Good CDs for children that any musician would enjoy?

**Blackbird** · #1 04-20-2006, 10:44 PM

I have a brother who's 1/5th of my age. Yes, it's a shock to me too. I decided to get him a few CDs as gifts. Thing is, there's a lot of crap that's marketed to kids and drives older folks nuts. Some of you new moms and pops know what I'm talking about.

So, how about a thread where we recommend CDs for kids that actually have some good music?

Here's my contribution:

Snoopy's Jazz Classiks on Toys - Jazz Standards performed on Toys. Yes, I own a copy and it rocks. Why did I get? Check out the set list:

1. Intro
2. Theme From Pink Panther
3. Take Five
4. Put On A Happy Face
5. There Will Never Be Another You
6. My Favorite Things
7. Bluesette
8. Little Girl
9. Summertime
10. Satin Doll
11. Lullaby Of Birdland
12. Blue Rondo A La Turk
13. Magic Kite
14. Birdland
15. What A Wonderful World

Yes, Birdland is one of the tunes, so are Take 5 and Blue Rondo a La Turk. This is a really great album to get kids into Jazz and it's very listenable. The fact it's performed on Toy instruments gives this recording an interesting sound. The arrangements are simple, musical, and best of all, true to the originals. You hear the real thing simplified, not dumbed down. Big difference. There's a lot a musician can learn from this recording.

And the kid will notice that Snoopy's the bass player, so they'll know bass is cool!

There's an entire Classiks on toys series, with "Beatles on Toys""Classical on Toys", "Nutcracker on Toys"and "Christmas on Toys". Best of all, they're no that expensive. Amazon.com has sound samples.

Any other good CDs for kids?

Woodchuck · #2 04-21-2006, 03:51 AM

Schoolhouse Rock is a good one. Hell, I have a copy of my own.

RiseOfTheWooten · #3 04-21-2006, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Here's my contribution:
Snoopy's Jazz Classiks on Toys - Jazz Standards performed on Toys. Yes, I own a copy and it rocks. Why did I get? Check out the set list:

That is absolutely brilliant, I'm seriously going to get one of these, I'm really curious to hear what it sounds like.

heath_the_great · #4 04-21-2006, 06:59 AM

i gotta gets me a shirt that has that pic of snoopy on it...or at least one snoopy "joe cool".....then a joe cool pickguard for my jazz

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #5 04-21-2006, 07:49 AM

Believe it or not, my wife and I love the Backyardigans CD we got for our toddler. They're all songs from the children's show, but just about all of them are really nice and catchy.

Bruce Lindfield · #6 04-21-2006, 07:55 AM

Britten's : Young Person' Guide to the Orchestra...

?

Woodchuck · #7 04-21-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

Believe it or not, my wife and I love the Backyardigans CD we got for our toddler. They're all songs from the children's show, but just about all of them are really nice and catchy.

I caught an episode of that show once. The penguin was talking about the Yeti, and the basslines in that episode were sick!!!

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #8 04-21-2006, 08:05 AM

You were born old, weren't you, Bruce?

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #9 04-21-2006, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodchuck

I caught an episode of that show once. The penguin was talking about the Yeti, and the basslines in that episode were sick!!!

He was doin' that Yeti Stomp!

Woodchuck · #10 04-21-2006, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

He was doin' that Yeti Stomp!

LOL!! Yeah, that's the one! Very James Brownish bass playing in that one!

Juneau · #11 04-21-2006, 08:16 AM

Grisman and Garcia - Not For Kids Only

That would be a good one I think.

davetakis · #12 04-21-2006, 08:37 AM

i dont have kids but i have a neice and nephew and friends with kids.

dan zane cd's are awesome. schoolhouse rock cd's rule. as much as i to admit it, the wiggles stuff isnt bad either. FOR OUR CHILDREN-is really good [has bruce on it], little richard has a kids album too. it is out of print however. if anyone wants it i have a copy i could burn for you......let me make 100% sure i have it.

Philbiker · #13 04-21-2006, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua

Word! Great disc for sure.

I'll add:

FANTASTIC albume!

I'd add the new DEVO 2.0 if you're a DEVO fan.

KJung · #14 04-21-2006, 08:43 AM

Kenny Loggins put out a 'childrens' CD a number of years ago that actually fits your criterion. Nice, classic childrens tunes that easily cross-over to adult listening (House on Pooh Corner, Rainbow Connection, etc., etc.). The production sounds quite dated (that unfortunate overproduced 90's reverb heavy mix, etc.), but it has some great playing... I think Reddie Freddie is on bass....