JOE ROSS: The Crazy Zoo: an Animal Songfest

Joe Ross

The Crazy Zoo: an Animal Songfest

© 2000 Zephyr Records (659057132327)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

SPECIAL: 30% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

A playful folk and bluegrass animal songfest for frolicking, fun-filled families. With Peter Ostroushko, Bryan Bowers, Radim Zenkl, Dean Magraw, and others.

tracks

1 The Cat Came Back
2 The Crazy Zoo
3 Six Little Ducks
4 The Unicorn
5 Twin Peaks
6 The Sow Took the Measles
7 Puff the Magic Dragon
8 Opera Reel
9 Tennessee Stud
10 Old Rattler
11 Baby Beluga
12 Crawdad
13 Turkey in the Straw
14 Last Call
15 Goober Peas/Year of the Jubilo
16 The Fox
17 The Tale of a Bear
18 Touch the Earth
19 Joy to the World

notes

In his liner notes, Joe Ross says, "Musicians should periodically think about how they hear and feel music, and we must also be able to help others feel it. Thus, my personal reflection on this concluded that my own music is fun, playful, and even silly at times." On "The Crazy Zoo: an Animal Songfest," Ross' goals are to both entertain and educate, by getting audience members to interact, clap or sing along.

"I've always tried to have fun with music, and this is what this album tries to convey.

Everyone should experience the joy and unity that playing and singing together bring." Ross is a member of the Northwest on Tour juried artist roster and frequently performs for family shows and festivals throughout the region.

"The Crazy Zoo: an Animal Songfest" offers a number of songs from the genres of bluegrass, folk, campfire songs, Celtic, children's music, and original music.

Ross admits that it began as a project for kids but evolved to become something more.

"We think that folks of all ages should like these frolicking, fun-filled family songs that will have you singing, smiling and tapping your toes from the first verse of 'The Cat Came Back' on." Besides cats, the album offers tunes about bears, unicorns, dragons, ducks, horses, dogs, whales, crawdads, turkeys, and foxes.

Ross' original title cut, "The Crazy Zoo" tells of other interesting animals, like the zepotamus, hippoingo, elezelle, pypard, goraffe, osthon, flammel, kangarich, and babkey.

The album's cover has whimsical depictions of these imaginary animal species.

On a more serious note, Ross' other original on the album is "Touch the Earth" which speaks to the frustration, desperation and despair experienced by Native Americans as they saw their resources exploited by the pioneer emigrants.

The song, written from an Indian's perspective, encourages us to "Arise now and touch the earth, before your day is done!" The 19-track album is targeted "for families from 3 to 93," and includes all the lyrics for nearly an hour's worth of music.

Multi-instrumentalist Joe Ross plays guitar, upright bass, and synthesizer on the project.

Vocals and harmonies are handled by Ross and Bob Evoniuk.

Artists collaborating with Ross on the project include: Bryan Bowers on autoharp & mandocello Linda Danielson on fiddle Bob Evoniuk on resonator guitar Dean Magraw on guitar Dan Mazer on banjo Janet Naylor on celtic harp Peter Ostroushko on mandolin Radim Zenkl on mandolin, bouzouki, low whistle Kathy Boyd of Portland, Oregon comments, "It's one of the most professionally packaged products I've seen in a long time.

We listened to "Zoo" last evening while eating dinner....

By the time the banjo was introduced, it was quite a pleasant surprise! We were all dancing around the house snapping our fingers in a Stray-cattish sort of way to the very first song on the album, and that was just the beginning of the fun we had.

Tom's daughter got excited everytime you sang a song she was familiar with.

The adults had an unexpected trip down memory lane when we got to sing-a-long with songs such as "The Unicorn" and "Joy to the World (Jeramiah Was A Bullfrog)."

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • Crazy Zoo is klang-da-de-klanging fun!
    author: Kelsey Wood

    This gets you right in the middle of some toe tapp'n, foot stomp'n klang-da-de-klanging fun. Good wholesome old-fashioned imaginative lyrics, great instrumentation and colorful voices make this CD a fun family favorite of ours.

  • author: By Bob Mitchell (Reviewer for "Bluegrass Now" and Louisville Mus

    Joe Ross and Friends The Crazy Zoo: An Animal Songfest By Bob Mitchell (Reviewer for "Bluegrass Now" and Louisville Music News." "Zoo" is a delightful release that allows an adult listener to make friends with his or her inner child and it allows the young listener to giggle and have fun. The musicians are first rate and they handle each track with skill and love. Bryan Bowers, Janet Naylor, Peter Ostroushko, and Radim Zenkl are especially noteworthy. Two of my favorites selections are "Puff The Magic Dragon" and "The Unicorn."

