Music Review: Chanukah at Grover's Corner
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that besides one reference to blood
(not surprisingly on a song called "Blood of the Maccabees,"
describing the well-known Jewish legend of lovely red-spotted
flowers appearing in the wake of battle), there's nothing to
worry about on this music and storytelling CD. Three of the
songs are in Hebrew, and there are a few original tunes thrown
in with the classics.
Families can talk about what Jewish kids do for Chanukah. How
is it different from Christmas or Kwanzaa? Families can also
talk about how it feels to be Jewish around holiday time, when
there's so much Christmas hype. Jewish kids: Do you feel left
out? Many cultures commemorate the season of colder weather and
shorter days with some kind of festival of light. What would
your ideal celebration be?
David Grover delivers a warm, if not terribly witty, collection of home-baked holiday sentiment on CHANUKAH AT GROVER'S CORNER. The whole project has a sweet, handmade feel -- perhaps inspiring you to think that you and your friends and family can create something similar -- that is, if your friends and family are excellent and accomplished singers and musicians. The homemade feel adds to the CD's charm, as does a cheerful children's chorus and an expressive cameo performance by Rachel Schroeder, on "Chanukah Gelt," one of the few light-hearted offerings.
Grover and his Big Bear Band are big on clearly audible vocals and simple musical arrangements. Though there's nothing quite as catchy as "Winter Wonderland" here, Chanukah at Grover's Corner offers a sweet collection of holiday treats for Jewish families to enjoy. For a great Chanukah read, pick up the book Chanukah Light Everywhere.
Yo, It's Christmas!Disney Channel Holiday
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Join Us