Glenn Colton - Mr. Ducky Wucky - The Wonderful Secret

Glenn Colton - Mr. Ducky Wucky - The Wonderful Secret
2006, Glenn Colton

Glenn Colton is a singer/songwriter/educator living in Orchard Park, NY who has made a name for himself in Western New York for his work on behalf of and with children, earning induction into the Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame in 2009. Originally a folk/rock musician who wanted to be everything from the next Jimmy Buffet to the next Harry Chapin, Colton became an elementary school teacher by day and a rocker by night. A member of local Buffalo legends The Dooleys, Colton left to combine his passions of education and music, forming Glenn Colton Shows in 1993 and turned to performing 300 shows per year for elementary school kids and younger. These days The Glenn Colton show is eagerly anticipated by kids and families wherever Colton manages to play. While Colton may have made a choice to focus on changing his own corner of the world, the effects of his music and brand of character-based education are far reaching. Colton's best known song is Mr. Ducky Wucky, a somewhat autobiographical water fowl who teaches children about following their dreams, doing their best and making the most out of life's experiences. Colton wrote a book, illustrated by John Arnold, and sixteen songs related to or inspired by the story entitled Mr. Ducky Wucky - The Wonderful Secret.

In the book, Mr. Ducky Wucky learns important life lessons while chasing his dreams of learning to play guitar and maybe someday having a career that involves his passion. The title song, Mr. Ducky Wucky's Wonderful Secret is a simple rhyming tune that is charming in its simplicity and camp factor, but also because it’s written from such an obligingly honest perspective that even the most cynical parent will crack a smile. Colton has a touch for breaking up the more serious material with fun dance songs, showing a deft understanding for the attention span of his audiences. "Conga Line Fever" is a concert favorite, with children (and no few adults) regularly bouncing along to the beat. Colton also has a knack for non-threatening feel good songs. "Everybody Needs A Hug" teaches the value of simple contact as a way to tell someone you like them.

Colton goes honky-tonk on "Lucky", a reminder that luck is bred by hard work. Perhaps the greatest key to Colton's success as a children's/family music songwriter is illustrated here. With a straight-forward, good-natured style, Colton brings out messages that are universally applicable to both children and parents. He delivers each song with a distinct musicality and sense of melody, and in his live shows he has an almost vaudevillian performing style peppered with bad puns, cornball humor and the sort of innate goodness of heart that can't be faked. On stage or in conversation before or after the show Colton resonates with the light-hearted wholesomeness that illuminates his songs.

Colton espouses school and life schools with songs such as "Readers Are Winners", "If It's Meant To Be It's Up To Me", "The More You Put Into It, The More You Get Out Of It" and "What To Be". Most of these songs are staples in his family shows, and many fit into the scheme of his school-based shows as well. "Another Brand New Day" is another fan favorite on Mr. Ducky Wucky - The Wonderful Secret, a regular sing-along at shows with fan participation all done up in Caribbean style. "Mr. Ducky Wucky's Dance Party" will get kids and parents moving; an emblem of the balance that Colton teaches in his act that leads into "The Wonderful Secret", a keyboard based ballad that serves as one last word of encouragement to chart a course for your dreams. Colton not only encourages but reinforces with statements of belief, "I believe in you and I believe you're on your way, I can see that you are getting better every day". Once again, there is a positive message here for the children, but Colton also models for parents the sort of approach that can make a difference between dreams unrealized and dreams come true.

Glenn Colton is a treasure. With a simple story-teller's style, Colton imparts love, knowledge and wisdom to his hoards of fans in a fashion that's hard to find fault with. Mr. Ducky Wucky - The Wonderful Secret is a rarity in this day and age. Colton manages to educate, entertain and show chops as a serious songwriter in one fell swoop. Kids and parents alike with fall in love with Mr. Ducky Wucky and Glenn Colton's affable singing/story-telling style. We here at Wildy's World occasionally award Desert Island status to deserving recordings. While none of us wishes such exile on children anywhere, if such there be the stay would be much easier with Mr. Ducky Wucky - The Wonderful Secret along. We'll call it a Wildy's World Certified Junior Desert Island Disc/Book.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Glenn Colton at http://www.glenncolton.com/.  Mr. Ducky Wuckey - The Wonderful Secret can be purchased directly from Glenn Colton's website.  If it's just the songs you're looking for, you can purchase the album from Amazon.com: MP3, CDBaby or iTunes. 

