a few days of clouds and rain - the songs are welcoming, bright and sure to put a smile on your face.
Suzi, a mother of two and a former pre-school teacher, is going to be a force to reckon with on the kiddie rock circuit if she keeps churning out tunes like "Jump", "Lift Me Up" and "Scooter Boy" - a sort of kiddie take on Avril Lavigne's old hit "Skater Boy" .
"No Ordinary Day" is no ordinary record. Suzi Shelton has tapped into something exciting here and her growing fan base is testament to her wide-scale appeal. She is an artist that both kids and parents will sing along with and will be able to call their own. She is poppy and fun but also breaks things down and gets all sentimental with the gorgeous lullaby-ish song "My Favorite Moon" complete with sweeping strings and the sweet tickling of the ivory. A lovely number.
Where Rebecca has the perfect opening song, Suzi has the ideal closing tune in "Makes Me So Happy" in which she essentially thanks each of us for listening, dancing and enjoying her music. See I told you this was a match made in heaven. Not that kid's shows have opening acts but she would be perfect playing in front of Rebecca Frezza, oddly enough. Someone needs to put these two talented ladies together on one bill.
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Vote for either Rebecca Frezza or Suzi Shelton by midnight ET on Wednesday 4/2. Your comments will help decide the winner. Everyone that leaves a comment during the Tournament will have a chance to win the Final Four CDs.
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160 comments:
I like both, but I'll have to vote for Suzi Shelton.
Rebecca is hands down the better of the 2
Bob
The choice is easy. rebecca rocks!
I do like them both, but I'll have to vote for the eight-piece band sound of Rebecca Frezza!
My kids love, love Rebecca and her music -- we vote for her!
Rebecca rocks the house - she gets my vote!
Nancy says:
In our house - Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck rules!
Rebecca Frezza and the Big Truck Band is awesome! This is THE best kid's bands I've ever heard! Of all the Rottweilers they are the Pomeranians! I hope the Big Truck tires will roll on forever. My kids and I love their music. Even better to see them in concert. The musicians rock and roll!
Rebecca and Big Truck are the best!
We vote for Suzi!
Suzi, hands down! My son and I both can't stop smiling when we listen to it!
My kids have both CD's and since I bought Suzi's they haven't listened to Rebecca's ever again. They love it and so do I.
oh, my goodness! Well in our home it's Suzi all the way! Musically this girl rocks the house and the kids dig her too!!!
SUZI! SUZI! SUZI! SUZI! (to quote my two kids and the chanting crowds at Southpaw) That's my vote....
suzi, suzi, suzi! We love Mama's House, Daddy's House! She's in tune to what's happenin'!
Suzi is the clear winner!
Suzi's songs are some of my favorite ever! They are perfect for kids and adults.
I gotta say, Suzi is really the best.
Suzi Shelton rocks! You should see her in concert.
In my house, we really love Suzi - both kids and adults!
This is all well and good, but where are The Jimmies for goodness sakes???
We live in Brooklyn and see Suzi LIVE as much as we can. My son says he's the Scooter Boy and my daughter loves pretending she's Suzi. She has a huge following in Brooklyn and I hope more people get to hear her music...my family loves it.
My family loves Suzi and can't wait to see her again. We vote for her.
Suzi all the way, and Sebastian and the Gumdrops rule!
Any musician that can manage an 8 piece band, produce amazing vocals and serious music -- keep both kids and parents entertained -- well, Rebecca Frezza gets my vote
It's even better than her first. Bravo Suzi. We also have Rebecca's CD, but I have to give my support to Suzi.
Suzi Shelton sounds less produced which I like...
Suzi's songs are the best!! We can't help but sing along from beginning to end.
Rebecca Frezza
Got to say Rebecca Frezza - I just love her band.
I'm going to have to go with.....SUZI!
our family votes for Rebecca Frezza
BIG TRUCK all the way
We vote for Rebecca and Big Truck!
Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck or as their know around my house "RFBT", should be victorious!
Big Truck Rocks!
Liza says:
Rebecca Frezza and the Big Truck gets my vote any day of the week!!
Suzi rocks in this house. My son has been listening to her since he was born, and has a big smile on his face every time he hears her voice! She definately gets our vote.
BIG TRUCK is great for the kids, and parents love it too! She's got a great band - you must hear them live!
