Tony Bennett - The Playground
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Free Music Notes for The Playground
Free Music Review: Tony rejuvenated
Hit: 4 Stars
This isn't quite the "sleeper" that "On Holiday" is (as good as any Bennett album I've heard), but it's awfully appealing, with the vocalist's execution of Jon Hendricks' tricky lyrics to "Dat Dere" standing out as an album highlight. This kind of material seems ideally suited to Bennett's timbre (raspy and muted in the middle, penetrating and full on top) more than the pop-Wagnerian "romantic" arrangements and productions that he's so frequently saddled with. (There's no more apt metaphor for the language of music than "playground.")
I've learned not to place bets on what kids will take to (my 3-year-old granddaughter can handle many more hours of classical ballet at a sitting than I). A number of these songs are about an adult's remembrance of "childhood" but not necessarily "for" children. Nevertheless, it's very possible a younger listener will respond favorably to "visceral" musical elements that the nostalgic adult misses. From my perspective, the insertion, on several tracks, of funny voices (Sesame Street characters and Rosie O'Donnell) is a blot on the proceedings, but if they work to get the little player's attention, great. (Otherwise, double the shame.) The final Christmas song feels like a gratuitous, unthematic intrusion (even as a postlude). But this is a 17-song performance, 12 of which leave virtually nothing to be desired. For this session to be out of print a mere ten years after its release--and with the singer riding a renewed surge of high-profile popularity--simply defies comprehension. What a fickle marketplace (kids have longer attention spans than today's consumer).
Free Music Review: wonderful as usual
Hit: 5 Stars
I love Tony Bennett! this one is enjoyable by children as well!Free Music Review: A warm, enjoyable concept album
Hit: 4 Stars
All in all, this is an excellent album. What Tony Bennett lacks in vocal range (he is getting up there in age), he more than makes up for with his warm and charming delivery. For kids, this should be a delight. For adult jazz fans, this is simply a very good concept album. I agree that the duets are a bit of a stretch in some cases. However, they fit the child album concept and are few and far between. Songs that I especially enjoy are Dat Dere and The Playground. (Dat Dere alone may be worth the price of the disc.) This is an essential release for the Tony Bennett fan, and a very nice addition for jazz fans and children alike.Free Music Review: Mom and music lover
Hit: 5 Stars
I love this cd! It is wonderful for for infants (my 10mth old bounces along with the songs), and adults (my husband and I never tire of listening to it on our trips from GA to OH). The cd's smooth melodies keep us all entranced and I really like the guest singers (Elmo, Kermit, and Rosie).Free Music Review: Great travel music
Hit: 5 Stars
We played this CD from Jersey to North Carolina, kids loved it, and we never got bored. It is simply wonderful.