Marcy Marxer's 1986 Rounder release,
Jump Children, utilizes a mix of musical styles -- including swing, folk, and light pop -- to make children's music as enjoyable as it is functional. What's nice about
Jump is that it treats kids with respect. Sure, it's easy to follow, features funny animal noises in "Grandpa's Farm," and is designed with the short attention of little kids in mind. But a gorgeous, warm-toned acoustic instrumental of "Pop Goes the Weasel" wouldn't be out of place on a contemporary folk album, and the lullaby "Time to Sleep" finds
Marxer's vocal and guitar accompanied by accordion. There's no decree that states all children's music needs to feature cloying kids' choirs and hokey synth backdrops. With
Jump Children,
Marxer proves that kids of all ages will know tastefulness when they hear it. ~ Johnny Loftus