I liked Suzi's better.
are we there yet??
rebecca frezza and big truck get my vote
Suzi Shelton gets my vote. She sings with a smile in her voice, and is a natural. R
My Vote is for Rebecca and Big Truck!!
i have to go with rebecca frezza. we saw her in concert and it was great, real good energy. everyone should see her and her band live. great cd!
I like them both, but I'll have to vote for Rebecca. My kids like it more too, and that's what REALLY counts.
We have been following and growing up with Suzi for years. She's got amazing energy and a fantastic, pure voice. Our kids feel like they are not listening to kids music, especially since the whole family can enjoy her songs. SUZI ROCKS!
We love The Suzi Shelton Band! Can't wait to see them at Symphony Space next month! Go and check them out, then you will know how good they are!
Suzi hands down!
My grandson loves Suzi! She gets my vote!
We have been fans of Suzi's for years and she gets our vote!
hands down Rebecca wins.
My almost four year old votes for Suzi. Wait - My nine year old votes for Suzi, too! That's 2 votes for Suzi!
baby Cole just hit the keyboard to vote for Suzi!!!!x
In Park Slope- it's Suzi all the way!
Ever since Imagination Workshop Band, we've been big fan's of Suzi's talent. Will they ever get back to do a reunion tour!! Anyway, our vote is for Suzi!
Simply Suzi, Simply the Winner!
I'm from Ohio (Suzi's home state) and my 3 kids love her music. Can't wait to see the band at the Fallfest again. Go Suzi!!
Love all the comments! You'll very passionate about Rebecca and Suzi. Please remember to leave your name and email/website. Your comment enters you into the contest to win 4 kids CDs. Thanks!
BIG TRUCK! Have you seen their new website? Very cool, very fun! http://bigtruckmusic.com/index.html
I was just there, they have a radio player you can listen to clips of their songs, kids loved it.
No Ordinary Day ROCKS!
My kids love Suzi's music more than any CD we own. All of us were at the Southpaw show and love seeing ourselves on the LIVE DVD. Suzi gets our vote without a doubt!
Rebecca and Big Truck are the coolest. My kids, who are pretty particular in their musical tastes, ALWAYS ask to hear Rebecca. In my house, she is #1.
Wow, Rebecca Frezza is amazing! I live in Brooklyn too, but I have to go with Rebecca on this one.
I must say, my kids don't have either one of these CD's and they both sound great. However, I really love the video that is posted and the Roadtrip song by Suzi. My vote will go for Suzi and I'm anxious to hear the rest of her songs. Pam
We love Rebbecca and Big Truck!! The whole band is fantastic.
Everyone in our house loves Rebecca and her band. We listen to them all the time and see them in person whenever we can.
Suzi's music is great because it is catchy but with a sophisticated edge to it. If you haven't heard her stuff you really should. So many kids CD's are so typical and are just so simple minded and sugar coated to the point it makes you gag....Kids get more than we think. I vote for Suzi and so does my daughter. I am a divored mom with a 5 year old and Suzi's song about Mama's house and Daddy's house is truly one of the best kids songs I've ever heard. We hope to see her in concert very soon. She just needs to come to NC.--Please.
Suzi gets the vote.
our vote is for rebecca and big truck!
Wow, this is a tough one because my son loves both of these CD's and we've seen both of them in concert in NYC. However, I'm going to go with Suzi because my son loves Scooter Boy. But thank you to both artists for putting out great products.
Rebecca's our familys choice!!!
HANDS DOWN SUZI ROCKS! FROM HER FIRST ALBUM TO THE FUTURE SUZI IS A RAY OF SUNSHINE! WHEN YOU HAVE PARENTS EVEN DANCING AROUND AND FEELING LIKE KIDS AGAIN, YOU KNOW YOU HAVE SOMETHING GOOD! GO SUZI!!
Suzi Shelton alllll the way! Kids love her. Albums are great so up beat and catchy! Come on, its so easy---Simply Suzi!
SUZI is number one in our house. Ten years ago, after our daughter Hannah was born, our family started listening to Suzi's music with Imagination Workshop. Now we have a son, David, and the whole family is singing along to her new CD. I even found myself, a rather large man, in my truck at the traffic light the other day, singing along to one of her songs, long after I had dropped the kids off. GREAT MUSIC, awesome heart. This is the family music of our kids generation. WAY TO GO SUZI.
