An eclectic compilation of folk songs
Melanie Wilson | USA | 03/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kettle of Dreams is an eclectic compilation of folk songs with a Hawaiian tone, created by the award-winning composer Steve Kramer. With not a hint of modern MTV-style music for children, the album rarely features more than a guitar and a mellow mood. Steve Kramer's voice is soothing, fun and playful.
The album's Must Hear song is "Tutu I Love You, I Do!" For those unfamiliar with the Hawaiian term "Tutu," Kramer explains the meaning in the opening music. This song is a fabulous ode to grandparents:
Tutu, I love you, I do!
Grandmas and Grandpas are superstars
Each time the phone rings, it's true -
I wait by the doorway and hope it's Tutu!
And when dark clouds fill the sky
Or tears well up in my eyes,
I know they'll be someone to my rescue -
My Tutu!
On the other hand, "On My TV," glorifies television by declaring, "There's so much to see on my TV." Granted, the song makes the point that children see on television what they normally wouldn't in everyday life (other cultures, for example), but children shouldn't have the attachment to "my television" like adults have "my coffee." Making up for the TV-centric perspective is "I Took a Ride to the End of My Street," a lovely song about seeing what the world is like outside while searching for what is available in our natural environment.
What a fun, unique song "Aren't Animals Kinda Like People?" is! ("Do bees call their loved ones honey? Are sand-dollars good with money?") Parents are sure to relate to "Pick it up and Put it Away," a song encouraging children to clean up before someone asks - great for dancing to while cleaning with the kids!
The cd comes with a 20-page booklet of song lyrics and drawings. Even though his work has had attention throughout the US and in Great Britain, Kramer remains appreciative of local artistry in Hawaii. He also clearly has an appreciation of the animal world and of children's lives. -Caity McCardell"
Finally Something worth the money!
Doris Baloga | 11/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally a Childrens CD thats woth every penny and more! I have already purchased three of these CD's for gifts for the holidays. The music is inspiring for all age groups. My daughter makes me play this CD over and over. I know almost all the words to each song by memory! You will not be dissapointed one bit with this CD. Kettle of Dreams is nothing short of a masterpiece!
"
We Love "Kettle of Dreams"
Barbara | 11/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I came back looking for more CD's by this artist. I hope there will be more, because we love "Kettle of Dreams." It's very smart and funny. This was a lucky find and I highly recommend it."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1