It’s time to indulge your youthful spirit with another impressively curated compilation album from the folks at Bongo Boy Records. This June, they’ve released a 14-track collection of songs written for children, aptly titled Bongo Boy’s Kidz and Katz Volume One. This project incorporates an incredibly wide range of musical styles and themes, and brings a little bit of everything to the table; it has educational lessons, musical brilliance, heartfelt moments, and vibrancy abounding.
The album opens with Song for My Baby by Andy Z, a jazzy and bouncy number that sets the tone of this album perfectly – lighthearted, energetic, and fun. Continuing with the jazz-based tracks is Dark Moon by Mauro Magellan, with its swanky horns section and dynamic storytelling a great complement to the opening track.
Gypsy Carns‘ track Peter Pan Man takes us in a folkier direction, taking us on a fully immersive journey through the classic Peter Pan story with a backdrop of acoustic guitar and bright vocal harmonies. Elephants in the Jungle by Sulinha’s Trio combines a complex blend of eastern-inspired melodies with lyrics that take us through the day in the life of a wild elephant.
Many of these songs incorporate important themes, like the importance of handwashing and hygiene in the plucky Little Hands by The Cuddly Koalas, or the clear recommendation in I Brush My Teeth by Sulinha’s Trio. But some of the tracks have more lighthearted messaging – take the spooky sounds and fantasy creatures of Spiderwebs in My Hair by Clark Ford feat. Underground Treehouse, or the inspiring and uplifting self-esteem booster that is the ’80s flavored pop number Rocket Star by Fans of Jimmy Century.
Guitar Pickin’ Chicken by William Sherry Jr. is a standout in this collection. This hilarious little tune is reminiscent of the iconic Flying Purple People Eater track, but replace the Halloween sounds with a country guitar and the starring monster with a “wing flapping, tail shaking, guitar pickin’ chicken“. Quirky, twangy, and unabashedly fun, this track will have everyone laughing and singing along by the second chorus.
There’s also a selection of more understated tunes – their slower energy and deeper meaning add a great range to the record as a whole. Notably, this includes the heartwarming lullaby Mother’s Song by Elise Morris, and the tender and sweet and soaring piano ballad Love Will Lead You Home by Jim Wilson featuring Vanessa Bryan.
This is a superb collection of immersive, worldly, and endearing music for children from the Bongo Boy Records team, but kids and adults alike will appreciate the quality musicianship, energy, and fun themes found across this compilation. Whether you’re one or one hundred and one, Bongo Boy’s Kidz and Katz Volume One will no doubt bring a smile to your face.
Do you write children’s music? Bongo Boy’s Kidz and Katz Volume Two is open for submission! Contact submit@bongoboyrecords.com to submit your music for consideration.
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BELOW: Listen to Bongo Boy’s Kidz and Katz Volume One and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Bongo Boy Records by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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