"Barefoot, sun-on-your-shoulders, hula-hooping music for funky families!"
Mindy - SiriusXM's KidsPlaceLive - Jan 2010
"Sure, it's for kids, but it is strong stuff for anyone to resist, something we knew way back when we lauded Charity and the JAMband's Rock Your Socks Off CD in 2006. The first-of-two CDs, aptly called Party, does just that from the start with the rocking groove of Get Your Booty Out of Bed that even gets me shaking my tired behind. The lush, soulful and slightly twangy voice of lead singer Charity Kahn keeps going through the lively Pancakes to the clever Some More S'mores that goes hilariously power rock for a bit. And, San Francisco's Charity and her versatile JAMband turn Row Row Row Your Boat into the funkiest thing I've heard in a while, with a boat that doesn't just row, but spins, jumps and swings too. What makes Party Like a Twinkle Star extra super special though is that it comes with a second CD called Twinkle that brings the tempo way down for those times when everyone needs to mellow out. Following the single beat of One Golden Bowl, the CD moves into the absolutely gorgeous, hymn-like So Long to the Day. I could even play this entire CD at bedtime since there are no woo, party! songs interrupting midway. Hey, even party animals need to catch up on their beauty sleep."
Christina @ Cool Mom Picks - Feb 2010
"Within moments of inserting the first CD of her two-disc set, called Party, we were transported to a summer concert series or family picnic...the Twinkle CD is great mood music, with sweet, melodious lyrics. Depending on our mood and time of day, we have enjoyed the toe-tapping hits of Party or the more laid back, ready-for-beddie harmonies from Twinkle."
Our Kids - Feb 2010
"Charity and the JAMband are every bit as proficient at rocking out as you might expect, but it's the lullabies that truly shine -- Charity's voice boasts an extra tinge of sweetness on the second disc, and although I wouldn't hesitate to play the first disc during rowdy moments with the kids, I'd actually be happy listening to the second one when the little ones aren't around."
Dadnabbit - Jan 2010
"Charity and the JAMband is a funky, fresh, fabulous musical group that just likes to have fun, fun, fun. The bright colors and funky graphics on this fold-out CD's cover catch your attention right off. On PARTY, the music ranges from psychedelic-reminiscent guitar rock to more eclectic, tribal sounds with percussion galore. The ten TWINKLE tunes are hauntingly beautiful, with melodic interludes, soothing vocals, soft guitar strumming and unlikely chord changes that keep this 'lullaby' album in a category of its own."
Muse Reviews - Jan 2010
"Charity and the JAMband's fourth (and fifth!) studio album is a unique yin-yang approach to kindie rock. Opposites attract as groovy, party animal Disc One meets the soft, melodic lullaby of Disc Two. The San-Fransiscan jam band takes you on a fantastic musical voyage from the dance floor, to the campground, to the beach - even blasting into outer space - before parachuting down through the clouds and stars to tuck you into your warm, comfy bed. The opening party track, Get Your Booty Out Of Bed, sets the tone for the Party album. It's funky, feel-good music at its best. Charity Kahn is a dead ringer for Nikka Costa, with her distinct, soulful, bluesy vocals (which shine particularly on the sassy track, Rockstar). My personal favorites from the album were the garage-rock ode to breakfast, Pancakes, the psychedelic pop-folk tune Beach, and the bohemian anthem, We Are Stardust. It's irresistibly fun and something my entire family found themselves swaying to. But, for me, the Twinkle CD was the real gem. Charity and the JAMband can definitely jam - but they can also chill. The lyrics on this album are truly something magical, reinforcing themes of love, hope, encouragement and security. Listening to it made me long to snuggle up with my son in our glider and hold him close. Twinkle is a heartwarming vessel for bonding with your little one. The standout tracks for me here were the self-assuring Song In Your Heart and The Reminder a breezy, uplifting tune that reminded me of a cool spring day. Bottom line: I highly recommend adding Party Like a Twinkle Star to your music library. It's something I listen to even when my son is asleep just to relax or sing along to. Now that's saying a lot!
Goodie Goodie Gumdrops - Jan 2010
"I love, love, love these CDs! It is very rare that I would listen to children's CDs when my children are not present but I would listen to either of these in a heartbeat. Both boys and I were dancing our hearts out with the Party CD and the Twinkle CD was magical -- 2 huge thumbs up!"
Mommy PR - Jan 2010
"Kahn uses music to communicate those deep, passionate, seemingly unexpressable feelings she has about her children and motherhood....Kahn's voice is sweet yet sultry, perfectly pitched, somewhat childlike, and simply beautiful. Think Steve Nicks meets Sarah McLachlan meets Karen Peris of the Innocence Mission. I think, if I could sing like that I could get my kids to pick up their toys."