Glenn Colton – Browser The Mouse/The Cyber Safety Collection

Glenn Colton – Browser The Mouse/The Cyber Safety Collection
2010, Glenn Colton

At the beginning of 2010 YouthLight, Inc. published a book entitled Browser The Mouse, written by Constance Hanel, Linda Shields and Barbara Trolley, with illustrations by Brian Caleb Dumm. Browser The Mouse is a story and educational program that helps parents teach kids about safe use of the internet, covering everything from safe behavior, protecting oneself from outside influences and even practicing balance with the use of technology. Glenn Colton was asked to write songs in support of the project, and a five-song CD of Colton penned/performed material accompanies the book. That CD is also available separately under the title The Cyber Safety Collection.

From an educational perspective the book is age appropriate and effective; making what is essentially dry but important material within the framework of Browser's story. Colton's soundtrack is a solid complement to the story, reinforcing the lessons the book teaches with enjoyable songs. "Made A Plan" is done in a gentle pop arrangement and teaches safe practices while using the internet. It's a catchy and informative number. "Ownership - It Belongs To Me" reinforces a sense of responsibility and safety. Colton's crafted a nice, memorable melody here in a sweet ballad-style song. "Use Technology Wisely" is a hip and funky lesson plan that gets jiggy with the bass line; even parents will be bopping along to this one. "Stop, Save & Share" has a Jimmy Buffet feel and provides ample reminder to ensure you don't lose any valuable information. It's a fun tune with a children's chorus helping out at the end. "Everybody Needs Balance" closes out with a 1980's pop song and a message about striking a balance between the use of technology and the other activities of life.

As always Colton is affable and provides an educational and entertaining performance on Browser The Mouse. The book itself is an invaluable resource for parents introducing their kids to the internet, and Colton's songs help make the lesson points more accessible to young children. Both Colton and the authors should be commended for tackling a subject that's vital to the healthy development of children in this day and age while keeping the project both entertaining and educational.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Glenn Colton at http://www.glenncolton.com/.  Browser The Mouse is available from Amazon.com or from YouthLight.com and comes with a CD of five songs.  If you just want the music you can purchase Colton's The Cyber Safety Collection digitally from Amazon.com, CDBaby or iTunes.

Glenn Colton - Songs, Smiles & Surprises

Glenn Colton - Songs, Smiles & Surprises
2005/2009, Glenn Colton

Songs, Smiles & Surprises isn't Glenn Colton's greatest hits package, but it certainly comes close. Mr. Ducky Wucky makes an appearance in "Mr. Ducky Wucky's Vacation", and fan favorites such as "Another Brand New Day", "Conga Line Fever", and "Everybody Needs A Hug" are in abundance. Colton also tackles some classic children's songs along the way ("I've Been Working On The Railroad", "Michael Row The Boat Ashore") while continuing to help children relate to the world around them. "Building Bridges" is all about finding ways to overcome the differences between people and learning to live together; a positive life lesson in a comfortable arrangement that the whole family will enjoy.

"The Truth" is a song that teaches about appropriate choices with a little story that shows how the truth can deflate potential conflict. It's a cute setup that places the issue in accessible terms for children but will also be entertaining for the children-at-heart in the audience. "The Three R's" addresses respect, responsibility and really good manners in a fun arrangement that's danceable and very accessible to young listeners. "Down On Grampa's Farm" matches animal names with their sounds in entertaining fashion, while "Welcome To The Show" plays with different musical styles in a number guaranteed to get little (and big) feet moving. As an extra treat, Colton includes two songs here that might a bit more adult oriented. "The Man From Ketchikan" is the heartwarming story of a small-town Alaskan man and the kindness he extended to a stranger while sharing his personal history and that of his town. The song serves as a reminder that small sometimes have the greatest impact. "The Man From Ketchikan" also illustrates that Colton can write serious songs that dwell beyond the realm of children's music. Colton reinforces this knowledge with "Coventry City", the story of a young man who returns home to find that things have changed, and not for the better.

