Merry Melodies Week Giveaway #4: Bari Koral's Rock and Roll Garden CLOSED

I can't seem to get enough of feel-good kindie music lately. I don't know if it's the toe-tapping, head-bopping rhythms or the thoughtful, positive messages behind the music, but like my coffee, I need my fix of daily music. It doesn't matter if we are traveling in the car or chillin' out at home. I just can't officially start my day without it. One of our favorite family activities is listening to music and, when the mood strikes (which is quite often), dancing around. And there's one act that I can count on to put me in an instant good mood: Bari Koral Family Rock Band.

Before entering the world of children's music, Bari Koral spent the better part of eight years touring as a successful folk/pop singer. Frequently compared to such artists as Jewel, Norah Jones and Joan Osborne (and sometimes appearing with them), Bari loved performing, yet, over time, grew tired of life on the road away from her family. She knew she needed to make a change but was unsure how to support herself as a working musician in New York. Happily, her next step soon did appear. For fun, she started performing at the Long Island Children's Museum, writing songs on the fly with the children in the audience. The museum recognized her immense talent and awarded her a grant for her children's songs. Soon thereafter, she assembled a top-notch band and released the Bari Koral Family Rock Band's self-titled 2007 debut EP, with six songs including the hit "A Day at the Beach", which spent 4 months on the Top 10 List on Sirus/XM Kids. The Bari Koral Family Rock Band has been making their mark in the children's music world with their joyful live performances and strong connection with their youthful fans and families.

In addition to singing and songwriting, Bari is also passionate about a number of other projects. She is a certified yoga instructor and teaches 15 weekly music and movement classes in NYC at the same school that Laurie Berkner taught for many years. Bari's yoga/music video, The Sun Dance, leads kids and adults through the Sun Salutation and promotes balance, flow and relaxation:



Bari also created the De-Stress at Your Desk program, which teaches about the causes of stress and provides tools to control stress for employees at many Fortune 500 companies.

I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy of the Bari Koral Family Rock Band's first full-length album, Rock and Roll Garden, due out in January 2010.

Track Listing:

1. Hey Ducky
2. Backpack
3. Pop
4. Boom Boom
5. Best Friends
6. Colors
7. Clap It!
8. Big Sounds
9. Dance All Day
10. Subway
11. Uh Oh

All I can say is: look out Laurie Berkner. There's a new folk/pop princess in town! Bari Koral has pristine vocal chops that brought to mind Sheryl Crow. There was definitely an earthy, natural quality to the album. I felt as if I were back in preschool, sitting in "the circle" singing with my classmates. No worries - so carefree. The band proves that you don't need a seven piece orchestra to appeal to children. Just simple melodies to go hand-in-hand with charming lyrics. They give the perfect balance of narrative storytelling with fun, interactive calls to action. I can definitely see why her live shows are so popular. I bet she is even more wonderful in concert.

Every song is so sweet and peppy, you can't help but smile. My personal favorites were the proud toddler tune "Backpack", the fun, hustle-and-bustle track "Subway" and the adorable sing-along "Hey Ducky", which would feel right at home on PBS Kids' Sesame Street with Ernie and his beloved rubber ducky. "Hey Ducky" was by far Nate's favorite song and is quite possibly his favorite song EVER. During each refrain of "Hey Ducky...Hey What?!", Nate giggles uncontrollably. It doesn't matter if he is in the middle of watching Nick Jr. or playing with blocks or eating a snack, he immediately stops what he's doing to laugh and grin when that song comes on. We've experimented a multitude of times and each time, we get the same joyful reaction. I have NEVER seen him react that way to a song before but it tugs my heartstrings. I should also note he liked the cheerful song "Colors", to which he clapped along harmoniously.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend checking out Bari Koral's newest album, Rock and Roll Garden. Especially if you are a Laurie Berkner fan. It's pure, pleasurable pop that you and your little one will find irresistible.

BUY IT: Rock and Roll Garden is not due out until January 12, 2010 but you can currently pre-order it on Amazon.com (ARV $11.99).

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win their very own copy of Bari Koral's Family Rock Bands' Rock and Roll Garden!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Listen to the tracks on the Bari Koral website and tell me which song you like best. Remember to please leave 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 this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Join the Bari Koral Family Rock Band email list. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

5.) 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 December 5, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners 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 sent a copy of Rock and Roll Garden from Elizabeth at Waldmania! to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post.