The American Library Association
2004 NOTABLE CHILDREN'S RECORDING
2004 PARENTS' CHOICE SILVER AWARD WINNER
2004 iPARENTING MEDIA AWARD WINNER
2004 PARENTING MAGAZINE Parenting Pick
This jazz for kids CD-the first of its kind-provides children with a fun and engaging introduction to jazz. Featuring specially selected original recordings for children by celebrated jazz masters Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Peggy Lee, Louis Prima and Fats Waller, these spirited and lighthearted vocal tracks speak to children through rhyme, humor, sing-a-long lyrics and swinging dance rhythms. Sure to inspire singing, dancing and interactive musical play with your child, this collection is fun for the whole family.
"Nicky's Jazz For Kids CD is the perfect way to introduce kids to the joy of jazz. An essential primer, this child- friendly collection by true jazz greats is guaranteed to get the whole house swinging!"
Wynton Marsalis
"Nicky the Jazz Cat has assembled a positively catchy collection of Jazz standards from 'friends' like Cab Calloway and Peggy Lee, sure to set little butts bouncing and little shoulders shaking. Resist if you dare."
The American Library Association
Association For Library Service To Children
"You have never heard quite a version of "Three Blind Mice" such as this one. With a lighthearted and foot-tapping bounce, these delightful and classic tracks reach out to children through rhyme, clever, fun and accessible lyrics, danceable, swinging rhythms and tasteful humor. If your musical standard for your children is high, Nicky's Jazz For Kids will most certainly fit the bill. A highly unusual and uniquely classy album for kids and parents that brings music into the interactive education process."
CD Baby
"Nicky's Jazz For Kids will open children's hearts and
minds to the magic of jazz. All my friends are here!
This is a beautiful and swinging celebration for all"
Quincy Jones
"Brimming with sunny bounce and swing, "Nicky the Jazz Cat's" terrific collection of jazz from the past is well-chosen and just plain smile-inducing fun -- for all ages, from music-loving toddlers up to and including adult jazz lovers. These are legendary artists at their colorful, playful best. Among the 13 tracks: Louis Armstrong's "Ten Feet Off the Ground," Count Basie and Tony Bennett's "Jeepers Creepers," Fats Waller's "Your Feet's Too Big," Nat King Cole and his King Cole Trio's "Three Blind Mice," Peggy Lee's "A Doodlin' Song" and Ella Fitzgerald's "Chew-Chew-Chew (Chew Your Bubblegum)."
Lynne Heffley
Parents' Choice
"While Nicky's adventures and exemplary taste in music will delight children, perhaps only their parents will fully appreciate the tremendous care, detail, subtlety, wit, and love that went into this project. Carol Friedman is the cat's meow."
Gary Giddins
"Listening to the radio today can be a very depressing experience. It seems as if nearly every station has the same misogynistic rap artists, unimaginative Techno geeks and self-important Pop stars playing all the time. How can we expect our children to come to appreciate REAL music? Fortunately, there is an antidote. Featuring the timeless talents of Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller, this album is a great introduction to the wonders of Jazz for any age. But with songs like the magically nonsensical "Kee-Mo, Ky-Mo" and the satisfying "Chew Chew Chew," it is especially well suited for the younger set. Peggy Lee's "Doodlin' Song," Louis Amstrong's "Ten Feet off the Ground," and Louis Prima's "The Music Goes 'Round and Around" introduce many musical terms and even a bit of history in fun and easily singable ways while Cab Calloway's "Everybody Eats When They Come To My House" is filled with delicious rhymes. From well-known children's favorites like "Three Blind Mice" and "A Tisket, A Tasket" to older folks' fare like "Jeepers Creepers" and the good-hearted tease "Your Feet's Too Big," this jazzy collection offers lots of fun for everyone."
Matthew S. Robinson
JazzUSA
"I worried that the publisher had produced electronic or toyish-sounding covers of established material to make it more appealing to children, i.e. The Wiggles Visit The Five Spot. Fortunately, they collected great original recordings of swing and bebop brimming with the kind of frivolity children enjoy. Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Prima, Fats Waller and more are featured. While some of the songs will be new to kids, most will surely recognize "Three Blind Mice", "Jeepers Creepers", and maybe even Ella's "A Tisket, A Tasket". (That all the songs feature a strong call-and-response structure only adds to the fun factor.) The fidelity is tip-top..."
Jim Nelson
All About Jazz
"Friedman's CD will have kid & pet ears alike standing straight up!"
Heather Leigh Klopfer
Animal Fair Magazine
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