Search - Ted Jacobs :: A Child's Garden of Songs: The Poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson in Song

A Child's Garden of Songs & The Days Gone By

Diane ScheckLong | Aurora, IL USA | 03/26/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just a brilliant set of CDs for children and adults alike! The beautiful words of Robert Louis Stevenson come alive by the talented Ted Jacobs and all the amazing musicians with whom he surrounds himself. The vocals are pure, the instrumention is diverse, and the music is simple-sounding, but has an underlying complexity that makes it just a joy to experience. Such a pleasant change from all the badly produced children's music out there!!! "The Land of Counterpane" was my absolute favorite tune when my son was a little guy. I would recommend the 2 CD collection to anyone."

You and your kids will love the Celtic treatments of these p

Michael Schell | www.schellsburg.com | 05/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These song settings of poems from Stevenson (of Treasure Island fame) are done in the familiar Celtic genre, with model inflections (the Mixolydian flat seventh is often prominent) and characteristic Irish instruments such as fiddle, whistle and Uilleann pipes. Tracks alternate between songs featuring a solo adult voice of either gender with those that feature children. The tunes are great, the arrangements are fresh and contemporary without being commercial (no "poppy" trap drum or bass parts), and the musicians comfortable in the style. This would be a memorable, standout, Celtic folk album if it had garden-variety lyrics, but the fact that you're hearing these lovely if quaint poems elevates it to top tier. Our little girls love to fall asleep to this CD. One of the poems/songs is even about pretend pirate play, a nice allusion to Stevenson's magnum opus. The texts are included in the CD insert. You won't regret adding this to your collection if you either have children or enjoy Celtic music."

A Joyous Surprise

Dana Krause | CA | 11/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I was a young girl, my great-grandmother would read Robert Louis Stevenson poetry to me. It is (and always will be) a cherished memory.

Now, all these years later, to have discovered a music CD which puts those wonderful poems to music, has been a joyful surprise. The melodies are cheerful, sometimes quiet and reflective, and always entertaining.

The producer, Ted Jacobs, has a warm and honest voice, which seems to have an Irish accent. very charming! The other vocalists are equally talented, and there are even children's voices in certain songs. It makes for a very positive listening experience indeed. My children all love this CD, and the one who is grown and has a child of her own, has purchased a copy as well.

I couldn't recommend this CD enough. Your children will enjoy it while

playing, while driving, or in their own quiet times.

This is the first time I've given a review, I hope it helps someone !"