The Mommy Files - Jan 2010 (read the whole article here!)
"One of our favorite new CDs for dancing and relaxing is Party Like a Twinkle Star by Charity and the JAMband. It's a 2-CD set, one for Party time or dancing in the living room with your child, and one for Twinkle time - stretch, do yoga poses, relax, and prepare for bedtime. The vocals are out of this world!"
Traveling with Baby blog - Jan 2010
"...probably the cutest name I have ever heard for a children's album. The party songs are energetic and uplifting, with positive lyrics...the twinkle songs are meaningful with snuggle-worthy lyrics. There is an element of genius in this album by Charity and the JAMband"
Moms Most Traveled blog - Jan 2010
"This CD is a virtual parenting survival tool packed into 20 tracks to take you from a.m. to p.m. and back again."
Commonsense Media - Jan 2010
"Songs that celebrate childhood and family life with unfettered enthusiasm...the experience feels like a kinetic and soulful 24-hour jam concert...a lifestyle recording tailored to the ever-changing moods of a family. The album will help kids and their parents soar and cuddle through many a day!"
Familymanonline.com - Jan 2010
"If you're already a fan of the JAMband's previous albums, expect more of the same quality groove from disc one of this two-CD package. With each chunky bass riff and every shimmering tap of a hi-hat, the first disc is the party music, the stuff that will get kids up and dancing. Disc two, though, is a revelation. It's the sweet lullaby yin to disc one's funky yang, filled with gorgeous acoustic guitar work, lovely piano tunes and a few a cappella tracks that show how beautiful Charity's vocals truly are."
Time Out New York - Jan 2010
"Girls can rock, too, and they can rock while singing about things such as pancakes and rocket ships. The tunes are energetic, silly at times (but not goofy), clever (but not boring), danceable, cool and fun...by real musicians who just happen to be playing for you. We hope they will inspire you to rock!"
The Washington Post - Dec 2009
"In an impressive undertaking, Charity Kahn and her band have produced a double CD set -- one full of lively dance-ready party tracks, the other a soft and mellow trip to slumberland -- where either of the discs would have made an awesomely good album unto itself. Together, they're astonishing."
iVillage.com - Parenting - Dec 2009
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 "Charity and the JAMband harness enough energy to light up the national power grid on Rock Your Socks Off. Propelled by driving rock'n'roll and steered by sassy-sweet vocals, the JAMband's oeuvre is boatloads of fun to listen and dance to."
... FamilyFun Magazine, December 2006
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2006 Children's Music Web Awards
go to both Rock Your Socks Off AND Peanut Butter and JAM!
"Our Children's Music Web Awards are decided in a multi-step judging process. First, family judges screen the candidates and make preliminary decisions. Then, classrooms and day care centers worldwide pick their favorites. Children's voices predominate every step of the way. Thus, it can truly be said that these are the KIDS' FAVORITES!"
... Children's Music Web, October 2006
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"Music lovers will cheer this eclectic mix of sounds and styles, featuring blues-inspired tunes, soulful ballads, and heart-racing rock paired with playful and intelligent lyrics. A true winner!"
... Discovery Girls Magazine, August 2006
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"A rockin' mother puts her own twist on domestic bliss, and it sings."
... San Francisco Chronicle, July 2006
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"Fun and silly! Highlights include "We Need Mud," an ode to brown sludge, and "Towel Tango," a surprising blend of ballroom and bathroom aesthetics."
... Andy Wang, LA Daily News, June 2006
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"Charity's voice is sultry, versatile and beautiful. The band members's musical abilities are so full and intricate. I fell in love with this album, and through it my children get to have a more sophisticated experience of music than the typical toned-down children's cd. I appreciate Charity's messages: essentially, love yourself and let it rip. "
... Caity McCardell, Vegetarian Baby and Child, June 2006
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A 2006 Parents' Choice GOLD Award Winner
"Singer/songwriter Charity Kahn and her jammin' band create soul and rock 'n roll vibes authentic enough for any adult fan, but not at the expense of the young target audience. Catchy melodies and wonderfully imaginative, meant-to-be-heard lyrics aim straight for a child's spirit, eager mind and dancing feet. This is one memorable—-and happily repeatable—-album."
... Lynn Heffley, Parents' Choice Foundation, May 2006
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"A "Happy Fluffy" rocking CD without being syrupy. All ages will enjoy Rock Your Socks Off together. Charity and the JAMband have achieved a great rock sound without overpowering the listener as some artists tend to do. Songs encouraging jumping and jiggling and dancing."
