Etkin takes a little liberty with the history of the settlement of Louisiana in his “Intro to Eh La Bas: The Story of King Louis XIV,” and it becomes a story with which most Cajuns would take issue. It’s the lead-in to the song “Eh La Bas.” The album closes with an “Intro to Jammin’ on High Low,” and the song “Jammin’ on High Low.”
Wake Up Clarinet is aimed at very young children, and serves as an introduction to the language that is music. Jazz-fan parents may welcome this introduction to the genre they already love; and their children, who have heard their parents’ music, are predisposed to the sounds and rhythms contained within.
Because of the repetition and conversational aspects of Wake Up Clarinet, I wouldn’t recommend it for older children, whom I fear would quickly find it boring. However, repetition is the key when teaching toddlers and young children and they should quickly warm up to Oran Etkin and the Timbalooloo approach. Wake Up Clarinet will hit the street September 14, and is now available for pre-order.
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