Reviews

Great Big World Joe McDermott ($15 CD, True Blue Music, 800- 477-7811)

As a parent and teacher, McDermott is well versed in the language of daddyhood, penning lively compositions about lightning cracks, stuck elevators, and "big, fat worms." On his second kids' recording, his melodic brand of Texas pop is full of goofy fun.

In recent years, there has been enormous growth in Children’s music. We now can find recordings for children in almost every imaginable style of music, from rock 'n' roll to folk to reggae to classical. For this, we owe a large debt of gratitude to independent label recording artists who have taken advantage of advances in recording technology and the marketing power of the Internet to pursue children’s music possibilities ignored by the major record labels. Here are some of these innovative new recordings. The more I listen to Joe McDermott's Great Big World (True Blue Music, 2001), the more I enjoy it. There is a lot to like here. You can trace McDermott's passion for children's music to his seven years as a Montessori preschool teacher and experiences as a father of three young boys. Combine his enthusiasm for his audience with his outstanding musical artistry, and you have a winner (His talents haven't gone unnoticed; he has also helped Stan and Jan Berenstain set ten of their "Berenstain Bears" books to song, and wrote the songs on the popular computer software game Putt Putt Saves The Zoo.) Above all, it's McDermott’s songwriting that separates this recording from the rest. Take, for example, "Clap Your Hands. " From the simple title, you expect a simple participatory song. But McDermott takes it to another level. Set in a doo-wop groove with plenty of body percussion, he takes the opportunity to remind children that 'long before they invented instruments, people used to dance and sing/ they mimicked the music of the earth.” Then McDermott invites listeners to "beat on your chest like the bears in the forest/ whistle like the birds in the trees" and "let your body make music.” "Everything Grows” is also a standout. Here McDermott helps children realize that "everything grows from inside out," putting that simple but profound idea into words with lyrics such as, "a sparrow lays her egg in the nest/ nature knows how to do the rest.” McDermott is from Austin, Texas, and his high-energy, Austin-style pop sound comes through on “Let The Dog Go Out” and “Way Out West.” The songs are loaded with kid-friendly humor, and they hold up to repeated listening. Children also will enjoy “My Cat Can Fly,” “Don't Get Close To The Alligator” and “I Got Stuck In An Elevator.” But you will get the ol’ lump in the throat from the title song and last track on the CD, in which a father promises his baby, "Someday I'm gonna hold Your little hand/ walk around this great big world."

Ebullience, humor, quirky originality, cool rock, jazz and country instrumentals and harmonies give Joe McDermott's new album all-ages appeal. The eclectic songs cover perils in the Everglades (Don't Get close to the Alligator") and a captivating trip to the shore ("Let's Go to the Beach"), with smooth, Beach Boys-type high harmonies. In "Clap Your Hands," McDermott uses hand-clapping and layers of unexpected, tuneful vocal harmonies to demonstrate how "Long before they invented instruments, people used to dance and sing" to nature music. The silly "Way Out West" and the change-of-pace sweet "Everything Grows" are pleasant listening but "My Cat Can Fly" and the swing-style "I Got Stuck in An Elevator" are a giggle and "Come to Hawaii," with its ukulele accompaniment and 1930's crooner touches, is a delight. The title track, a dad singing to his baby, is a rich song of the heart-- "Someday I'm gonna hold your little hand, walk around this great big world..."

Great Big World. 1 CD. 29:29 min. Prod. By True Blue Music. Dist. by Big Kids Prods. 2000. #MA2640CD. $14.95 (+ $3.95 s/b).

PreS-Gr2 Containing ten catchy, kid- friendly songs, singer-songwriter Joe McDermott’s latest album for children is bound to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. He uses a variety of musical styles, from the infectious rhythm of "Let the Dog Go Out" to the cowboy feel of "Way Out West" to the Beach Boys feel of "Let’s Go to the Beach." The songs range from the purely silly ("My Cat Can Fly") to the surprisingly touching ("Clap Your Hands," an acappella tribute to the universality of music). McDermott's lyrics are unfailingly clever, as well demonstrated by "Come to Hawaii," which describes a homemade paradise in the backyard: "The neighbor girls with hula skirts a-flyin'/And the punch is genuine Hawaiian." His flawless combination of kid appeal and fine musicianship make this a natural purchase for any music collection.

Joe McDermott's latest CD invites children and adults to sing, dance and use their imagination as they listen to songs titled "I Got Stuck in an Elevator" and "Come to Hawaii." McDermott's 1998 CD release, "I Am Baby" won national acclaim with a Parent's Choice Award. The suggested retail price of the "Great Big World" CD is $14.95. Information: (800) 477-7811 or www.joemcdermottmusic.com. Comments: Pull out your ukulele, guitar, drums and sing along with the new CD, "Great Big World," by Joe McDermott. This fun-filled CD is great to listen to with your children. Not only does this CD relate to and teach children, but it also connects to a child's daily life. The sweet song "Everything Grows" is about how babies and nature grow. This CD has music that brings you to your feet to dance. "Great Big World" has all different types of music from the cha-cha to country to calypso to rock 'n' roll. The lyrics are easy to understand, and the music has a great beat. This CD is good for the whole family, but children 8 and younger might enjoy it most. Don't take my opinion; try it out yourself.