Songs, Smiles & Surprises is vintage Glenn Colton, at his most congenial best across the eighteen songs presented here. The simplicity of arrangement on his songs written for children can't be mistaken for a lack of depth. In fact it is much harder to know when simplicity should reign in music than it is to go all out with each song. Glenn Colton displays both the melodic deftness and quiet confidence in arrangement that marks a great artist. The reactions of kids to his music is proof positive of his ability to convey a message to his audience, and the reactions of the adults in the audience will convince you that this multi-talented performer is doing exactly what he was meant to do: Making the world a brighter place.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Glenn Colton at http://www.glenncolton.com/.  Songs, Smiles & Suprises is available from multiple sources:  Amazon: CD, Amazon: MP3, CDBaby and iTunes. 

Sarah VonderHaar - P.D.L.

Sarah VonderHaar - P.D.L.
2010, Sarah VonderHaar

Chicago's Sarah VonderHaar may be familiar to fans of America's Next Top Model. The Season 8 contestant was a fan favorite, and has not rested a moment since leaving that show. While still modeling, VonderHaar has devoted more and more time to writing and performing songs. Her debut EP, Are You Listening Now received a host of positive reviews and earned VonderHaar song placements in national ad campaigns. Sarah VonderHaar returns with her second EP, P.D.L., on August 24, 2010. While on four songs long, P.D.L. is a more nuanced and mature effort from the 23-year old singer/songwriter, showing a depth of songwriting ability that wasn't clear on her previous release.

P.D.L. opens with "Howling At The Moon", a campy jazz number that's sort of like listening to Jessica Rabbit in monster form. VonderHaar's voice is surprisingly supple and enjoyable to listen to. "Howling At The Moon" is driven by a walking bass line and the simmering sensuality in her voice. "What I'm Feeling About You" is a great bit of light pop. It's a love song of sorts, but more about enjoying the moment and feeling of falling in love, contrasting the naturalness of the moment with feelings of the past. "Pretty Damn Lucky" is a quiet, contemplative tune. The live acoustic recording presented here is a nice enough tune, but not her best, and exposes some of VonderHaar's vocal flaws in light of day. "All Mine" is a sweet, airy love song that avoids a bubblegum feel and is highly reminiscent of Jessica Jacobs (Riddle).

P.D.L. shows Sarah VonderHaar maturing as an artist, adding dimensions to her sound that will broaden her appeal. VonderHaar doesn't blow you away with her voice, but her sweet, smooth tone and involved presence help her connect to listeners on a personal level. VonderHaar has also shown herself to be deft self-marketer over the years, so don't be surprised if you hear a lot of this EP in the coming months.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Sarah VonderHaar at http://www.sarahvonderhaar.com/ or www.myspace.com/sarahvonderhaar.  P.D.L. drops on August 24, 2010.  You can pre-order digital copies from Amazon.com..

Adam Hardcastle - Stille

Adam Hardcastle - Stille
Self-Released

Adam Hardcastle is musician, composer, student and teacher based in Victoria, Australia. Previously located in Adelaide, Hardcastle composed music for numerous films and musical theater while there. Along the way, Hardcastle has played WOMAD and Big Day Out, toured extensively and had regular gigs around Adelaide. These days music is more of a social exercise; more about getting together to play, write and record with friends. To that end, Hardcastle decided to take some of the material he'd written for other projects years before and recast them as an organic whole. The resulting album is called Stille, and the six songs offered therein all have one common connector: Hardcastle wrote them while traveling. Hardcastle has some talented friends along for the ride: Jed Palmer - percussion (Bergerac); Todd Hutchinson - bass (We All Want To); Dan Pash - clarinet (Leader Cheetah); Gerry Masi - chants (Lucifer's Lounge) and cellist Natasha Darke all help craft the unique and melancholy sound of Stille.

