Who said kids’ music can’t be fun? Mr. Ages debut album, Quality Music Intended For Children, is a perfect way to get kids into music. With its entertaining tune, children (and adults) will love to listen again and again.
Mr. Ages is the musical alter ego of Los Angeles–based songwriter and producer Sage Price, who came to write music because of his daughter. Influenced by traditional folk, jazz harmony, and theatrical sensibility, his music includes playful themes while also being sophisticated, respectful of young listeners, and satisfying for the adults in the room. His debut album, Quality Music Intended for Children, showcases his simple aim: to make children’s music worthy of being called “music.”
The songs are all engaging, with clever use of instruments, such as the flute, saxophone, and amusing lyrics. One example of this is the song “Humpty Dumpty.” The song doesn’t only tell the classic story we all read as kids, it expands it in a way that questions what we know and is still digestible. Kids do not deserve dumbed down versions of media, and Mr. Ages understands that. This song in particular brings me back to my own childhood, where I was a huge fan of the program Jack’s Big Music Show. “Humpty Dumpty” could easily have fit into one of these episodes, and it brings a smile to my face to flashback.
Mr. Ages’ jazz style really comes to light in the song “Big Bad Wolf.” The titular character is one we all know, but not one that we often see the perspective of. Mr. Ages changes that by having him be the narrator. From the growly voice to the saxophone sounds, this ballad is something for kids to sing along with and play around to.
‘Big Bad Wolf’ by Mr. Ages
Haven’t we all questioned why so many older stories and nursery rhymes feature some boy named Jack? Well Mr. Ages answers that in a song that’s almost an ode to the child hero with one of his new tracks, “Jack.” The song tells the story of all the different Jacks we’ve encountered throughout books, toys, and common sayings. It even includes a sax solo to really sell the jazz inspiration. If not paying attention, this song wouldn’t even sound like a song for children, which is exactly the point Mr. Ages wanted to make. It is sophisticated and professional while also being incredibly entertaining, which is what music should be.
How do you make an old story in the modern times without losing the original spark? This is a challenge many people in Hollywood seem to be struggling with, but Mr. Ages shows how easy it really can be with his song “Gingerbread man.” The song makes it sound as if the listener is chasing the gingerbread man themselves with its quick tempo. It’s light-hearted and genuine, a true fun folk song.
Children’s music is sometimes a looked down upon genre. I can be honest and say I judged a little before listening. But once my earbuds were in and I let the music sweep me away, I understood Mr. Ages’ goal: to make music that is fun and entertaining for all ages. People point up their noses when they hear the words “music for kids.” Mr. Ages proves exactly why that is not the attitude we should have. Families will love this debut album, and that is what really matters.
Keep up with more from Mr. Ages on his WEBSITE.
