Customer Reviews

The Dragonfly Races

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I heard "9 Months to Fix This World" on Acoustic Cafe on the radio, and the song has haunted me. I finally found the album and debated whether to buy it, as it is intended for children. But I did buy it, and I love it. The songmanship (you know what I mean!) is gorgeous, the lyrics are fun and lively, and it brings a smile to my face whenever I listen to the CD. So what if it's meant for kids! I need more simple but eloquent pleasures in my life!

My father bought this CD for my 1 year-old daughter. We have been fans of Ellis Paul's music for years. When my father heard that Ellis had produced a children's CD, he sent it to us. This is hands down, the best children's CD I have heard. The music is gentle, fun and meaningful. We picked up the lyrics to the songs quickly, and sing along together now. As an adult I appreciate the meanings behind the songs, and love having a CD I can enjoy just as much as my daughter does.

Boston-based singer-songwriter Ellis Paul has over a dozen CDs to his credit, and many accolades from fellow musicians. It is, therefore, a sign of the ascendance of kids and family music that after all that time this artist with such a career released his first album for kids and families, The Dragonfly Races a few years.

Paul has written (or co-written) a number of strong folk and folk-rock tracks here, with themes that will be familiar to listeners of folk music -- peace, or speaking truth to power. Indeed, the leadoff track, "Wabi-Sabi," talks about some things, as they get older, having "wabi-sabi soul." That's a good thing for Paul, but more distinctively, when was the last time you heard a kids' music CD use the word "soul"? It's a sign that Paul is not about to dumb down his material just because the audience might skew a little younger. And in many places, that choice pays off in spades. The most rousing track on the CD, "Because It's There," is an inspirational song about doing dangerous things "Because it's there / Because we could / Because we should / Because we dare..." It's a fabulous folk-rock song. Songs that tackle slightly more kid-focused topics such as swinging on a swing (the mid-tempo "I Like to Swing"), or pinwheels (the lullaby titled "Pinwheel," natch) do so with fun wordplay and imaginative lyrics.

I should note that the album has a definite political undercurrent, and I'm not sure it always serves the album well. It wasn't the content itself -- if you're a fan of Dan Zanes and Pete Seeger (as I am), nothing here will offend you. But I was much more taken with the CD when Paul is telling stories or reeling out his views of life in smaller-scale ways. "Abiola," co-written with Antje Dukevot, is a fantastic song about a girl who ignores rumors spread by a king about a nearby monster to find out the truth. No small political allegory, there. Kids will enjoy the story and, the older ones at least, will understand the point. "The Million Chameleon March" and "Nine Months to Fix the World" have similar themes, but don't work nearly as well on this CD. Perhaps on another one, one targeted primarily at the parents...

Kids ages 5 through 10 will most appreciate (and understand) the themes tackled here. I would also mention that the album packaging, with artwork from Paul, is one of the nicer kids' music album packages I've seen recently.

In the end, I don't want to leave you with the impression that this is an overtly political album, because it's not. The Dragonfly Races is, however, political in that Ellis Paul has recorded songs that speak very clearly to the type of world he, as a parent of two young kids, would like his kids to grow up in. I suspect that most of you readers envision a similar type of world. These tuneful modern folk songs celebrate imagination and dedication -- we could use more of those kinds of songs. Recommended.

[Originally published in a modified format at Zooglobble.]

I recently saw Ellis Paul for the first time. I loved watching him perform and everyone raved about this CD for kids. I bought it for my grandchildren ages 2 and 4 and they love listening to him in the car!

I've had this CD for over a year now and my grandaughter just LOVES it (as do I). I had the opportunity to take her to see Ellis this past weekend perform songs from this Cd and other songs targeted to children. My now six-year old grandaughter enjoyed her very first concert. Ellis had the kids dancing, singing, and otherwise moving constantly for over an hour.

For a kid's CD, "Dragonfly Races" is masterful in its lyrics and melodies. Something to be learned by the children and enjoyed by any age.

Do not hesitate to buy this. It is an album that brings a smile to both my child's and my adult family member's faces whenver we put it on. Unlike the majority of children's albums, there is nothing sappy sweet or even childish about it. Just great storytelling that is accessible to people of all ages.

I had the luck to bump into an Ellis Paul children's show on Halloween at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA, and bought this album based on that show. The songs have quickly grown on both our 21 month old daughter and us! Having long been a fan of Ellis and his music, I was still a bit hesitant to purchase the CD, fearing it wouldn't cross over into "toddler world" all that well. Was I mistaken. My daughter loves I Like to Swing, Road Trip, and Million Chameleon March, while in addition I enjoy Pinwheel, A Little Red Rose, and Nine Months to Fix this World, as well as Because it's There (and the whole CD frankly). A few of the songs are simply well crafted Ellis songs, and not necessarily "children's songs". It has led me to dig out my old Ellis CD's even and reacquaint myself with them. If your family is a fan of Raffi, Elizabeth Mitchell, Woody, Dylan, and Seeger, don't hesitate to get this album to enjoy with your little one. Lastly, as opposed to some artists who have put out children's albums, these songs are not rife with 'adult' insider jokes, or unnecessary zany madness (that toddlers won't understand anyway). They are simply beautiful pieces of music, well written, and sung wonderfully by a man with a truly gifted voice. Thanks, Ellis, It is fantastic!!

You can't go wrong with Ellis Paul. I have been a fan for many years and he continues to amaze me. He is an awesome entertainer...I saw him live this past Friday night (Aug 28th, 2009) at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Ga and his new CD expected out in January is the best yet! My 18 month old son loves The Dragonfly Races and began singing and humming along to it the minute I put it on. The smiles it brings to his face are priceless. This is a great birthday or Christmas gift for anyone on your list...young or old. Ellis is good for the soul!
Cindy McKenzie
Newnan, Ga

We recently saw Ellis at a children's concert and got this CD. It's been playing in the house ever since. It is so wonderful. Some of the songs are just delightful. Others are delightful and important, but not in-your-face-preachy (which is an issue I have with children's music). I love the song Million Chameleon March because it says so much. This is one of the very few CDs where we are thrilled with each song as it starts playing. My 7yo son already knows almost all the words to each song (we were at the concert and got the CD 4 days ago).

Thank you for an amazing family CD!

This CD was an instant favorite for my six year old, my husband, and me! It spans all ages. We will be buying it as a gift for many friends. The music has creative yet simple themes, and yet it is also complex enough for the parents to enjoy listening to over and over again. I first saw this album listed on NPR's Best Kids' Albums of 2008. It is a true winner! I hope Ellis Paul makes more kids albums in the future.