  • Fun, heart-felt and fabulous!
    author: Kim Loftis

    What do you get when you put together a cast of utterly stellar musicians with a lot of zany songs about various critters and a lot of love? The answer is this cd, The Crazy Zoo! When I said the musicians are utterly stellar, I wasn’t over-exaggerating! All the tracks are played with an incredible amount of grace and sheer talent. Not only that, but the instrumentation of this album is highly diverse, including fiddle, harp, mandolin, banjo, and that’s only a brief list. Just as diverse as the rich instrumentation, is the wonderful song selection. From classics like “Joy To The World”, “The Unicorn” and “Puff, the Magic Dragon”, to perhaps lesser-known songs like “Crawdad”, “Tale of a Bear” and “Rattler”, this cd has something for everyone. Plus, the addition of tracks like “Turkey In the Straw” and “Tennessee Stud” is a real treat! Not to mention the terrific instrumental tracks sprinkled throughout the cd! Wonderful! As I already stated, the other ingredient that sets this cd apart from so many others is the love that so obviously was put into it’s creation. Joe sings with warmth, sincerity and richness, which draws the listener straight into each and every song. The music is absolutely infectious, and one can’t help sing along and dance around the room. Well, at least, this listener couldn’t. I must pay special tribute to Joe’s beautiful original song, “Touch The Earth.” Written from the Native American’s point-of-view, it discusses the exploits of the white men, and their extravagant and brutal wasting of the land and her natural resources. It is a somber reminder of the cruelty inflicted on both the Native American’s, and the land for which they were the caretakers. Nevertheless, this song brings hope that those fortunate enough to hear it will remember the mistakes of the past and do their best to facilitate healing for the earth and all her people. I’m so thankful that Joe wrote and included this wonderful piece, and hope that others will appreciate it as well. I would highly recommend this cd to kids of all ages. It will bring a smile to your face, a spring to your step, and certainly, a song to your heart.

  • Best CD we have - we gave it to everyone this year for Christmas!
    author: Emily, Timothy, and Daniel

    We all love this CD so much! Even Mom doesn't complain when we play it all the time in the car! Mom found it here a while ago and we listen to it a lot! We all decided it would be great as a gift so we came back and bought more! Crazy Zoo, the Unicorn Song, and Puff the Magic Dragon are our favorites, and Mom likes the Crawdad Hole song. She even sings it in the kitchen! This CD is great for all ages (we're 3, 5, and 8) and you definitely won't be disappointed!

  • A well-produced project that kids of all ages will relate to
    author: Graham Lees

    Something a little different to the sort of albums that I'm used to reviewing is Crazy Zoo containing 19 tracks with music that Joe Ross sights as an hour long disc for families between 3 and 93. Joe Ross and his friends are well versed in the folk and bluegrass fields and all skilled musicians playing a wide range of acoustic instruments ranging from Bryan Bowers playing autoharp and mandocello, Linda Danielson on fiddle, to banjo played by Banjer Naylor and resonator guitar which is played by Bob Evoniuk with Radim Zenki playing mandolin, Irish bouzouki and low whistle and more, more and even more instruments and musicians. Joe Ross takes lead vocals and has written two of the numbers including the title track "Crazy Zoo" and "Touch The Earth". We can find seven traditional numbers such as "Six Little Ducks", "Turkey In The Straw", "The Fox" and I'm sure many readers will remember "The Crawdad Song". Just a few of the other numbers to be found include Shel Silverstein's classic "The Unicorn" and Peter Yarrow's "Puff The Magic Dragon" that have stood the test of time with generations of children. Another well known track comes with Jimmie Driftwood's "The Tennessee Stud" and we are also treated to Burl Ives "Goober Peas/Year Of The Jubilo". Crazy Zoo is a well-produced project with a few shining nuggets that kids of all ages will relate to. Clearly a labour of love…Crazy Zoo will be an instant hit with all your rug-rats and ankle-biters and even a few grizzled old-timers will relate to a few of the numbers. An infectious album that takes a nostalgic journey back to the childhood of many years ago.