... Fran Grauman, About.com Children's Music Guide, April 2006
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"The JAMband, based in San Francisco, has a sophisticated but rocking sound that will appeal to parents as well as children. Featuring 13 tunes written by lead singer Charity Kahn, there is a wide range of musical styles and never a dull moment. Each song is upbeat and empowering for children. From the bicycle bell opening of "Travelin'" (a kicking rock song detailing a road trip, featuring dissonance not often found in children's music) to the easy rock of "JAM Is," Kahn is a chameleon. She shifts her sound throughout, inspired by the styles of Stevie Nicks ("Jump into the Middle"), Madeleine Kahn ("Towel Tango"), and Chaka Khan ("Happy Birthday Baby"), among others. Haunting harmonies and a fine piano accompaniment make "Whatcha Gonna Bring" (a celebration of self) a standout. Syncopation makes "Happy Fluffy" pop. Background vocals in "Super Hero" include 50's doo-wop, breathy Rocky Horror Picture Show -type echo responses, and rap. "Partner Dance" is a montage of sound (melding conga, easy rock, and blues) about farm animals and includes a riff of "Ring Around the Rosie." "We Need Mud" features only a drum, chant, and children responding. Four part a capella harmonies on "Peace Dream" are inspired. The high energy songs will have listeners up and dancing."
... Stephanie Bange, School Library Journal, March 2006
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"Backed by fine players and vibrant harmonies on some infectious choruses, Kahn delivers an eclectic menu sure to please. For anyone who doubts that the nursery rhyme "Ring Around the Rosie" has potential as a slightly gritty, jam-worthy rock number, check out the stellar Partner Dance."
... Publishers Weekly Review, March 2006
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"Charity's supported by ace musicians who play with enough bounce to please kids and sufficient sass to keep adults engaged. Get the kids dancing!"
... Time Out New York Kids, March 2006 |
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"I LOVE CHARITY AND THE JAMBAND!!! They really do have a magic potion here, full of funk and rock, peace and love. The concoction is so invigorating that you'll buy it for yourself and maybe a few friends who will want to join in on the jam."
... Gregory Keer, Family Man, March 2006 |
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"Listening to these grooves, which sound tailor-made for an outdoor rock festival, you can imagine an army of toddlers hopping into their Bugaboos to follow the group on tour, like preschool Phish-heads. The songs are danceable yet sophisticated; nowhere will you hear a funkier Ring Around the Rosie."
... 3/3 Stars, Cookie Magazine, February 2006
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"Like Phish for kids."
... Kenny Curtis, director of XM Kids, XM Satellite Radio, February 2006 |
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"Charity and the JAMband have found a formula for producing appealing, child-friendly music that doesn’t talk down to kids -- and for that very reason, won’t drive their parents crazy. ROCK YOUR SOCKS OFF is full-tilt family fun."
... Common Sense Media, January 2006 |
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"...an infatuation with words...extravagant wordplay, the kind of breezy silliness young kids can enjoy and indulge in themselves. Kahn and the merry JAMband--a gang of top-notch musicians--will not only rock your socks off but may give other articles of clothing a serious shaking as well."
... American Library Association Booklist, March 2006 |
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Charity and the JAMband: Peanut Butter and JAM wins a 2005 Parents' Choice Approved Award!
"You’ll want to move along with Charity or just listen to her appealing voice, whether you’re young or old. Encourage your kids to dance, and make sure you join in the fun!" ... Common Sense Media
"Ranging from silly to serious to seriously funky, the tunes will make you feel cool again, and your kids will love them!" ... Recapture Your Cool, Bay Area Parent
"There were bare feet, socked feet and shoed feet. There were worn feet, new feet ..." ... Kids Sweet on JAM, San Francisco Chronicle
"Charity's Peanut Butter and Jam is a wonderful accompaniment to many activities. We listen and dance, or we listen while we play games. Whenever the cd is playing Alice names each tune after the first few notes,
and she usually has a special dance to go along with the song! We love the cd!"
Alice's mom, Janet Cowperthwaite (manager of Kronos Quartet)
"Spectacular, really wonderful, yummy, gorgeous, smart, joyful...everything...bravo! I'm applauding."
Olive Hackett-Shaughnessy, professional storyteller
"Thanks again Charity. We've decided not to own a TV in NJ and music has replaced the boob-tube. We got our daughter her own CD player and her favorite CD is JAMJAMJAM! It's so great I can even listen to it up to 5x a day! You're amazing."
Jennifer Levine, puppeteer, Princess Moxie Rules Productions
 Visit visit CD Baby to read more listener reviews.
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