Review and Giveaway: Asheba's In The Kid Zone CLOSED

I think we can all agree that there's just something about reggae music that begs you to sway to the rhythm. Is it the bongos? The steel drums? Just close your eyes and its almost as if you can smell the tropics and feel the sand between your toes. The lyrics are almost always empowering and uplifting, whether bringing attention to social and political issues or celebrating love and peace. Its natural, feel-good quality makes it the perfect choice for kids' music.

Asheba is a musical storyteller who specializes in Calypso, the musical and folkloric oral tradition of Trinidad, Asheba's homeland. Stories of hope and happiness are the focus of his songs, which range from original lullabies to fast-tempo tunes to remakes of classics such as Itsy Bitsy Spider, Five Little Monkies, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and You Are My Sunshine.

Dubbed the "Pied Piper of Caribbean music for families", Asheba has won Gold awards from Parents' Choice and NAPPA. In the Kid Zone, released in August 2009, is his fourth family album but he has been featured on Sirius-XM Satellite Radio's "Kids Place Live" and on three Putumayo Kids' CD's, including Picnic Playground (which I recently reviewed!). He is committed to sharing the joy of life with children. "Being 'in the kid zone' means being firmly connected to nature, in tune with the moment while at the same time, keeping it real as can be," he explains.

Track Listing:

1. Recess Time
2. In The Kid Zone
3. Ah Sailor
4. Calypso
5. Keskidee
6. Baby Bouncin'
7. Ice Cream
8. Happy Day
9. Moonbeams
10. Beautiful Welcome
11. Precious Little Bless

We really enjoyed this album. Every single song brought a sense of joy and a smile to our faces. Asheba had an energy to his voice that was irresistible. You just had to jam along. Nate's favorites were "Ah Sailor", a worldly take on the classic "A Sailor Went to Sea", and "Ice Cream", the same fun, tasty track featured on the Putumayo Kid's album we love so much. I also liked the catchy "Baby Bouncin'", which describes Nate to a T (toddler bouncing off the walls, anyone?) and the carefree "Happy Day". It was refreshing that almost all the songs were original instead of an album full of the same old covers.

Nate was hypnotized by the colorful cover art of the album as well. He wouldn't put it down! I just wish there had been some photos or liner notes enclosed.





Bottom line: I urge everyone to take a musical adventure with their little ones to Trinidad and get "in the kid zone". Fall may be here but when you listen to this, you'll feel the sunshine.

BUY IT: You can purchase In The Kid Zone (ARV $15) from CD Baby or various digital download services such as iTunes or Rhapsody.

If you live in the Oakland, CA area, Asheba has a busy fall performance schedule. Check out his website for more details or to hear clips from the album!

WIN IT: Sugar Mountain PR has generously offered one lucky reader a copy of In The Kid Zone!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): How do you get "in the kid zone", or what family activity helps you to tap into your childhood? Be sure to leave me your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. Already have my button? That counts! (1 entry)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on October 17, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was offered this review and giveaway opportunity after contacting Sugar Mountain PR. I received a free copy of the album from Sugar Mountain PR to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely mine. You may have a different experience after listening to the album.