Azalea Street Records, 2008; $15; www.daniellesansone.com; for all ages. Be sure to give this exquisite artist your attention as you seek music that will fill that special end-of-day time. Sansone has a wonderfully intimate voice, accompanied here by acoustic guitar with symphonic touches. Originally written for her two daughters, these songs will make a lovely goodnight kiss for your children as well.

Best Bang for the Buck Winner!

 

Putumayo Kids, 2008; $14.98; www.putumayo.com; for all ages. This cultural kaleidoscope of soothing music from Africa is a fine introduction to a plethora of great African artists.

 

"This collection of music grows with children, and provides more than two hours of relaxed listening for everyone. And, it puts kids to sleep. Now that's priceless!" - judge comment

 

For more NAPPA-winning world music from Putumayo, check out: 

Rocketship Run, The Laurie Berkner Band, Two Tomatoes/Razor & Tie, 2008; $15; www.twotomatoes.com; all ages.

Popular children’s performer Laurie Berkner rolls out more of her distinctive musical fun and games in her first studio album in over six years. She quickly makes up for lost time in this 24-song collection of sing-a-long and dance-a-long tunes. We especially liked “Fly Me to the Moon,” a nice take on a beloved classic.
 

Family Fun Winner!

Gee, Spot! Records, 2008; $14.98; www.gunnarmadsen.com; for ages 2 to 10. Madsen’s vocals and witty lyrics sparkle atop crisp, tasty rock/pop arrangements. Don’t miss “Mozart’s at the Window” – a silly symphony in which the classical composer sneaks into your house and causes all kinds of chaos – “Swinging from the chandelier / Drinking Papa’s beer / In his underwear!”

Appleseed Recordings, 2007; $15; www.sweethoney.com; for ages 5 to 15. This African-American a-cappella ensemble (with just a little percussion) from Washington, D.C., highlights indelible life lessons – a master’s class by a masterful group! Songs carry influences from gospel, traditional hymns and spirituals, African chants and modern hip-hop and jazz, and listeners will find themselves continually surprised by the vocal effects these incredible singers can create.

¡Canta Mi Son!, Juanita Ulloa, Vocal Power Productions, 2009; $13.99; www.juanitamusic.com; all ages.

Proving again that music is a powerful teaching tool, this CD takes the leap into the Spanish language – and is a ton of fun. Ulloa combines animal songs with Mexican folk, and her “Operachi” style blends operatic vocal prowess with traditional Mariachi instrumentation. This album also contains sing-a-long karaoke versions for aspiring Tex-Mex super stars.
 

We Kids Rock, 2008; $9.99; www.wekidsrock.com; for all ages. This CD is a pleasant, genre-hopping collection of originals and road-tested classics. Most of the pieces are easy-rock, with a few island rhythms thrown in. “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” sung by Alison Paige, is a danceable, funky surprise. Currier’s soulful voice throughout adds the sock!

There’s A Train, Bill Currier, We Kids Rock, 2009; $9.99; www.wekidsrock.com; up to age 5.

This album downright rocks! The songs are hip and Currier’s smoky voice sounds great on the tunes. The sound is straight ahead rock mixed with folk – a combination that begs for listener participation and gets the little ones up and dancing. Even Mom and Dad will appreciate the new arrangements of “Wheels on the Bus” and “Down By the Bay,” making these perennially favorite songs fun to listen to again and again!
 

Best Bang for the Buck Winner!   

Audible Chocolate Productions, 2007; $24.95 double CD; www.stardustlullaby.com; for all ages. Two and a half hours of gorgeous lullabies arranged for piano and acoustic guitar with orchestral touches will cure the most stubborn case of insomnia.

Lulla-Beddie-Bye, Auntie Snow, FilmicFloy, 2009; $18.99; http://auntiesnow.com; all ages.

A delicate smorgasbord of sounds for little ears – the calming sounds of birds or running water, babies’ cooing, and relaxing instrumentation. The familiar songs, such as “Beautiful Dreamer,” “You are My Sunshine,” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” augment classic tunes that will have parents singing along – just like they’re supposed to.