Stille opens with "Summer Afternoon", a musical contemplation of personal histories, broken hearts and the failure we all suffer in seeing how to connect the dots. This could be a song written from the midst of heartbreak, but has a much older feel, like a lingering heartbreak that you worry over for years. "Summer Afternoon" is steeped in its own sense of depression and desperation as the narrator continues to search for an answer, one he hopes (secretly otherwise) will lead to reconciliation. "The Sky's The Same" is like aboriginal hip-hop filtered through the musical lens of Pink Floyd; Hardcastle points out that despite the distances and differences of people we all live underneath the same sky; whether this is a practical or philosophical observation is left to the listener to divine.

Hardcastle takes Beat Poetry into the baroque parlor with bass, Theremin, cello and percussion on "Of Truth And Anguish", exploring his own imperfections in the scope of unmet needs and bad choices as it pertains to relationships. It's a plodding contemplation that runs 6:30 and takes real stamina to get through. Hardcastle's vocal line follows the stentorian rhythm of the bass line, having affect but no real zest. While this speaks more to the mood of the song than the performance, it is tough to stay with. "The Stoning" is a brilliant musical exploration, taking the narrator from first person memory of acts committed to the hazy winter of denial over four stanzas of justice run amok. The pacing here is in line with the plodding feel of the rest of the EP, but Hardcastle strikes gold this time around with a sociological construct that may hit a too close to home if you think about it hard enough.

"Masse" finds Hardcastle ruminating on the advantages of the digital age and the seemingly counter-intuitive effects it has on society as a whole. Using an anachronistic arrangement bracketed by faux-tribal chants, there's perhaps a suggestion that the more civilized and interconnected we become the baser our instincts. It's an intriguing composition where the words are more whispered and sung over a repetitive riff and percussion. "Masse" is different enough to catch your attention and carries enough implications to keep it. Hardcastle closes with an epic bit of baroque electro-psychedelia entitled "Dazed". Clocking in at 11:29, Hardcastle explores the vast canvas of life and death across an uncharted expanse of ambient of minimalist musical composition.

Adam Hardcastle's melancholy is pervasive on Stille. Contemplating concepts such as home, death, life and change, Hardcastle has cast the experience of life in dark tones that reverberate through simplistic, repetitive and sometimes seemingly boundless musical canvases. Hardcastle's voice does melancholy the way Michael Stipe does angst; it's a sound that should be copyrighted and used only for the purpose of good. Stille is a good purpose, even if Hardcastle occasionally lingers too long over his subject. This music isn't for everyone; Hardcastle makes Robert Smith look like a happy fellow, but his songwriting is thought-provoking and clean of pretense. It's a refreshing, if sometimes depressing experience.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Information about Adam Hardcastle on the internet is sparse, but there is a feature on him from Triple-J unearthed.  You can email Hardcastle through that page if you're interested in purchasing Stille.

The Chapin Sisters - Two

The Chapin Sisters - Two
2010, Lake Bottom Recordings, LLC

The Chapin Sisters return on September 14, 2010 with their second full length album, aptly named Two. Building on the earthy harmonies and distinctive songwriting that are The Chapin Sisters' trademarks, Two finds Lily and Abigail Chapin exploring a richer, multi-layered sound that isn't so much a change in style but an expansion of musical vision. Co-produced by Jesse Lee (Gang Gang Dance) and Louie Stephens (Rooney), Two is a logical progression in the career of two sisters for whom harmony is as natural as breathing. Lily and Abigail Chapin were born to this. Father Tom Chapin and uncle Harry Chapin helped to create the sort of environment where musical exploration was not only encouraged but essential.

Two opens with "Sweet Light", a mostly acapella piece with dark minor key harmonies so beautiful they'll break your heart. Instruments join the party sparsely around 1:40, but the Chapin Sister already have your full attention long before then. This is an amazing opening track, a WOW moment you won't soon forget. "I Can Feel" is unrequited love expressed in heart-wrenching terms; amidst the angst and pain of not having that love returned. It's a beautiful arrangement buffeted by sadness and hints of the hope expressed in continuing to search for an answer. "Paradise" is a dark, lush, haunting love song. The Chapin Sisters keep the instrumental arrangement simple, filling up the space with their amazing vocal harmonies in a solemn tune full of the weight of emotion.