I live in Ohio and grew up right where Suzi did, and I have to say that she gets my vote, my 12 yr old step daughters vote and my newborn 4 month old son! He hears her angelic voice and smiles from ear to ear. I can't wait to see him dance around at her concerts! GO SUZI!
WE LOVE SUZI, SO OUR VOTE GOES TO HER! GO SUZI!
We love both of them, but we will have to go with Suzi on this one. Goin on a Road Trip! It's the best!
MAYBE BOTH ARTISTS CAN DO A SHOW TOGETHER SOMEDAY, AND THAT WOULD BE GREAT, BUT FOR US, WE LOVE SUZI.
My vote is for Rebecca and the Big Truck!!
I took 2 of my grandchildren to see Suzi in concert and they loved her. They danced and sang along it was a great family day. Suzi is the best. She is the kind of role model I want for my grandchildren. It is so nice not to have to worry about what they will hear when they listen to Suzi. Laura
Suzi was my son Santino's first concert and he loved it. We have her CD and a DVD that is always a part of our play time.
Tina & Anthony
Simply Suzi & No Ordinary Day - should I say more??? ok, I will. Suzi is such an inspiration in my house. I am proud to say that my 13 yr old daughter who listens to all types of music of course, loves to sing along with Suzi on both her solo albums. To me that says a lot about Suzi. She rocks!
MY VOTE IS FOR SUZI! GO SUZI!
My children love rocking with Rebecca and Big Truck music! Her music is terrific.
We love Rebecca!
Rebecca and Big Truck have such great variety in their music, I have to vote for them! I must admit I listen to her online at work sometimes with no kids around!
I have to say that Suzi is the biggest in our house. We love to listen to her voice and her songs are filled with wonderful lyrics. We vote for Suzi.
We feel that Suzi has something special. Her music appeals to a wide range... both kids and adults and we love her songs! Keep on....
I vote for Rebecca!
My vote is for Rebecca Freeza
My vote is for Rebecca - you go girl!
It's Frezza all the way, hands down.
rebecca and the big truck band.
Both have great talent. Rebecca's repertoire, however, is both diverse and very specific. She also has a beautifully trained voice. That voice, and the band behind her, unbeatable combination!
Rebecca and the big truck ROOOOCCKKSSSSS!!
I can't stop dancing!!
I vote for Rebecca and Big Truck!!
Rebecca & Big Truck all the way!! Her albums are constantly playing in our home and the whole family rocks out together - so much fun!
The kids say Big Truck are the best.
GO BIG RED BALL. GO PARK SLOPE. GO SUPERSONIC. GO SUZI!
SUZI all the way.
Rebecca and Big Truck are always the call for me.
Rock on!
My grandkids only listen to Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck.
They always listen to Special Kind of Day in the car.
Rebecca & Big Truck all the way!!! My nephew listens all the time and is already learning how to dance to the songs.
Rebecca is the BEST!!!
we love Rebecca Fressa & Big Truck!
Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck Definitely!
My vote goes to Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck!!
My niece and I love listening to Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck together!
When it comes to adult friendly kid rockin music, who's better than Rebecca and Big Truck? No one!
You don't even mind when they are playing their favorites for the
10th time - and what's better than that? Clever, catchy, and most of all fun!
Definitely Rebecca. It's so rare and awesome that the music she writes is what any and every adult would love to listen to, and at the same time, the lyrics are kind friendly. FINALLY there's something that the kids and I BOTH love listening to!!
We've been Big Truck fans since May 2004 and love all of Rebecca's albums. Keep rollin' on!
Both girls are great, but I really just love the diversity of Rebecca's music. RF rocks.
Rebecca & Big Truck are absolutely amazing! Their shows are energetic, the kids in the audience really get into the mix. They really have a good thing going on!
I teach music to kids from Pre-K through the 8th grade and every one of them is a Rebecca fan! The Pre-K 3's are really into Spooky Dance and the older kids especially love Sidewalk Chalk.
Got to go with Rebecca!!
My 3 year-old is a big fan of Rebecca & Big Truck! His mom and dad love them, too! Adult and kid friendly music - love that!
I gotta go with Rebecca.. or as a friend's daughter says, "beccafrezza"!
Rebecca and Big Truck are the best!!
With such catchy tunes and a killer band, I just have to go with Rebecca.
WE LOVE SUZI. SUZI ALL THE WAY!
They are both really talented, but we have to go with Suzi! From one Brooklyn girl to another!
