Tomorrow's Children

K-Gr 5—This concept album is a testament to the amazing talent and resilience of 91-year-old Pete Seeger. Opening with an instrumental rendition of his classic "Quite Early Morning," he relates the backstory of this recording filled with songs about creating a better world and passes the torch to a new generations of folk singers as he encourages all to "listen to the children." Seeger either sings and/or plays banjo on each of the 19 tracks. His craggy voice still resonates, though it is not as powerful as in days gone by; his talents on banjo remain strong. Highlights featuring Seeger include "There'll Come a Day," a ballad about hope for the future, punctuated by a harmonica solo; a folksy tune that also features vocalist Sarah Underhill and a shimmery mandolin ("River"); and "I See Freedom," a story about a runaway slave. Other guest soloists include Dar Williams on "Solartopia" (a song about being "green"), Victorio Roland Mousaa on "Mastinchele Wachipi Olewan" (a Lakota dance song), Rick Nestler on "The River That Flows Both Ways" (a tune about the Hudson River), and Dan Einbender on "It Really Isn't Garbage" (a folksy musical poem about recycling). The Rivertown Kids (fourth graders from Beacon, NY) provide lyrics for some piggyback songs, sing lead vocals on several tracks, and provide background on others. Although they are well-rehearsed, they come across as nearly lifeless in their formulaic performances marked with few dynamics. A mixed bag, but important nonetheless.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH