Album Notes

SILVER 2007 PARENTS' CHOICE AWARD WINNER
CHILDREN'S MUSIC WEB AWARD WINNER
iPARENTING 2007 OUTSTANDING PRODUCT WINNER


Brava Robbi K!
Reviewed by: LAHRI BOND, ©2007 Parents' Choice

Robbi Hall Kumalo (or Robbi K as she is called) crafts a joyful, exuberant music celebration of both life and childhood.

Backed by a group of highly professional musicians including Irish fiddler Eileen (Riverdance) Ivers, Folk/Blues musician Guy Davis, African bassist Bakithi Kumalo and even Jon "Bowzer" Bauman of Sha Na Na fame, Ms. Kumalo performs unashamedly positive and uplifting music.

From the percussive Hip Hop opener of "Feel The Beat" to the kid-led, bluesy, blissful title track; both parents and children will find themselves dancing and singing along.

There are lighthearted tunes as in the playful "Eating Some Pizza," as well as soulful and quietly educational moments as in her powerful rendition of the traditional "The Legend of John Henry," which she sings with absolute authority.

Robbi K's "Music Is My Friend" is jazzy and joyful, while her version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic "My Favorite Things" swings. She even engages some good old fashioned 50's style Doo Wop on the educator pleasing "I Love My Teacher", aided and abetted by some very tuneful kids and the ubiquitous Bowzer.

The album concludes with a gorgeous melding of traditional tunes on "The Peace Song" which incorporates a Latin chorus and bits of "Amazing Grace" and "Got The Whole World" into one seamless prayer for peace, backed by Iver's soaring and sympathetic violin.

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"African-American jazz artist Robbi K's third album for children features one traditional and ten original upbeat songs. This outstanding album features rap, calypso, rock, jazz, blues, classical, and Cajun musical styles. Her sultry alto voice is joined by virtuoso performances by guest artists. A must purchase for all libraries." — Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX


“Songs That Rock, and Are Kid Friendly, Too” – The New York Times

“Robbi has sung backup for artists ranging from Jewel to Aretha Franklin, and she deserves praise for the cultural aspects and delightful depth of her performances. The overall effort is so rewarding and well performed that parents should just groove out." –TIME OUT NY KIDS

“A pure potpourri of feel-good tunes excellently arranged and
performed by top-flight musicians. Robbi K & Friends will have you smiling and dancing from the first downbeat.” - JOHN WOOD, Kidzmusic.com

On Music Makes Me Happy, Robbi K (Robbi Hall Kumalo) blends pop, R & B,
jazz, hip-hop, blues, and more into a sunshiny gem of a children's CD.
Robbi, an accomplished singer, has backed up Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross,
Mary J. Blige, Harry Belafonte, and others. But with such tunes as the
doo-wop-flavored "I Love My Teacher" and the effervescent Caribbean romp
"Summer's Here," she cements her status as a unique voice in children's
music." - DISNEY FAMILY FUN MAGAZINE

"Several new CDs for children span a variety of musical genres. Robbi K's soulful album of worldwide musical styles, Music Makes Me Happy, offers diverse tracks of "post-Barney and pre-Britney" music for 7-to-12-year-olds. Blending music from jazz to various cultural traditions, Music Makes Me Happy also incorporates children's voices." - Laurel Fishman, GRAMMY.com