Customer Reviews

Under a Shady Tree

5 star:		(83)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Laurie Berkner came to N.H. 2 years ago to perform a benefit concert, and ever since my family has been HOOKED. I purchased "Whaddaya Think of That" and "Victor Vito" and we loved them. Recently, I bought "Under a Shady Tree" and was once again blown away by her music. My children want to hear the CD over and over again, and so do I. She has added horns, jazz, an ethnic flair and so much more to her music, which really gets you going. We can't stop from moving when we play this CD. It also has made long trips to Grandma's house much more enjoyable. We all sing along and it seems like we just started our trip when we arrive happy and energized. We call "Under a Shady Tree" our "traveling CD" not only because we bring on all of our trips, but because it goes from the car to the house, and from the house to the car. I don't like to be without it.
After a long day with the kids if I start to feel overwhelmed, I put in the CD and forget about all of my problems. It is impossible too listen to the music and stay in a bad mood. The kids and I just sing and dance and laugh at the songs.
I am unable to pick just one, or even two or three songs, that are our favorites, because they are all so good. Each song has it's own "Special Something" that makes it differennt from the rest. But I must say that the one song that comes closest to my heart is "Smile". I am brought to tears everytime I hear Laurie sing it. The words and music are so powerful about the love a parent has for their child and how he/she makes them feel. I sing it to my children every night before they go to sleep.
I also have to comment on the remarkable ability that Laurie and Suzie have to harmonize with one another. They send chills through me and you can really feel the music (especially in Mahalo, Just Like the Sun, Running Down the Hill, After it Rains and Shortnin' Bread.
If you don't own any of Laurie Berkner's CDs yet, or even if you do, I recommend that you try "Under a Shady Tree". My family has enjoyed all 3 that we have and we have shared them with friends and family. They went right out and purchased their own.
Thumbs up to Laurie, Brian and Suzie!!!!!!!!!

This is just another wonderful CD by one of my kids favorite artists. Most all the songs are fun and lively, with creative lyrics, and a couple old favorites as well. This is the type of music that your kids can dance around and even act out some of the songs in play. You won't be disappointed in any of Laurie's albums if you like creative music that even adults can enjoy!

In the past year our family have gone from being Laurie Berkner newbies to Laurie Berkner junkies, thanks only in part to our now-2½ year old's enthusiasm for her work. Mom and Dad find themselves humming this stuff at wierd moments as well. We were eager, when we heard that a new CD was poised for 10/2002 release, but the previews for "Shady Tree" raised a red flag or two--what, there's ELECTRIC BASS on all the tracks? And a horn section on a bunch of 'em? Won't that dilute the fun, basic, energetic, punky-folky sound we've come to enjoy so on the previous 3 CDs? The answer is, not at all, you goofball! It's not laid on thickly at all--for instance, we get to hear Suzie open up a little with some jazzy piano, and "Chock-o-lot" absolutely sizzles with Laurie doing her torch-song, soulful belting over a horn section, but y'know, she's still singing about candy. Well, I think that's what she's singing about. It's what the kids hear, anyway.

And I've got to say something about the packaging--along with lyrics, there are concise author's notes on each track (per usual), and some great photos. The photo-spread shot says it all--Laurie's prone on the stage floor, looking a little like Iggy, snarling away. It could be any rock-and-roller pic, I guess, except you can just about see what must be a stuffed monkey draped over an amp, in the background. That says it all. Buy. Enjoy. Your kids will love it too.

We are big fans of Laurie Berkner's entertaining lyrics and folk-singer musical style in our house. Under the Shady Tree is probably her best album to date. She varies slower, quieter songs with fast, jumpy songs. Her lyrics continue to be amusing and clever so mom and dad are happy to listen to her again and again and again and again.... If you are buying just one Laurie Berkner album, this is the one to get. (But it is better to own all 4!)

Thank goodness for the Laurie Berkner Band! I just couldn't take the kiddie-songs any longer, and my personal music collection had to be reviewed before I put it in the player. With this CD, driving is a breeze. Not to mention the lyrics are creative, fun, uplifting and this is a great help for my 19 month-old to practice his words. The lyrics are clear and easy to memorize. Thank you!!!

I bought this CD after noticing how much my 3 year old loved listening to Laurie on Noggin. This instantly became her favorite CD and she had almost the whole thing memorized after a week. My daughter doesn't usually like to play by herself, but if I put this CD in, she'll sit in her room and play with her toys while listening to it. The songs are excellent. The music is incredibly creative. My husband and I also enjoy it and we plan on buying more of Laurie's CD's and videos soon!

This CD is wonderful! We also own Buzz Buzz and Victor Vito. My 2 year old can't get enough of it. What a refreshing change from the syrup-y mass-produced mess that most children's cd's turn out to be. He loves to Do The Dragon and goodness knows the world would probably end if he didn't listen to Pig On Your Head and Song In My Tummy at least 10 times a day. And what is even better is I enjoy it too. Every parent should own at least one if not all of Laurie's albums.

We loved Laurie's last CD, 'Victor Vito," but this one is even better. I never thought my husband and I would be into the same music as our two-year-old and five-year-old! I find myself putting this CD on in the car even when I'm by myself! My husband goes around the house singing, "I'm gonna catch you!" This CD sounds more sophisticated than her other recordings. You won't be disappointed!

I was tired of cds of kid songs being performed by kids. In the car, the 102 kids songs by a choir of children who think they are God's gift to music all start sounding the same. I saw a commercial for Laurie on TV and wanted to try her out. I am SOOO happy I did. Her voice and musical talents are great. Also, she mixes songs that you already know with songs you've never heard before which is a nice change. But don't worry about some of the songs being new and that maybe you won't take to them.....they'll become your new favorites. You'll forget all about "I've been working on the railroad" and be all about "Buzz buzz buzz"ing!! I highly recommend! The whole family will love it or at least tolerate it (including dad!)

My kids (and ME) LOVE Laurie Berkner, she is the best for kids music and we all dance to all the CD's that we have of hers (and trust me, we have quite a few!!) Get them all if you can - especially the DVD - her clothes are so colorful, they are very playful and my kids (and ME) LOVE LOVE LOVE HER!

A+ to Laurie Berkner and also The Laurie Berkner Band! I wish she'd go on tour, I'd be there in a heartbeat! It's great clean music for your kids - I take them on the field trips with the Kindergarten classes and all the kids sing along!

A MUST HAVE!