"Palm Tree" is steeped in melancholy amidst a vaguely country arrangement. The song features an archetypal melody that will stick with you. "Boo Hoo" is sonically intriguing but lyrically repetitive. However what appeals at the beginning may wear by the end. "Birds In My Garden" is a song of fatalism; nothing in life goes right as melancholy sinks into hopelessness, but the birds are a point of light here. In case you haven't figured it out by now, Two is a song of soured relationships and broken dreams, awash in the dark but beautiful harmonies of Lily and Abigail Chapin. "Rose In Winter" continues the trend, a mournful song about the end and aftermath of a relationship. "Left All Alone" takes another tack, viewing the aftermath in almost ironic terms amidst an upbeat, girl-group arrangement. It's an enjoyable listen; a nice change of pace from the dark heart of the album. The Chapin Sisters close brilliantly with "Trouble", a folk/roots tune that gets at the heart of the blues without quite going there stylistically. The Chapins are at the top of their game vocally, and "Trouble" completes the bookend of brilliance that was begun with "Sweet Light"

It wasn't that long ago that we first learned about The Chapin Sisters. Their EP Oh, Hear The Wind Blow hinted at the mesmerizing spells they could weave with their voices, but those hints weren't fair warning for Two. Two is brilliant, plain and simple. If there's one complaint about the album it's the utter weight of melancholy that the songs rest under. The feel is appropriate given the subject matter, but it may weigh heavily on some listeners. Two is a can't miss album.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about The Chapin Sisters at http://www.thechapinsisters.com/ or www.myspace.com/thechapinsisters.  Two drops on September 14, 2010.  You can pre-order a copy of Two from Amazon.com.  Expect wide availability once the album is released.

Margaret's Daughter - Black Hole Express

Margaret's Daughter - Black Hole Express
2010, Margaret's Daughter

Margaret’s daughter is Ami, and she’s one of the finest pop/rock vocalists in South Africa. Margaret’s Daughter is Ami and multi-instrumentalist Etienne Ghyoot. The duo have become one of the most popular rock acts in South Africa, and have even begun to record an Afrikaans project to broaden their horizons. Margaret’s Daughter are currently touring to support their most recent album Black Hole Express.

Black Hole Express opens with the extraordinarily smooth orchestral folk/pop of "Black Hole Express". Margaret's Daughter shows distinctive pop sensibility with a reserved delivery and a vocal mix reminiscent of The Indigo Girls. "Crazy (When I'm With You)" has a bit gutsier feel, and may remind listeners of Heart. In the midst of the rock dynamic here is that ever-present reserve which takes on a more intriguing tone here. Vocalist Ami has a fine alto voice that's cool and collected with beautiful tone. "Wind Blows" is the story of a restless soul who can never feel at home because she gives herself away too easily. It's a nice little window on a life in a gentle folk/pop arrangement.

"Backbeat" is catchy and mellow; a song of love, need and devotion that's finely honed and radio ready but not among the band's best material. "Simplicity" has roots in 1970's/1980's AM rock and pop, providing a mildly catchy pre-cursor to the darkly intriguing "Lay Your Weapons Down". Margaret's Daughter sings a song of consolation to a youth who has failed in his question for love on "Charmless Young Man", offering solace even within the reproach. Black Hole Express closes with "Right Beside Me", rumination on love lost and the inability to cope with that loss, particularly when the object of love remains nearby.

Margaret's Daughter gets it done on Black Hole Express with quality songwriting, strong vocals and a refined delivery that highlights their musical talents. Margaret's Daughter never really blows you away, but neither do they fail to deliver solid performances. The nod to distinctive influences creates access points for new fans, but Margaret's Daughter, in the end, really develops their own sound out of their influences and talents rather than relying on recycled sound.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Margaret’s Daughter at http://www.margaretsdaughter.com/ or www.myspace.com/mdbandrocks.   Black Hole Express is available as a CD or Download from Amazon.com.  Digital copies are also available from iTunes.