Piece Comment

Review of Story Time


TWO AND A HALF STARS

THE VOICES OF AFRICAN KIDS crossfade to bring us an improvised tale of a crocodile done in by a lion. Lightly drummed rhythms are the backdrop that stitches it all together.

The piece combines music and audio recordings made at a children's poetry, dance, and drum class in Ghana.

Unfortunately, low audio levels and unfamiliar accents combine to make the first, even second listen a little confusing. We can't make out the story very well. Which doesn't make the segment very broadcast friendly.

And that's unfortunate: it's clear the producer has done a careful job of listening to the children's story hour and sequencing what she gathered. Plus the mood she creates by mixing the young voices against the drumming is soothing and rhythmic in its own right.

Someone with the ability and leisure to give the piece multiple listens is the best audience. Perhaps this could be made available as a podcast or part of one? Certainly, I'd encourage PRX members -- who can play this several times -- should give this some attention.

Anthea Raymond
Former Editorial Board Member, PRX
May 22, 2007
Los Angeles