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Let's see, what are the odds of coming across a kids' music performer who just happens to work regularly with a legendary Cuban musician? Pretty good, actually, if you're bopping around Manhattan! Professional bassist Josh Levine has combined the varied influences from his rich musical background to create Josh Levine for Kids, the CD that might possibly be the kids' album most likely to induce spontaneous salsa dancing.

The Artist

In the grownup music world, Josh Levine performs with Son Amigos, a trio that includes legendary guitarist Jose Luis Martinez, who was an early member of the groundbreaking Cuban band Los Van Van. Levine can also be heard throughout the New York City area performing with the quartet Los Acustilocos, with songwriter/musician Angus Martin, and with vocalist Francine Morin ... he’s a busy, busy guy! Josh Levine for Kids is Josh's one and only CD of kids' music, which is a shame!

After graduating from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music with Bachelors degrees in Biology and Jazz Double Bass Performance, Levine returned to Manhattan’s Upper West Side to perform music and teach elementary school music. Levine’s principal instrument is the double bass, and he also sings and plays accordion, bass guitar, Venezuelan cuatro, guitar, and piano. Several years as the house bassist for the Cotton Club All-Stars gave Levine a firm foundation in swing. Playing with Son Amigos, he was tutored in Cuban music by Jose Luis Martinez, founding member of Cuba’s Los Van Van.

As a member of Los Acustilocos, he was schooled in Venezuelan music by Roberto Fuentes, former director of Venezuela’s famed musical theater comedy group, La Alpargata Cantorum. Levine has traveled to the Bahamas, Key West, Norway and Germany as a musician on Canaveral and Color Line Cruises. He now teaches and performs in public and private schools all over NYC through the non-profit LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program).

The Music of 'Josh Levine for Kids'

For his debut children's CD, Josh Levine for Kids, Josh Levine put together a collection of traditional tunes, originals, and incredibly interesting cover songs. Double-tracked vocals, thick harmonies, generous use of a Venezuelan cuatro, and, of course, a booming acoustic bass, all recorded in Levine's apartment (let's hear it for indie rock!), make for a hugely entertaining album.

You get a great idea of what to expect for the rest of the album when Florentino Ruiz Carmona's "Tiburon" bursts from the speakers. Levine also covers Bill Staines' classic kids' song "A Place in the Choir,” and Gil Raldiris' perfect preschool sing along activity tune "Mi Cuerpo Hace Musica." Again, an album full of traditional songs could end up being horribly boring, but wow, Levine really puts a spicy twist on oldies like "Jump Jim Joe," "I Am a Pumpkin," "The Hokey Pokey," "This Land is Your Land," "If You're Happy and You Know It," and even "Cumpleanos Feliz."

Josh Levine contributes an impressive handful of originals on Josh Levine for Kids, including the world-as-global-community message of "A Real Bouquet," co-written with Edith Segal; and the joyous "I've Got Music in My Soul." Of course as a professional bass player, Levine made sure the low end was pushed to the forefront, and rightfully so. Every song sounds stronger for it, and seems to make the album even more of a hip shaking, hand clapping experience.

The Verdict

Full of short, intimate performances (four songs come in under the one-minute mark!) Josh Levine for Kids is a great, great resource for toddler and preschool programming, as well as a flat-out fun album to listen to loudly at home. Josh Levine for Kids can also be recommended as one of the best CDs for the two year old to four year old crowd, as evidenced by its inclusion on our list of the All Time Best Music for Toddlers. Warn your downstairs neighbors, though: uncontrolled dancing is guaranteed!

Released July 26, 2006; Josh Levine