There was a time not long ago when the world of children’s music was its own singular hell, inhabited by syrupy lyrics, cloying melodies and purple dinosaurs. But with the birth of the “not for kids only” music movement, spearheaded by the likes of They Might Be Giants, Dan Zanes and Nashville’s own “Farmer” Jason Ringenberg, parents no longer have to fear going postal on the three-hour drive to Grandma’s. While those artists blend child-friendly lyrical concepts with eminently listenable rock and folk music, The Coal Train Players have ventured into less charted territory—a jazz children’s record. At first blush you might think jazz’s sophistication would be a poor fit for kids, but listen to just a few minutes of Coal Train Railroad and it’s clear the genre’s whimsical and spontaneous nature is perfect fit for a child’s still-unbounded imagination. Featuring a wide array of styles—from bluesy shout-alongs, swing and bossa nova to the Victrola-worthy old-time jump of “Bellybutton Stays the Same”—the disc provides a musical as well as lyrical education. The brainchild of singer Katy Bowser and bassist Chris Donohue (Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller), who together co-wrote all of the songs, Coal Train Railroad also features some of Nashville’s heaviest hitters, including saxophonist Jeff Coffin and trumpeter Rod McGaha. Initial reaction has been so positive that Bowser and Donohue are in talks with a children’s-TV veteran about expanding the concept into an animated kids’ series—stay, uh, tuned. 4 p.m. at Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea, 1886 Eastland Ave.
Sat., Jan. 2, 4 p.m., 2010
Sat., Jan. 2, 4 p.m., 2010
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