Children’s audio/video GREAT BIG WORLD Joe McDermott, True Blue Music (Big Kids Productions, dist., 800-477-7811), CD $14.99

Like fellow performer Justin Roberts..., McDermott knows of what he sings: he, too, was a Montessori teacher before becoming a recording artist. This follow-up to his award-winning I Am Baby again goes right to the heart of topics and tunes that grab kids’ attention. Spanish guitar, country and western are among the influences found in McDermott’s 10 original, clever compositions. Excellent supporting vocals and skillful guitar playing give his friendly vocals an extra boost. “Let’s Go To The Beach” is a bouncy Beach Boys-inspired ditty about the great times to be had in the sun, sand and surf. The cheerful harmonies on “Clap Your Hands” will surely make listeners eager to join in and make music anyway they can. In “My Cat Can Fly,” a kid is boggled by his pet’s amazing abilities: “My cat can fly,/ my cat can fly/ I feed her regular cat chow,/ but my cat can fly.” And the breezy ukulele tinged “Come To Hawaii” extols the virtues of a backyard paradise replete with canned pineapple, cardboard palm trees and a wading pool. McDermott succeeds in providing an inventive musical outing for the whole family. Ages 2 and up.

On a Saturday afternoon this past April, Austin's singer/songwriter Joe McDermott had just finished a concert for a group of exuberant children at Georgetown's Community Montessori School, when a man approached him. "You are a part of our family lore," the man explained as he shook McDermott's hand. "My son grew up listening to your music, and we're always quoting your songs when we find ourselves in similar situations." Indeed McDermott's music has provided a soundtrack to the lives of many young people throughout central Texas and beyond. His songs range in topic from the wild and whimsical (such as having a helicopter as a family car or bringing home a skunk for a pet), to moving ballads about growing up and experiencing life's simple joys, making him a hit with parents and children alike. McDermott, a father of three sons, began performing music for young people when he worked as the director of the Phoenix School, an Austin preschool he co-founded in 1985. By 1986 he had released a compilation of his own songs in a cassette titled "Eeny Meeny Miny Joe," and was becoming a popular performer at schools, festivals, and other child-centered events. McDermott's reputation as a musician soon reached the ears of Stan and Jan Berenstain, authors of the popular Berenstain Bear books. After listening to his recordings, the Berenstains asked McDermott to set 10 of their books to music. His compositions were released as part of a multi-media package in 1994. Three years later his CD "I Am Baby" won a Parents Choice Award. His follow-up CD, "Great Big World" came out last December. Not only does McDermott strive to enhance and enchant the lives of young people through his music, as the father of three sons, he also knows firsthand the demands of parenting and the challenges that stem from balancing family and career. Recently Austin Family sat down with the daddy musician to talk to him about fatherhood, music, and the marriage between the two.

AF: How has being a father changed your life?

JM: Having taught preschool for many years before having kids, I was pretty used to being around children already. What really changed things for me was that feeling of total responsibility and love that you feel for your child. When Max, my eldest, was born it really made life a lot more serious and real for me, but also a lot more wonderful. I think men are fairly simple machines. We don't really have the rituals of manhood any more to signify the change from boy to man. I think having your heart broken once or twice and having a child is about as good as it gets.

AF: How has being a father affected the way your view your career?

JM: I always thought of children as important, but after having children of my own I realized just how important they are and how important it is to try and maintain that innocence they have. As a parent I see how much stuff children are exposed to, both good and bad, and I really enjoy being able to give something positive for them to be exposed to.

AF: What do you do to handle the stress of parenting?

JM: I really try to remember that the younger guys won't be little that much longer. Having a child is one of the most challenging experiences a person has. It's so stressful and yet it's really a very small percentage of our lives. It's over before you know it and once it's gone it's gone. That thought usually helps me slow down and appreciate the moment.

AF: What resources helped you most as a parent?

JM: Teaching really helped. I trained under a wonderful Montessori teacher named Leo Nitch at Athena Montessori (which was in Tarrytown until 1985). He taught me so much about children. Leo had an almost twisted sense of humor and the children loved him. My parents had me when they were older and they were very "old school" so Leo really taught me how fun it is to be around kids.

AF: What are the most important family times, those that make memories?

JM: For us it's almost always humor. We keep a book of funny things the kids say.

AF: How do you bring music into the lives of your sons, and how can non-musical parents bring music into their children's lives?

JM: Well, my kids have no choice - it's just all around them. Louise and I sing all the time and so do the kids. As far as non-musical parents, the only thing I can say is that children are naturally musical. I would think that exposing them to a variety of music would be a good thing. I would also think that buying a Joe McDermott CD for every room in the house would be a good idea.

AF: What is the most important thing your wife does for you that helps you as a dad?

JM: She really loves me. That makes everything go smoother.

AF: Where do you get ideas for your songs?

JM: I think most of my ideas come from listening to people and observing situations. When I listen to people talk my brain ties the words together in funny ways. I usually just get a main idea from that and run with it. There are however those rare moments of pure inspiration. I was in the yard once smashing flower pots with a brick and just about broke my foot. That one wrote itself.

AF: What do you think is your best song and why?

JM: Probably "Great Big World." I was really trying to write a song about discovery and change but a little sadness sort of crept in unconsciously. It's great to grow and explore but you lose something too. As you show your child the world for the first time it's so exciting and yet you are showing them the world that they will eventually go into. That unique and precious world you share now gives way to something else.

AF: What are your guiding principles that help you stay positive about children and the future?

JM: I firmly believe that the world hasn't really changed that much. Sure, there are more of us and we definitely tax the resources more but I think the proportion of "good" and "bad" people is about the same as it always was. I think children introduce a constant renewal to the system by reminding us of why we're really alive. Children know so much more about happiness than we do. Every so often someone will say, "You really know how to control children" and I always think to myself, "No, I'm just happy to be here and they know it."

Jennifer Ziegler is a freelance writer and mother of two. She has published three young adult paperback novels under the name Lynn Mason.