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CD Review: Kids Book Bridges Oregon Coast, Portland

By Andre' Hagestedt

Devin Phillips

(Manzanita, Oregon) - Something new and wonderful just popped out of the Oregon coast – and out of Portland as well. “One Night in Frogtown” is a massive, impressive collaboration between an Oregon coast writer/producer, a Portland illustrator and a host of Portland musicians. It’s essentially a kid’s book and CD. But like a myriad of creative movies geared towards kids these days, “Frogtown” is equally amusing to adults as well, especially with its all-star northwest talent lineup that includes Curtis Salgado, Linda Hornbuckle, Eric Robinson, Andy Stokes, Thara Memory and Devin Phillips, among others.

Self-publishing a gloriously colorful children’s book like this one is no easy feat to begin. But Philip Pelletier of Manzanita and Portland illustrator Verne Lindner have gone several steps farther, not only creating a masterful CD full of music that appeals to all ages, but Pelletier managed to corral a host of famed Portlanders into this expansive, whimsical project.

Cover of "Frogtown," by Verne Lindner

The CD accompanies the book, with little cues to turn the pages as the story is read by Portland blues master Curtis Salgado (he was one of the big inspirations of John Belushi’s “Blues Brothers” characters after Belushi saw him perform in Eugene during the filming of “Animal House” in the 70’s). Call it kid’s music that is accessible to adults – or perhaps “Frog Rock” would be the best term – but this CD and its book do indeed rock.

Pelletier brought all the musicians to his north Oregon coast studio, where he recorded them, produced the CD and then self-published it with Lindner. He played most of the background instruments.

It’s Pelletier you hear in the opening segment, and the musical bits in between: ethereal, floating synthesizer orchestrations that sound like twinkling aural starlight, with saxophonist Phillips and Salgado’s narration on top. Altogether, between the fanciful drawings, the kooky music and the very funky vibes, the whole effect is a bit reminiscent of the old “Schoolhouse Rock” cartoons we remember from our childhood in the 70’s (well, some of us are old enough to remember).

Philip Pelletier recorded and produced the whole CD in his studio in Manzanita

Salgado’s cadences are lilting and subtly amusing as he tells the story of a musician tadpole who wanders beyond his usual confines and into three distinctly different musical worlds that are somewhat intolerant of the others.

The first different plane of existence he encounters is the blues world, which is brought to life by the song “Middle of the Road.” It’s a slinky blues tune with a hefty groove, where Hornbuckle is soulful and commanding, but plenty of fun. Phillips’ saxophone peppers the entire song with sinewy fervor. At one point, the song wanders into bluesy psychedelic territory, like something Sting might’ve done a time or two in his solo career.

The second song, “Above It All,” is about our froggy hero encountering a group of tree frogs whose lives revolve around classical music. With hints of Prog (or should we say Frog Prog), “Above It All” sounds a bit like a lost Asia song, but with chicks on vocals. Actually, more like Asia-lite, as if Asia’s John Wetton had been neutered. It’s also not hard to imagine Mel Collins (King Crimson) as the saxophonist here. Or maybe it brings on one of the solo albums of Yes’ Jon Anderson; it is, after all, quite lighthearted.

The tune somewhat brings back those glory days of rock pomposity, when Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and the non-crappy incarnation of Genesis mixed classical with rock. Not a bad musical lesson for kids these days, actually.

At one point, there are some extremely cute and interesting samples of vocalists utilized to sound like opera singers. They are gleefully esoteric in the best traditions of electronica. It all ends with bluesy touch in the middle of all the “stuffiness,” again evoking Sting’s mix of modern and classical through the use of that slinky sax.

In “The Down Low,” our little musician tadpole bumps and grinds it with a group of rappers. Most Americans won’t recognize this analogy, but it sounds a bit like Russian rocker Boris Grebenchikov’s flirtations with rap. And it’s a serious kick in the pants, with Robinson’s rapping gracing the tune.

In the background there’s some kind’a sexy girl vocals - but that’s something only dads will probably lock into. Most delightful, however, is the use of frog samples to make the song gurgle, hop and chug along, all punctuated by some monster grooves and a fiery electronic brass section performed by Pelletier.

Undoubtedly the most memorable tune is “Alone,” where north Oregon coast singer Heather Christie gets to shine bright. It’s a mournful, touching acoustic number that is sure to sear itself into your brain, with a vibe not unlike Pink Floyd or Sarah McLachlan. Christie’s voice certainly evokes her in plenty of moments. If one of these were going to cross over into the world of hit singles, this would be it.

The fun and funky “Frogtown” slides things into the end of the CD, with its bouncy, upbeat form of Frog-rock. Andy Stokes’ soulful vocals evoke Marvin Gaye a bit, while the tune imaginatively blends elements of all the other styles at various moments.

The two hidden tracks at the end of the CD are also a serious source of enchantment and coolness.

With its dynamic, even stunning illustrations and a hip, gleeful soundtrack and narration to accompany it, “One Night in Frogtown” is a multi-media tour de force for kids and grownups. It’s something the entire family can rock out to.

Find more at www.frogtowncentral.com

Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com.

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