The Apple Tree and the Honey Bee by the Bari Koral Rock Band Music CD Review

 

My Review:

 

You know it's a good CD when you hear your kids singing the songs even when it's not playing on the CD player!  That's why we love the Bari Koral Family Rock Band's new album The Apple Tree and the Honey Bee.  Starting off with a Dancing Bear and moving on down in a Big Truck, being chased by a bee, growing an apple tree, having a birthday, hanging with sisters and brothers, giving hugs and enjoying a roller coaster.  Did you have as much fun as we did??  These songs are simple, singable and a great way for young ones to dance around the room and get some energy flowing.  There are many different kinds of music like pop, jazz, soul and country.  What a talented group of musicians.  We are so happy to play along with the Bari Koral Family Rock Band. 

 

Listen to some songs HERE.

 

Press Release: 

NEW YORK -- Here's the buzz:  One of the most popular kids'/family recording artists on the scene today, Bari Koral, takes an adventurous leap forward with the Bari Koral Family Rock Band's fourth album, The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee, set for release in May.

Over the past seven years, Bari Koral has established herself not only as a beloved performer but also as a leading force in the "yoga for kids" movement.  Bari's catchy, pop-friendly tunes and interactive live shows featuring a creative blend of music and movement have gained her legions of fans, while many of her songs are also widely used in kids' yoga classes and preschool classrooms.  As a kids' yoga expert, Bari lectures nationally on the subject.  Watch for Bari as host of the world's first yoga-based, movement-and-music TV show for kids, coming soon on the Veria Living Network.

For The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee, Bari decided a musical stretch was in order, so she brought her band to Nashville to record the album under the guiding hand of legendary producer Brad Jones.

Brad Jones, described by music journalist Rick Clark as "one of the most self-directed and disciplined guys I know in music," has worked with everyone from Matthew Sweet, Jill Sobule, Marshall Crenshaw and Ron Sexsmith to Justin Townes Earle, Yo La Tengo, Over the Rhine, Chuck Prophet, and Josh Rouse.  Jones produced Josh Rouse's highly lauded Nashville and 1972.

The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee leads off with "Dancing Bear," a rocking, good-times tune with a great dance beat, which features Bari Koral "trading fours" with Dred Scott's excellent bass guitar work.  Bari wrote "Big Truck" à la Johnny Cash, and Dan Cohen's twangy guitars combine with Bari's impressive country vocals to give the song an authentic "on the road" feel.  Shifting gears with 18-wheel precision, Bari turns the corner on the next song, "Birthday," a poppy anthem of love and security.  Other highlights include the New Orleans flavor of "Roller Coaster," spiced with vocal "whees" that are sure to delight, and the humorous, two-beat "Back to the Farm," which is guaranteed to get kids moving. 

 

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this CD from Waldmania for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.*