  • Uplifting!
    author: Kim Angelis

    This is uplifting and joyous music, very well performed. There are several classic tracks on this CD that are sure to generate radio airplay. If you want to thoroughly enjoy yourself, and for a good cause, buy this CD!!

  • well produced and great recording quality
    author: Al Brinkerhoff

    The "zoo grass" is really well produced and the recording quality is great.

  • Wonderful presentation of good music!
    author: Frank Overstreet

    Every song and tune is well played and will delight the young, middle aged and older fans who love music. The way Joe phrases and pronounces the words indicate he has been strongly influenced by the folk music in the 1960s. His voice is in the lower vocal range and very enjoyable. Bryan Bowers is well known as a great autoharp player and he gives us some good moments on several songs. Banjo Dan Mazer's five strings speak on "Tennessee Stud" and other songs. This is a wonderful presentation of good music and should find a home in everyone's record collection. This project has been nominated for a Parent's Choice Foundation Fall Award. Sincerely, Frank Overstreet, SPBGMA Bluegrass Music News

  • Grab this disc for your next family road trip
    author: David Royko, Bluegrass Unlimited magazine

    The Unicorn, Puff the Magic Dragon, Crawdad, The Fox, Baby Beluga, Tennessee Stud, Six Little Ducks, The Cat Came Back, you get the idea. Joe Ross has subtitled this hour-long disc, "For families from 3 to 93," and there should be familiarities here for everyone in that range. Ross' friendly baritone voice gives all of the tunes an informal approachability that invites singing along. Grab this disc next time the family heads out for a road trip, that is, if you can wrestle control of the car audio away from a seven-year-old addicted to the Backstreet Boys (our family's current state). One way Ross trumps many artists offering kids' songs is via his musical friends: Bryan Bowers, Linda Danielson, Bob Evoniuk, Dean Magraw, Dan Mazer, Janet Naylor, Peter Ostroushko, and Radim Zenkl. If those are the types of gatherings your kids get to hear in your living room, all I can say is you have better ammunition than I against those Backstreet Boys. --David Royko, contributing writer, Bluegrass Unlimited magazine

  • What a treat!
    author: Shar & Miss Em

    There is no question as to how popular this CD is with kids of all ages! I often play "Joe Ross and Friends --The Crazy Zoo: an Animal Songfest", but most often I keep it in my car's CD player for entertainment. It improves the time spent on the road and our big favorites are "THE CAT CAME BACK" , "THE UNICORN" and "PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON", but we love them all. Five year old, Miss Em loves to sing right along and I admit that I do too! We definitely recommend it!

  • Love it!
    author: Helen

    Love it! The kids are quite impressed...they just sang "Goober Peas" at their school's Spring Program, so of course that song was the first one we listened to. Thank goodness, now I have a decent alternative to the "Silly Songs" CD that I play in the van when I am driving the kids around.

  • Great fun!
    author: Bill Fisher, Victory Music Review

    ...A remarkably listenable set with wonderful mandolin, banjo and (of course) autoharp licks abounding and even a few odd fragments of instrumentals from Zenkl and Bowers. This is not the sort of CD you'd be unhappy about hearing frequently on your children's boom boxes. In fact, what a glorious replacement for the Barney and Elmo music that makes you feel guiltily genocidal. In the end, this music is great fun, reflecting the pleasures that clearly went into its creation. And, for that, we give thanks!

  • A real gas!
    author: Rik James

    As a teacher and music lover, picker (hummer & strummer), a longtime radio host, it was a real gas to hear Crazy Zoo. Joe Ross and friends have done a great job with those old tunes, and with the new ones, too. Peter and Dean and Bryan and the other musicians were also a big pleasure to hear. I really liked that expression on Bryan's face on the inside-- what a kermit!! I'm sure this cd will be very fun to play on my show and others here at KGLT. Best, Rik James Americana Roots Music Director Host/Producer: "Americana Backroads" (KGLT-FM, Sat. 12pm - 3pm) Bozeman, MT 59715-2921

  • Stellar musicianship!
    author: Kathryn Lamar, Folknik Nov/dec 2000, San Francisco Folk Music Cl

    The musicianship throughout is stellar, and the fun had by the musicians shines through on every note. Even if you're not a kid, or don't have any kids with which to share this music, you'll like this recording as a reminder of the emotional reactions to music that led most of us to become avocational (or even professional) musicians. --Kathryn LaMar, Folknik Vol. XXXVI, No. 6, Nov/Dec 2000

