Head Hunters – Audio CD

Hancock, Herbie. Head Hunters. Columbia Jazz, 1997. Music number CK 65123.

Description

When this album was released in 1973, Herbie Hancock showed the world that jazz, funk, rock and roll, as well as other musical influences could work together. Hancock wanted to create something new and different. He did this through the four tracks on this album: Chameleon, Watermelon Man, Sly, and Vein Melter. This recording was made with a small group of musicians (Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson, Harvey Mason, and Bill Summers). The instruments used were traditional (electric piano, saxophone, bass clarinet, alto flute) and non-traditional (marimbula, congas, shekere, and beer bottle).

Critical Evaluation

This recording is considered one of the original sources of the material from which hip-hop music grew.

Annotations

Herbie Hancock's belief that jazz and other musical influences could create something new becomes reality on this album.

Author

Herbie Hancock grew up playing classical piano. In high school he formed his own jazz ensemble. In 1963, he began playing with Miles Davis.

Genre

Music -- jazz

Curriculum Ties

Music – jazz, musical history, music appreciation

Booktalk Ideas

Not applicable.

Listening Level/Interest Age

Grade 5 and up (age 10 and up).

Challenge Issues and Defense

None.

Why is it here?

When I listen to this album I hear things that remind me of other musical artists and genres. I think it would be an ear-opening experience for tweens as well.

High School Musical 2-Disc Special Edition Soundtrack – Audio CD

High School Musical Cast. High School Musical Special Edition Soundtrack. Walt Disney Records, 2006. Music Number D000061512

Description

This collection of songs comes from the High School Musical movie soundtrack. The first disc includes music from the movie and can be used in a personal computer to access a bonus music video of Get'cha Head in the Game performed by B5. The second disc has eight instrumental tracks for karaoke.

Critical Evaluation

The music is polished and well-written which is typical for Disney products. The singers sound youthful because they are young. They capture the feeling of going to high school with an exceptionally talented group of performers. I had to listen to the song Get'cha Head in the Game several times to figure out what the percussive squeaking sound could be. It is the sound of sneakers squeaking on a basketball court.

Annotations

Songs from the High School Musical movie soundtrack capture the feeling of attending high school Disney-style.

Author

Not applicable.

Genre

Music – movie soundtracks

Curriculum Ties

None.

Booktalk Ideas

Not applicable.

Listening Level/Interest Age

Grade 3 (age 8) and up.

Challenge Issues and Defense

None.

Why is it here?

Kids and tweens love to sing along.

The Cheetah Girls One World Soundtrack

Disney. The Cheetah Girls One World Soundtrack. Walt Disney Records, 2008. Music Number D000204612

Description

This collection of 12 songs comes from the One World movie soundtrack. The music is upbeat and fun for singing along. Children and parents can find things to enjoy on this audio CD. The song "Dance Me If You Can" has an eastern rhythm which ties into the movie's setting in India. The audio CD has a CDVU+ component. The CD can be used with a personal computer to access additional Cheetah Girls content via the Internet.

Critical Evaluation

The music is danceable, memorable, and fun to hum even when the music stops. The messages in the lyrics are positive and do not have any objectionable language or innuendo.

Annotations

The Cheetah Girls rock their fans with songs from the One World movie.

Performers

The Cheetah Girls are Chanel (Adrienne Bailon), Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan), and Aquanette (Kiely Williams). They performed in three movies, each with its own soundtrack album, and have recorded three other studio albums.

Genre

Music – movie soundtrack

Curriculum Ties

None

Booktalk Ideas

Not applicable.

Listening Level/Interest Age

Grade 4 to 6 (age 9 to 12).

Challenge Issues and Defense

None.

Why is it here?

According to young tween girls who watch the Disney Channel, the Cheetah Girls are everywhere.