CD Review: Jonathan Sprout's 'American Heroes #4'

Jonathan Sprout
American Heroes #4
Self-Release

Jonathan Sprout's tenth release, American Heroes #4, celebrates historical information in a musical and educational setting for children. The eleven-track release brings to life the historical significance of several, notable icons, including Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Mary McLeod Bethune, William Penn, Rachel Carson, Juliette Gordon Low, Samantha Smith, Roberto Clemente, Theodore Suess Geisel, and Walt Disney. Jonathan incorporates a soft rock, jazzy, lounge, and pop-focused approach that is fun, playful, and educational. However, the music is largely focused on the children, but that shouldn't discourage parents and others from singing along. "I See A Hero" is a lovely ballad with a soft beat and inspirational lyrics. "E=mc2" is an homage to Einstein with power pop and rock elements that are anything but ho-hum. "Come With Me!" is a dance-inspired tune with a colonial-inspired edge. "Through The Eyes Of A Child" is a catchy rock/pop ballad with uplifting vocals and sweeping piano elements. Overall, the music is upbeat and intelligent with catchy hooks and a meaningful message that everyone will enjoy. ~ Matthew Forss

Song Review: Alan B. Salisbury's "Dream To Believe"

Alan B. Salisbury
"Dream To Believe"
Jabberwocky Books

Alan's new book, The Legend Of Ranger: The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly, is about a reindeer with a dream to dream big by being part of Santa's sleigh team. The book is accompanied by a splendid story-telling folk and pop song describing Ranger's story called "Dream To Believe." The three-minute-and-forty-six-second song was recorded in Nashville by producer Paul Busdiecker and includes a quartet from the Nashville Symphony with soothing and emotive vocals by Mary Allen. Mary's vocals are akin to England's Katie Melua, but the song is more neo-folk and neo-classical with a direct and rousing melody. The song is perfectly fitting for children of all ages. In fact, even parents will be singing along to this one. Dream big and listen to Alan's recent holiday creation. I give it five North stars out of five! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: AOMUSIC's 'Hokulea'

AOMUSIC
Hokulea
Arcturian Gate

AOMUSIC is a collective of musicians from around the world, but the group was created by Richard Gannaway, Miriam Stockley, and Jay Oliver. These unifying tunes are cinematic, catchy, majestic, and memorable. There are a variety of languages used throughout the album, but the rhythms and melodies are diverse and lush. There are nine tracks in all that represent a truly world music and fusion example that is tough to beat. The glorious vocals and numerous instruments make everything come together with ease. The contemporary arrangements are somewhat new age, but genre classifications are tough to explain this music. At any rate, the music is akin to Celtic Woman, Enigma, Te Vaka, Hevia, and Ronan Hardiman. Fans of world fusion, world vocals, and soaring melodies with a purpose, then Hokulea is necessary. Additionally, the profits from album sales go directly to children in need world-wide. You can donate at: www.aofi.org. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: A Palestinian Voice For Everyone

Rim Banna
April Blossoms
Kirkelig Kulturverksted

Rim Banna, a Palestinian singer from Nazareth, presents poignant and humorous children's songs on April Blossoms. Rim's voice is aided with bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, keyboards, bansuri flute, duduk, and oud. All the songs are sung in Arabic. However, song translations are provided from Arabic to English in the liner notes. The songs are so enjoyable that you need not be a child to appreciate it's musical intricacies. Overall, the melodies and vocalizations are reminiscent of North African singers, in particular, Mauritania's Malouma. A children's choir accents some of the songs. Perhaps, the Arabic songs take on a life of their own and instill in the listener a deep level of appreciation. Also, Russian and Turkic elements appear from time to time throughout the album. This is an ideal collection of songs to listen to while relaxing, or spending time with family. April Blossoms is as sweet as it sounds, and it gets sweeter with every listen. ~ Matthew Forss