Big Truck has my vote... and my kids!!
SUZI IS THE BEST! WE VOTE FOR SUZI!
Suzi inspires us by her heartfelt songs about family life. We vote for Suzi!
Suzi teaches at our daughter's school and every single time she has Suzi, she comes home and teaches us her songs. We love Suzi and when you listen to her songs, you will love her, too! Our vote goes to Suzi!
Danielle votes:
FOR SUZI........... The gumdrops are the best. You guys are the greatest!!!!!
SUZI ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Suzi all the way!!
SUZI! SUZI! SUZI! You rock the world!!!!!!
Emma votes for her Mama, Suzi!
When you listen to Suzi's music, you will agree. In Ohio, Suzi ROCKS THE HOUSE!
BIG TRUCK BIG TRUCK!!!
Rebecca Frezza all the way!!
Our entire family loves Suzi and the Gumdrops. See you next month. We vote Suzi!
Suzi rocks! We loved Simply Suzi, but this CD is even better. Debra W.-from the Y.
Scoot, Scoot, Scooter Boy!! Suzi and the rest of the band.
I vote Rebecca- Go Big Truck Go!
We're goin on a roadtrip this weekend and we'll have Suzi with us all the way. Suzi gets our vote. Great video. Mario Ferrando
Karen says:
The only music my kids want to listen to is Suzi! We listen to her in the car, at home while making dinner, before bed, in the morning....
I am a teacher and I always use songs from No Ordinary Day. If fact, if I don't, my kids start to chant "We want Suzi!" So, i guess our vote goes to Suzi!
Big Truck!!!
If you want good music for kids, not just your typical kids music, but GOOD music for kids, then you want Suzi!
Wow, what a difficult decision... Both were great but if I had to choose a winner, it would have to be Suzi!! She really rocks RUSSELL!!
These gals both do such a wonderful job but our kids really seem to love rockin out to. Big Truck. Rock on Rebecca!
Be sure to check out Suzi's website and hear for yourself how great her music is! suzishelton.com. Suzi, Suzi, Suzi!
We love our Suzi Music!
WHEN YOU WANT GOOD KIDS MUSIC, YOU MUST GO AND GET NO ORDINARY DAY
WE VOTE FOR MUSIC THAT BUILDS IMAGINATION, JOY, AND CONFIDENCE. WE VOTE FOR MUSIC THAT INCLUDES, THAT BONDS, THAT CONNECTS. WE VOTE FOR MUSIC THAT CAN BE SUNG BY ALL AND DANCED BY ANY. WE VOTE FOR A VOICE THAT, HOW DO YOU SAY IT, DRAWS IN OUR KIDS. WE VOTE FOR A SINGER THAT IS TAKING US ALONG WITH HER ON HER JOURNEY OF PARENTING. WE VOTE FOR A SINGER WHO SINGS FROM HER HEART AND MAKES THE PARENTS WANT TO GET UP AND DANCE WITH THE KIDS. WE VOTE FOR SUZI.
WREN & MARTHA
I have to say, Suzi has something special in her music for kids. It really connects to the adults as well as to the kids. We love listening to Suzi, and it is hard to compare her to anyone!
Pietro says:
Suzi is the best of the best. We vote for Suzi!
NO ORDINARY DAY IS GOING ALL THE WAY!
BIG TRUCK!!!
Love, love, LOVE Rebecca and the Big Truck band!
One word to describe the songs off of Rebecca's new album... MAGIC!
My vote's with Rebecca. Gotta love that "Go-Go's"-style song, "Snow Day"!
Clack-ity, clack-ity, clack-ity, clack-ity.. on the track!! A big WOO-WOOOO!!! goes out for REBECCA!!!
Over the past few years, I've given many Suzi Shelton CDs and DVDs as gifts to kids of friends and family. Suzi's lovely voice and lyrics, on beautifully produced recordings, are enjoyed by the parents and kids alike -- they all always end up HOOKED -- singing and dancing along with all their favorites! Yeah Suzi! - Amy
It's Suzi and the Gumdrops for me.
Mike Meshky, Chagrin Falls
Hey Jeff,
I just wanted to thank you for your kind words about our CD and for featuring us in your tournament.
I hope our paths will cross sometime soon. Maybe World Cafe in May??
Thanks for all you do to support indie kids music!!!
Rebecca
sO WHO WON?
My niece and nephew love Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck!! - M. De Salvio
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