Red Grammer

Hello World

by Ben Graef

            Supposedly, an unborn child exposed to the music of Mozart in some way becomes more intelligent than if the child formed in a silent womb. What if the child listens to “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba? Sure, he’d get along fine in society, he’d just also really love shitty music. Big deal, so does everyone else, but I like to imagine an aesthetic determined by something a tad loftier than a song about throwing up. And while it may be impossible for us to go back to our more impressionable years and prevent the absorption of terrible influences, we can still strive to provide a proper musical education for our children. How convenient for us that children’s artist Red Grammer does just that with his album Hello World!

            In style alone, Grammer achieves maximum points. Tracks on the album range from the gospel-inspired “On the Day You Were Born” to “Buono Apetito,” a bluesy, energetic salute to food. Unafraid of exploring unusual structures and innovative arrangements, Grammer always achieves the prerequisite accessibility necessary in music for children. He provides catchy, repeatable melodies, inclusive call-and-response, varied subject matter, and diverse lyrics. All of this seeps into young minds, subconsciously broadening horizons beyond anything the radio offers. Most importantly, his songs don’t have the false, saccharine sound exemplified by much existing music for young people.

            Grammer’s message is always positive. Even when his songs fall short of the musical mark, the ideas of understanding, acceptance, and affirmation still permeate. Whether encouraging listeners to seek cultural diversity or assuring us that there really is some good in all of us – even if we have to dig for it – Grammer’s music is the perfect vehicle to spread his ethos of peace. His unique artistry makes these songs complex, satisfying, and entertaining on multiple levels.

            Let’s face it; you don’t want stupid, mean or -- gasp – lame kids, but neither do you want to transform your long car trips into Herculean trials of extreme endurance, testing your fragile nerves with four hours of Barney the Purple Dinosaur…on repeat. Children’s music does not have to suck! Listen to Hello World!, and you may actually find yourself singing along.