20 March 2008

OWTK NCAA Kid's Music Tournament - Harmonica Pocket vs. Johnette Downing

Here we have the first game from The Singin' in the Rain Region. This first contest pits two very different albums against each other, which is always fun to watch in the NCAA basketball tourney.

(2) The Harmonica Pocket "Ladybug One"

A common misconception among many parents and other adults with kids in their immediate family is that children's music is bland, formulaic and generally mediocre (at best). For these poor souls, kid's music brings to mind only the gimmick-filled antics of Barney and The Wiggles and that being the case, it's no wonder they look down on the genre. Of course this assertion is utterly preposterous. There are more quality kiddie acts (successfully) working today than ever before - just think about the names one could spit out without even thinking too hard about it...They Might Be Giants, Dan Zanes, Justin Roberts, Elizabeth Mitchell, Gustafer Yellowgold just to name a few...it is a great time to be a music loving kid and parent. While most of us know modern kid's music is anything but vanilla and cookie-cutter, it is not every day we come across a record like The Harmonica Pocket's "Ladybug One". This record is a trippy, mellow affair from start to finish that is best enjoyed in your pajamas while eating a big bowl of cereal (or a granola bar) on a Sunday morning. That is the essential vibe of this quiet album of insect-themed originals and reworked favorites such as "Twinkle Twinkly Little Star" and "O Susanna". The gem of the disc is "Ladybug 123" which is featured on "Ladybug One" twice, once acoustic and again as a dub version (listen to it here!) - you don't see that every day on a kid's release!

The
Harmonica Pocket employ terrific artwork and cover layout on "Ladybug One" (love the font and text positioning, the weathered/wood-worn look of the background and of course the lovely ladybug) which, along with 50+ minutes of excellent music that was recorded "green" in a solar powered studio, complete a very cool package. Anyone who digs the Jack Johnson soundtrack to the Curious George movie will love this album. Listen to "La Luna" here.

Pick up a copy of "Ladybug One" from The Pokey Pup!

vs.

(5) Johnette Downing's Dixieland Jazz for Children

Johnette Downing's music, while new to me, is certainly not new to the global kid's music industry. Rarely do you see someone bring to the table more awards, reviews and accolades than Ms. Downing does. Her new release sees her teaming up with Jimmy LaRocca's Original Dixieland Jazz Band (established 1916!) to produce an ode to Dixieland Jazz featuring original tunes and lyrics written especially for children. The disc is meant to serve as a child's introduction to the musical traditions and dances, like the Charleston, of jazz - Dixieland style. With a song about the Charleston, it is fitting that this disc would be in the Singin' in the Rain region. The Bear loves this track (link to listen below) and dancing the Charleston around the house. While this record is tailored for kids, "Dixieland Jazz for Children" is truly an authentic jazz record with an upbeat, happy spirit that will surely have any toddler or older child strutting around the house. A really fun collection of tunes!

Listen to "Got To Have That Swing" and "Do The Charleston" from "Dixieland Jazz for Children". You can also get a good feel for Johnette Downing's music here.

Vote for either The Harmonica Pocket or Dixieland Jazz for Children by midnight ET on Wednesday 3/26. 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. Comment on as many "games" as you wish, including the "Very Helpful Songs" vs. "Mr. Oscat Says..." and Thaddeus Rex vs. Gunnar Madsen contests, and increase your odds of winning. Thanks!

34 comments:

johnettemusic said...

Great idea Jeff. I can't wait to hear the results. I won't vote since I am in the contest, but I hope people are "jazzed" about this event!

jenny said...

or i'm to be here? i dont know if i'm in the right place or not but well i love to win some music for my little one

Unknown said...

I'm going to go with Dixieland Jazz on this one, because my boys LOVE to dance!
dansan826 at yahoo.com

Mary512 said...

I would love to win the harmonica pocket CD. great giveaway, thanks!

Jenna said...

Both cool, but the Harmonica Pocket is more my style.

Reiza said...

This one was rough, but I'm gonna go with Harmonica Pocket.

Superdumb Supervillain said...

I think I would like Harmonica Pocket more...

art-sweet said...

We love to do the jitterbug around the house so I'm going for Dixieland!

Anonymous said...

I'm going with Harmonica Pocket.

Ellie said...

Johnette Downing's Dixieland Jazz for Children gets my vote!

Anonymous said...

Can the publicist vote? I vote for Harmonica Pocket - Beth

Anonymous said...

The Harmonica Pocket would have my son and I both moving!
Stephanie V.

JenO said...

Tough choice! I think the harmonica is a vastly underrated instrument, so I'm going with that one. :) (altho I won't be sad if the dixieland one wins!)
nifferjeno at gmail dot com

Ann said...

I would go for Dixieland, both my kids and myself listened to it and they like that one more. They love to dance to it.
ann dot guns at mac dot com

MamaGames - Alexa C. said...

The sound of the Dixieland had my daughter dancing, so I'll have to give that one my vote!

Lisa C. said...

i'd have to cast my vote for the harmonica pocket

lace said...

I was having a tough time getting the music samples to load properly. From what I could tell I like the Dixieland.

Both are really great sounding albums and depending on my mood I would love to listen to either with my nieces.

Katie said...

Definitely The Harmonica Pocket.

Anonymous said...

Have to go with The Harmonica Pocket. Clever name! ( meg.wilson@gmail.com )

maeflower said...

I gonna vote for The Harmonica Pocket

Anonymous said...

The Harmonica Pocket is my vote!!
stbaisch[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

It's tough, but I have to go with the Harmonica Pocket!

jenniferhuff[at]gmail[dot]com

a sojourner said...

Hands down, Dixieland Jazz. Not only does it bring a huge smile to my face, I can picture our dear little girl bouncing to the music. Hurrah for music I can be equally excited about!!!!

cotomwed [at] yahoo.com

a sojourner said...

Hands down, the Johnette Downing Dixieland Jazz! I can picture dear daughter bouncing to it now. Hurrah, music I can be equally excited about!!!!!!

Thanks!

cotomwed [at] yahoo.com

(sorry if this is a duplicate--couldn't tell if it went through!)

1993wel said...

The Harmonica Pocket
I love the song "La Luna." :)

frugallm said...

Definately the Jazz!

elkmeese@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Harmonica Pocket, although both are great!

Dawn Alice Rogers said...

I vote for The Harmonica Pocket!

Kristen M. said...

I'm voting for Dixieland Jazz. I love "feel good" music and my kids love to dance.

Brooke said...

Love em both, but I vote for Dixieland Jazz

Anonymous said...

Vote for Dixieland Jazz for Children

dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Harmonica Pocket for sure.

Melissa said...

Love the Harmonica Pocket!

Unknown said...

We would listen to either of these, but if I have to choose one, it's Harmonica Pocket.