In
Harmony (1980) 1980:
Grammy: Best Recording for Children, In Harmony/A Sesame Street Record; performed
song "Blueberry Pie" on the album, which also featured The Doobie Brothers,
James Taylor, Carly Simon, Al Jarreau, Linda Ronstadt, George Benson and others
Bootleg
Betty, Mister D This
is a great children's record and also enjoyable for adults. Bette contributes,
Blueberry Pie, co-written with Carole Bayer Sager and Bruce Roberts. It
is a catchy, sing-a-long with help from Dr. John on piano and Wendy Waldman (co-writer
of Oh Industry), Bruce Roberts, and Lucy Simon (Carly's sister) on background
vocals. Shawn
M. Haney, All Music Guide A
charming record that is sure to strike an amiable chord among children's audiences
and all ages. Sesame Street released "In Harmony" as an effort to bring
together an all-star cast of talented musicians known for their commercial appeal
during the late '70s. The album opens up with a beautifully spun and delightfully
crafted poem/song, "Wynken, Blynken and Nod," words by Eugene Field
with melody by Lucy Simon. Sailing off to a sea of dew one starry night are the
fisherman three, fishing for the herrin' fish, "nets of silver and gold have
we," sing the Doobie Brothers. Catchy and sincerely ethereal, the tune is
worth a listen time and time again. Cornelius Bumpus adds extra sugar to the tune
with radiant flute and saxophone leads. Singer/songwriting sensation James Taylor
puts a charge into the chorus of a "Jelly Man Kelly," a man who makes
a feast of anything jelly. Taylor also adds dazzling guitar work to Carly Simon's
pleasant vocals in "Be With Me." Star
soloist Bette Midler combines her talents with Bruce Roberts and Carole Bayer
Sager to create the sassy "Blueberry Pie." Sesame Street creators Frank
Oz and Jim Henson touch on the issue of sharing with Ernie and Cookie Monster.
Songs by Al Jarreau, Linda Ronstadt, and Libby Titus are also featured, with an
entire plethora of singers and crafty backing musicians. This record is pure project-oriented
in the highest sense of the word. A symbol of craftiness and musical charm, the
musicians and featured singers seemed to not shy away from bringing out their
innermost talents to grant young listeners a treat. The families of James Taylor
and Carly Simon graciously put much effort into "In Harmony," and the
whole cast finishes the record with simplicity and exuberance in the tune "In
Harmony." Blending a rich tapestry of lushly recorded, beautifully textured
vocals, the singers continue to sing "In Harmony" over and over until
the record fades out. Perhaps this was a record created and intended for kids,
but it also touches on subject matters of greater depth that parents can certainlyrelate
to, such as peace, hope, love, sharing, and harmony. |