A Mama's Rant: Baze and His Silly Friends

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Not to get all Alternadad on you, but my family has never been one to listen to children's music. Yes, we have The Johnny Cash Children's Album, and I have to admit that Laurie Berkner is pretty cool. Yet, I'd rather listen to what I like, not "Twinkle, Twinkle" a thousand times in a row. This probably explains why we listen to a lot of the Ramones and Green Day on the way to school.

So when March Bazerman sent me a copy of "One Little Smile" by his band, Baze and His Silly Friends, I was hoping it wasn't another so-called cool rendition of classic kids music. (Click here to hear some song samples.)

In fact, I was pleasantly surprised. Why? Well, not only is the music sophisticated enough for parents (and the lyrics fun and appropriate for kids) but I'm convinced that Marc is channeling Ray Davies, circa 1979 and the Kink's Low Budget album. (Maybe he should add "Wish I Could Fly Like Superman" to the band's repertoire.)

Baze and His Silly Friends evolved from songs Marc would sing to his son, Jude. His goal is to give children music of their own to dance and sing to without making their parents go crazy...especially after repeat playings.

His 15 original songs (no "Muffin Man" here, thank goodness) range in style from rock to blues to reggae. And while I keep hearing Ray Davies in Marc's voice - especially on the song "Play Guitar" - his "Hootnanny Harry" reminds me of Blondie's "Rapture."

There's lots of great music to rock out to for both kids and adults. My children adored "The Da Da Song" and were singing along after listening to the CD twice. Even my seven-year-old thought it wasn't too babyish for his sophisticated musical tastes. (He likes punk rock and rockabilly.)

You can download the CD at the iTunes store for $9.99 or order it via the Baze and His Silly Friends website (the store includes other music by Marc). $1.00 per CD will go to Autism Speaks to help raise awareness and support families affected by autism.

If you live in the New Jersey area, check out the band's concert schedule. Contact Marc at bazemusic@creativearts.us if you'd like to book the band for a birthday party or event.