Acoustic music for kids... and Adults

JAMMY MAN

A Family Acoustic Music Series

Title: Acoustic music for kids... and Adults Artist: Jammy Man
Produced: Paul Trunko and Ernie Martinez Date: 2000

Cover Illustration: by John Hayes II

Graphics: Kenn Hayes

Tracks:
1. Jammy Man
2. Good Nap
3. Rock-A-Doos
(The Rough House Blues)
4. Thumb In The Thumb
5. Ain't No Bugs On Me
6. Rain, Rain
7. Loopy Doops
8. Lay Down
9. Heart Of My Day
10. America The Beautiful/
This Land Is Your Land
11. Kid

Hear Song Clips
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Winner of two Children's Music Web Awards 2000:
Best New Artist for Young Children - Best New Song for "Thumb In The Thumb"
http://childrensmusic.org/

REVIEW 1: Booklist (American Library Association) June 2000 By: Cindy Lombardo

Jammy Man. Song Trunk Music. 1999. 37min

All ages. A variety of musical styles and acoustic instruments combine in the toe-tapping, foot-stomping recording. Folk, reggae, lullaby, and blues are represented in songs that range from
the humorous ("Jammy Man" and "Ain't No Bugs On Me") to traditional ("America The Beautiful" segued into "This Land Is Your Land"). Listen for the harmonica solo in "Rock-A-Doos" and the soothing sounds of the rainstick in "Rain, Rain".

REVIEW 2: Dirty Linen Issue # Aug/Sept ’99 By Dan Willging

Paul Trunko Jammy Man [Song Trunk Music (1998)]

As adults, we often tend to o overanalyze things. When it comes to children’s music, all the methodical reasoning of what constitutes a good record is meaningless if it doesn’t grab the not-ready-to-vote crowd. Personally, I road tested Jammy Man with my sugar-blooded nephew and nieces. After weeks of continuous listens, it still wears well. Denver’s Paul Trunko and string wizard pal Ernie Martinez approach it all with a folky-bluegrass sensibility that boasts smart songs, pleasant singing, and competent flatpicking on guitar, mandolin, Dobro, and banjo.
Several tunes, like the conga-crazy “Thumb in the Thumb” that makes getting dressed a game, or the truisms of “Good Nap,” plant carefully seeded messages that sound better than if you said’em. Others extol the virtues of being a kid, like rough-housing (“Rock-A-Doos”) or make-believe (as heard on the infectious title song). There are even a few suitable for lullabies (“Lay Down”), family sing-alongs (“Ain’t No Bugs On Me”), or just plain goofin’ reggae style (“Loopy Doops”). Not only does it appeal on all levels, adults aren’t likely to split the scene while the Jammy Man jams.

REVIEW 3: Pow’r Pickin’, May 1999 By Mike Dow

(Official Publication of the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society)

Paul Trunko, Jammy Man: Acoustic Music For Kids…and Adults, Song Trunk Music.

One of our reviewers with small children should jump at requesting this CD. Paul Trunko, on the Denver music scene since 1986, including six years with Quickdraw, has gotten Ernie Martinez, Joe Trunko and a number of his Friends to back him on guitar and vocals, allowing him to sing eleven cuts of children lyrics (mostly his own compositions) on this delightful CD. The title tune, “Loopy Doops,” and “Thumb in the Thumb” should be favorites of the little people. Great stuff, Jammyman Paul!

REVIEW 4: School Library Journal - June 2001 By: Maren Ostergard,
Bellevue Regional Library, King County Library System, WA

Jammy Man. 1 cassette or 1 CD. approx. 36 min. SongTrunk Music. 2000, 2001 release. cassette.

PreS-Gr 4-This is a fun collection from Paul Trunko that both children and parents will enjoy. "The Jammy Man" is defender of his room. The authoritative lyrics, "this is my room and I'm the boss, all you bad guys better get lost," will empower young children who may be fearful of bedtime. The dynamic songs detail the everyday life of children and include positive messages that run the gamut from taking a "Good Nap" to a reminiscence of childhood in "Kid." The songs consist of many different styles including folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae and country. They range from lively tunes with catchy rhythms, to songs with slower tempos more appropriate for quiet times. The marching song, "Thumb in the Thumb," takes children through the act of getting dressed. Trunko wrote all the songs, including adaptations of "Ain't No Bugs on Me" and a medley of "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land." He states in the liner notes, and it is obvious from listening to the songs, that he was strongly influenced by Not For Kids Only by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. The performers provide pleasing, smooth vocals and are accompanied by dobro, guitar, acoustic bass, banjo, and harmonica. This is an enjoyable collection for the whole family.