Jammy Man Acoustic Music for Kids and Adults by Paul Trunko

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Proudly Names - PAUL TRUNKO

Winner - BEST NEW ARTIST FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Winner - BEST SONG FOR YOUNG CHILDREN "Thumb in the Thumb"

REVIEW 1:

(School Library Journal - June 2001)

By: Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, King County Library System, WA.

PreS-Gr 4-This is a fun collection from Paul Trunko that both children and parents will enjoy. "The Jammy Man" is defender of his room. The authoritative lyrics, "this is my room and I'm the boss, all you bad guys better get lost," will empower young children who may be fearful of bedtime.

The dynamic songs detail the everyday life of children and include positive messages that run the gamut from taking a "Good Nap" to a reminiscence of childhood in "Kid." The songs consist of many different styles including folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae and country. They range from lively tunes with catchy rhythms, to songs with slower tempos more appropriate for quiet times. The marching song, "Thumb in the Thumb," takes children through the act of getting dressed. Trunko wrote all the songs, including adaptations of "Ain't No Bugs on Me" and a medley of "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land." He states in the liner notes, and it is obvious from listening to the songs, that he was strongly influenced by Not For Kids Only by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. The performers provide pleasing, smooth vocals and are accompanied by dobro, guitar, acoustic bass, banjo, and harmonica. This is an enjoyable collection for the whole family.

REVIEW 2:

(Dirty Linen, #83 Aug/Sept "99)

By: Dan Willging

As adults, we often tend to overanalyze things. When it comes to children's music, all the methodical reasoning of what constitutes a good record is meaningless if it doesn't grab the not-ready-to-vote crowd. Personally, I road tested Jammy Man with my sugar-blooded nephew and nieces. After weeks of continuous listens, it still wears well. Denver's Paul Trunko and string wizard pal Ernie Martinez approach it all with a folky-bluegrass sensibility that boasts smart songs, pleasant singing, and competent flatpicking on guitar, mandolin, dobro, and banjo.

Several tunes, like the conga-crazy "Thumb in the Thumb" that makes getting dressed a game, or the truisms of "Good Nap," plant carefully seeded messages that sound better than if you said'em. Others extol the virtues of being a kid, like rough-housing ("Rock-A-Doos") or make-believe (as heard on the infectious title song). There are even a few suitable for lullabies ("Lay Down"), family sing-alongs ("Ain't No Bugs On Me"), or just plain goofin' reggae style ("Loopy Doops"). Not only does it appeal on all levels, adults aren't likely to split the scene while the Jammy Man jams.

REVIEW 3:

Booklist (American Library Association) June 2000

By: Cindy Lombardo

Jammy Man. SongTrunk Music.. 37min.

All ages. A variety of musical styles and acoustic instruments combine in the toe-tapping, foot-stomping recording. Folk, reggae, lullaby, and blues are represented in songs that range from humorous ("Jammy Man and "Ain't No Bugs On Me") to traditional ("America, the Beautiful" segued into "This Land Is Your Land"). Listen for the harmonica solo in "Rock-a-Doos" and the soothing sounds of the rainstick in "Rain, Rain."

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