In making award-winning records since the late-‘80s, Dave Kinnoin is one of the fathers of modern family music. He was the first performer I took my kid to see at a place called McCabe’s Guitar Shop when my oldest son was a toddler and Kinnoin's natural rapport with children was a joy to watch. I credit him with being one of the reasons I write about kids’ music.
So, it’s an honor to write about his new album of songs, a collection that addresses the inner challenges and triumphs of children. As a dad himself, Kinnoin shows great understanding of what makes kids tick as well as dance as he shows on the 15 tracks of his rock and hip-hop infused album.
Among the stand-out songs from the Song Wizard (the name of his record label) who has composed for everyone from the Muppets to Disney is the title track, a motivational piece about tackling bib challenges a little bit at a time. The inspirational lift continues on such tunes as “My Song,” which celebrates individuality, and “It’s Not Okay,” with its electric guitar-infused encouragement to flex your own ethics.
Kinnoin is as much a teacher as he is a musician, as is evidenced by the teacher notes he provides educators and parents on his CD booklet and Web site. But it’s his music that provides the most joyful lessons about friendship, on “Any Other Kid” (perhaps my favorite song on the album for its songwriting craft and message about standing by a friend) and “Lonely Me” (a gentle piece on losing friendship when one person moves away). Kinnoin even sings about national pride and reaching out to those less fortunate for “In America” and budget consciousness on “Where Did My Money Go?”
A portion of Kinnoin’s profits from album sales go to charitable organizations that help kids, so you can listen and give at the same time.
