American Heroes #3

Jonathan Sprout knows how to engage children through music and learn more about the famous Americans throughout history, especially those that they may not hear about in general history books.In this third volume - I still like the original volume best, but that's because no one had done anything as creative and entertaining before - he continues his string. There are people who every child knows about (Thomas Jefferson, and probably Pocahontas - though that's mostly thanks to Disney) and those they only know by name (Milton Hershey - well, they know his sweet products). Cesar Chavez is the most recent to die and none in this volume are still with us.The songs all feature heavy production and - while all upbeat tempos - the styles range from "pop" to "mild hip hop". The last two tracks are different. First there is "Godd For Me" about the relationship of parent to child and then comes the four-minute instrumental, "Compassion", a "quiet song" with Sprout playing nine different instruments. This of this a "new age music" for children.If I have one complaint - and I won't drop a star for it - it is that the typeface of the lyrics - and especially the biography section - is too small, making the parent squint (or need to use a magnifying glass) to read them to their children.Maybe in future albums, Sprout will write about more LIVING "American heroes". But, for now, this is highly recommended CD.Steve Ramm"Anything Phonographic"

Since the content of Sprout's work is aimed at educating our youth about our national icons, you'd have to say that this is a "children's" CD. In this genre, I usually think of the music as being a secondary - and often simplistic - accompaniment to the lyric. However, if the usual fare of children's music is like giving them a cookie, here Sprout offers them a 7-layer chocholate mousse cakes with strawberries. He obviously went to such great pains to create a lush and varied musical background for this, his third work in the series, that I had trouble keeping my mind on the lyrics at all during the first several listenings. With a broad array of vocal styles and harmonies - including what seems to be entire choirs of voices behind him - he spices up each song with vibrant flavors. He has made the effort to include talented musicians of all stripes to pitch in. The result will have your child - and you - dancing and laughing and tapping your feet.And THEN you can listen to the stories. Like his previous works, Sprout recounts aspects of the lives of our great American heroes. Though the songs do not often tell complete stories themselves, they at least spark a cuiriousity that might get your child - or, again, you - to ask more questions. They are a perfect tool for the educatior wanting to add a little color to their lesson planning. My only complaint is that while the music can stand on it's own, sometimes the lyrics feel a little stiff and stuffed into the songs and might not stand on their own. But given the purpose of the oeuvre, they do their job very well.

As a first grade teacher, I am always looking for ways to make learning fun. Jonathan has helped me do that! All year long, we add the dimension of his music (and often dancing!) to reading, writing, and viewing stories of American heroes. He has performed several concerts at our school, and inspired my young students to learn more about the heroes in his songs, as well as want to learn about other people who are heroes. I know how much work lies behind each song, and how much research goes into the stories he tells about these true heroes. My students all have their favorite songs, which we play and sing along with over and over again. The 'Good For Me' song is so touching - and I love the 'Compassion' song at the end - I play it when I want the class to calm down and relax. I followed the making of this CD from its beginning, and I feel privileged to have had a glimpse into the production of such a worthwhile, educational, heartfelt project! It makes me appreciate his music even more than I already did! The three Heroes CDs are a must for every elementary classroom!

Jonathan Sprout has done an outstanding job with his new Heroes 3 CD. As an elementary music teacher and as a parent of a fourth grader, my students and I have enjoyed Heroes 1 and 2 in class and at home. We were so excited when Heroes 3 was complete and we were not disappointed! Jonathan has such a wonderful way of capturing the spirit and the life of these amazing people from American history in his songs. The beautiful melodies, engaging harmonies, memorable lyrics and special creative touches make each song unique to the hero. My students are mesmerized by their stories and the songs. You can hear them singing in the school hallways! Our favorite is "Can't Stop Running", but we enjoy them all. I highly recommend this CD as an inspriational and fun way to educate your children and students!

Jonathan Sprout has done an awesome job with this album! As an elementary school music teacher, I taught several of the songs to my students. The refrains are singable and memorable. My students have fallen in love with the songs. I frequently hear my students in the hallway humming or singing the Jonathan Sprout songs! They entice students to learn about the real life heroes featured in the cd....Their favorites include "Can't Stop Running" (Wilma Rudolph) and "Doctor!" (Elizabeth Blackwell). These songs have a wonderful message and inspire students to reach for their dreams! My favorite song on the album is "Come Back Home." From a musical standpoint, the background vocals compliment the melody beautifully. You will be extremely happy with the purchase of this album.