Thursday, October 1, 2009

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.

31 comments:

Unknown said...

Whenever I am in a bad mood I find that a little Bob Marley "Legends" goes a long way :)
T.

Aileen said...

When I was a kid I used to love squirting my brother with a water pistol (by surprise of course). When it's really hot out I take my daughter outdoors and we blow bubbles and goof around with some water guns.

arobimom(at)gmail(dot)com

Aileen said...

Entered the giveaway for the Putumayo CD.

arobimom(at)gmail(dot)com

mail4rosey said...

Getting down on the floor with my toddler gets me in the Kid Zone. No matter what I'm doing, if I take time out to sit on his level and play with him, we always have a great time.

msurosey@yahoo.com

Eli's Lids said...

When I get out the crafts I instantly get in the kid zone!

Eli's Lids said...

I enered the hand sanitizer giveaway!

Eli's Lids said...

I entered the You Can Make This giveaway!

Renee said...

Blowing bubbles or playing with Play-Doh always makes me feel like I'm five again!

Renee said...

also entered First Juice giveaway

Renee said...

also entered Putumayo Kids CD giveaway

Renee said...

also entered the Infectiguard giveaway

Renee said...

also entered the YouCanMakeThis.com Halloween Bundle giveaway

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

I get in kid mode with my daughter and playdoh! Brings back lots of memories and we have fun.

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

following your blog via email

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

added you button to my blog http://www.joyfulgirlnaturals.blogspot.com

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

entered your wow wow wubbzy giveaway

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

following you on twitter and tweeted giveaway http://twitter.com/jgnp/status/4864165783

erma said...

We play hide n seek.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Sheila Hickmon said...

I get into the kid zone by singing and dancing with my daughter!
Thanks!

hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

Sheila Hickmon said...

I follow your blog! mom2anutball

hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

Sheila Hickmon said...

I entered your Putumayo Kids Picnic Playground CD giveaway!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

saturdaynightfever said...

I bring out the crayon box and start doodling!

edgenemmers@gmail.com

Kathy P said...

playing games like sorry and trouble or any board games makes me feel like a kid :)

Kathy P said...

entered Giveaway: Putumayo Kids Picnic Playground

Kathy P said...

following your blog as klp1965 kathy pease

Kathy P said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/4947588810

Candie L said...

We love to run races. This always brings the childish competitive nature in me. thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

By playing or riding bikes outside with the kids!

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

follow your blog

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/4951878618

follow on twitter and tweeted
kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Bicyclimg gets me in the kid zone. garrettsambo@aol.com

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