  • It's adorable!
    author: Julie Koehler, Bluegrass Now Magazine

    I was delighted to get the new CD, THE CRAZY ZOO. It's just adorable! I've played "The Cat Came Back" for three other people so far and everybody's loving it and going around singing the chorus... "For Families from 3 to 93," says this CD's cover. Tell the store clerk it's for your kids or grandkids, but chances are you'll enjoy it as much as any youngster lucky enough to hear it. Joe Ross is an Oregon musician who has been performing a "Roots of Bluegrass" family show for years. The Crazy Zoo is a collection of 19 animal songs aimed at children and those with youthful souls. Several selections will be delightfully familiar to baby boomers ("The Unicorn," "Puff the Magic Dragon," and "Joy to the World"—as in "Jeremiah was a bullfrog"). Some are less common but equally fun ("The Sow Took the Measles," "Baby Beluga," "The Tale of a Bear"). And there's a healthy serving of traditional and bluegrass standards ("Six Little Ducks," "Tennessee Stud," "Old Rattler," "Crawdad," "Turkey in the Straw"), tying past and present together for all listeners. Helping Joe are several friends, including Bryan Bowers, Peter Ostroushko, Dean Magraw and Radim Zenkl. The result is an uncomplicated, fun, sing-along album with clearly understandable lyrics. A Parents' Choice Foundation award nominee and an excellent way to introduce your kids to the joys of music. Julie Koehler, Associate Editor Bluegrass Now Magazine, Rolla, MO.

  • Nice picking and grinning!
    author: Alan Hill

    A wonderful CD! We enjoyed it.. and Tyler (our English Springer Spaniel) and Abigail (our resident cat) danced a jig together :) That's some nice picking & grinning!

  • Puts the fun back into music.
    author: David Higgs

    Young and old alike will find something to tickle their fancy on "The Crazy Zoo." Joe Ross and friends have chosen some fine songs, have interpreted them in an appealing fashion, have utilized the talents of some of the area's finest musicians and definitely have achieved their twin goals of entertaining and educating. Almost all the vocal tunes have little hooks or phrases that will provide immediate accessibility for children. No one under the age of 93 will be able to resist screaming out "quack, quack, quack" on "Six Little Ducks" or "eating goober peas" on the song by the same title. I especially enjoyed hearing all the verses to "The Cat Came Back" -- although I wasn't surprised to learn he had survived a nuclear holocaust. Thanks for putting fun back into music! And thanks again for the cool tunes! Dave Higgs Bluegrass Breakdown WPLN-FM, Nashville

  • Wonderful music and great selection of songs
    author: Binki

    One of my favorite songs is on it!!! "The Cat Came Back"...years ago (and I DO mean YEARS), we bought that on a 45 for out old cat, Wolfman....I think we were a little wierd!...The great thing is, it has wonderful music as well as a great selection of songs. I can't wait for the kids to hear it.

  • Highly recommend it
    author: Judy

    For those of you with young 'uns, teachers, or just the young-at-heart, I highly recommend it. It is a singalong called "The Crazy Zoo". In order to listen to the new CD, I had to take Joe Ross' other one out "The Harper's Reverie" which is absolutely beautiful Celtic music.

  • I just love it!
    author: Two Louies Magazine

    I got "The Crazy Zoo" and it's awesome. I love the harmonies and the mix of styles using bluegrass instrumentation and attack. I'm sure both kids and adults are really going to enjoy this disc. I listened to it several times. The cover is infectiously cute! I just love it.

  • A gem for every child's CD collection...
    author: Cathy Levin

    "The Crazy Zoo" is a CD sure to make everybody smile, from toddlers through grown-ups. You will buy it for a child, but find yourself enjoying it just as much they do. The song selection is fresh and interesting, with lyrics sweet and funny for enjoyment at many levels. You can just hear the big smile in Joe Ross' rich baritone voice, and the way he phrases the lyrics guarantees to draw you into the humor or sentiment of every song. The musicianship is outstanding, and contributions by Peter Ostroushko and Radim Zenkl on mandolin, Dean Magraw on guitar, and Bryan Bowers on autoharp really make this project sparkle. The wonderful variety of acoustic instruments gives a full-flavored harmony to every song. This will be one of our favorite family CD's, and every child on my Christmas list is getting one too! It is a treasure!

email

Please log in to email this artist.