Perhaps there's nothing better to steal jazz away from the snobbery of its most hardcore and vocal followers than a genre experiment geared towards children. And what could have turned out to be cheesy and artificial is an invigorating blast of timeless, authentic jazz.
"Swing Right Through This Town" from Kinderjazz (http://www.kinderjazz.com) will probably be one of the most unique albums in your record collection. Formed in 1997, Kinderjazz is actually a real band from Australia that plays children's music with the versatility of a tight, veteran unit. Featuring songs arranged by David Llewellyn and Arthur Greenslade (of Shirley Bassey and Englebert Humperdink fame), "Swing Right Through This Town" has actual musical chops along with colorful, playful hooks that will reel in the kids.
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The Latin-flavored "Jump" is an infectious exercise track with blaring horns and winsome male/female vocals. It's a joyful opening cut that immediately displays the group's instrumental skills while setting the lighthearted tone for the rest of the CD. "Bugs in My Body" is twisted and silly, just what children love but adults will dig its novelty factor as well.
A couple of songs, such as "Cinderella" and "Rapunzel," are based on fairy tales, and it's here where Kinderjazz are probably most inspired, capturing the glowing innocence and fevered imaginations of childhood with the clever wit of master entertainers. Bravo!
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