SINGIN' AT THE SWING SET
Alex & Ben, The Meisel Brothers. Kid'n Together (800-543-6386), CD $14.98, Cassette $9.98 

(reviewed by Shannon Maughan) 

This collection of jaunty songs is as fun as any trip to the playground. From the opening sounds of honky-tonk harmonica and percussive guitar on "Pancake Attack,” listeners know they're in for a good time. The snappy, humorous lyrics here entertain as well as educate. Through rhyming and repetition, the Meisel family makes learning about manners, shapes and crossing the street an activity that lots of children will want to join in. In "A Down Home Please & Thank You,” kids discover that using these magic words is more a matter of respect than being polite. And in the calypso-styled “Island Shapes," squares, circles, triangles and ovals take center stage. An eclectic array of instruments, including washboard, jug bottle, congas and ukulele, played by a cast of talented musicians, gives the recording extra oomph. But what really shines here are the Meisels' vocals. Alex and Ben provide gentle sometimes soulful harmonies on most tracks and are frequently joined by the equally pleasant and assured voice of their aptly named sister Melody. The collection is very much a family affair, inspired by Alex Meisel's son Matthew, who has Down Syndrome, and containing contributions from Alex's parents, wife and son Joshua as well. Inventive arrangements, a variety of musical styles, strategically placed sound effects and just the right balance between sweetness and silliness will make this a family listening favorite. All ages. (June)

"Singin' at the Swing Set" (Alex, Ben & Co. Kid'n Together; 800-KIDN-FUN) hits a lot of different notes. This family production, performed by brothers Alex and Ben Meisel, with help from their sister Melody and their father, Harris, includes some songs, such as "A Down Home Please and Thank You," that were written to teach lessons. Others, like one about running willy-nilly in the grass, are full of good hearted fun. One song includes the laughter of Alex's son Joshua, which is the best music humans know how to make. The recording ends with a lovely lullaby dedicated to Alex's son Matthew, who has Down Syndrome. He was the inspiration for the album. The song illustrates the healing power of music and its power to create a sense of commumty. 

(Also reviewed in the article are Raffi, Taj Mahal, Maria Muldaur, Miriam Makeba, Gaia and other Music for Little People artists).

Father finds musical bond with son has broad appeal
By Howard Lovy 
The Detroit News 

      When Matthew Meisel was born seven years ago, his father, Alex figured he’d have to set aside his love of singing and songwriting for the rigors of parenthood. 
      But Matthew, who has Down syndrome, had other plans for his dad. 
      From the time he was an infant, Matthew would sit next to the stereo speakers, and "just glow.” Meisel discovered that his son's connection with music was a way to break through the barriers of his disability and reach not only his emotions, but his ability to learn. 
      So the California father channeled his energies into a successful children's recording called Kid'N Together and a video project to be released this winter. But the most important praise he gets comes from the kids, who just go “ballistic" at his concerts, Meisel said. 
      The reason is simple. He varies the tempo while mixing fun with educational concepts. 
      Meisel's first song for his son was Let's Dance. It takes a musical trip through parts of the body and how they're used, then interrupts now and then with a fast part to give the kids a chance to use their bodies to dance and, Meisel says, “get your ya-yas out." 
      "The wonderful thing about this project and about the music is that it's taken our family, taken me beyond that notion (of disability)," Meisel said. “It just happens to work. Period. It’s not specific to disability. It’s about life, it's about laughing, learning.” 
      Meisel and his brother, Ben, are working on nine new songs for another album, plus a video in which he hopes to capture the strong “interactive" element of a live performance.