Review: JAZZY ASH

Tuesday, February 04 2014 10:16

Review: JAZZY ASH - "HOME"

Written by James Zahn

Hailing from Orange County, California "by way of New Orleans," it's no surprise that JAZZY ASH has crafted a new album steeped in the musical heritage of her southern roots. With the release of HOME, Miss Ashli has evolved a bit since I first posted about her "Leaping Lizards Music" program here on The Rock Father nearly a year ago, assembling what stands out in the Kindie realm as what's almost certainly the first (and only) NOLA-style jazz band geared toward kids and families. And it's really well-done, with each member of the six-piece band also serving as a music educator.

Watch: "Throw Me Something Mista (Featuring Mista Cookie Jar)"

Jazzy Ash - HOME The dozen-song collection does a fine job of introducing kids to some musical stylings that they might not yet be familiar with, peppering the New Orleans Jazz with elements of Cajun Zydeco and Swing (sadly, no New Orleans Metal influences a la DOWN and CROWBAR... ya know, "Rock Father" stuff). Inciting smiles and foot-tapping from my own little ones, particularly four-year-old Addie, I fully expect this one to be in rotation for awhile, with fast favorites like "Baby Loves Beignets," the title track and "Backyard Camping" scoring big. Additionally, I can see "Monsters" becoming an addition to my annual "31 Days of Halloween" when it returns this October.

Rock Father Approved! 2014 Jazzy Ash's HOME is available now... just in-time for Mardi Gras.

Purchase the Album: CD Baby (coming soon to Amazon and iTunes)

Connect with the artist: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Published in Kids and Family Music Reviews

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James Zahn

James Zahn is not a journalist, nor a blogger, though he may be credited as such by others, or even accept the title... depending on the circumstance. Instead, he considers himself largely to be an "entertainment and lifestyle writer," bringing 25+ years of experience in the entertainment and publishing industries into the family realm as THE ROCK FATHER™.

As a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur, James now finds himself raising a pair young girls - The Rock Daughters™ - along with his wife from their Illinois home.

He is a member of The Toy Insider Parent Advisory Board, has contributed to The Toy Book and writes a regular Star Wars column - Transmissions from a Galaxy Far, Far Away for The Pop Insider. He also regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global.

James and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, WGN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, BusinessWire, Babble, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

Learn more here.

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