“Ring ring, doorbell ring, it’s house party time” beings the Dan Zanes album “House Party.” This album was released in 2003 and was inspired by Dan’s many friends coming in and out with all of their different instruments. It pays homage to what can come of friends just relaxing and doing what they love best. “House Party” is a great album full of bouncy, fun songs.
In the title song, Dan Zanes actually mentions a couple of the other songs that are on this album — “Waltzing Matilda” and “Old Joe Clark.” Dan encourages everyone to sing along with the other songs. In another verse, Dan sings about different kinds of instruments that can be heard in the music, as well as the different kinds of clothes that people are wearing. Of course, Dan’s trademark crazy hair and purple suit are something to notice. I think this song is pretty much used to give an introduction to the rest of the CD.
“Washington at Valley Forge” is a silly song written by Jack Alger in 1926 about famous Americans. Dan and a female singer (I don’t know who) do a great rendition of this one. Including the hook of, “Vo-doe-de-o, vo-doe-de-o, doe,” this song has cute lyrics with a sunny melody. According to this song, Washington played a ukulele while he was at Valley Forge. When Patrick Henry gave his famous speech, he apparently said, “Give me liberty or…red hot mama!” I laughed hysterically when I listened to this song.
Deborah Harry of Blondie fame lends her voice to “Waltzing Matilda” along with Dan. This song is a national favorite and somewhat a traditional in Australia. Although no one actually knows what its initial meaning was supposed to be, most people feel that it is the story of a free spirit. Dan and Deborah do this song great justice with the combination of their voices.
Donald Saaf, who has illustrated many children’s books as well as Dan’s albums, joins Dan on “Daniel in the Den.” This is a gospel song which refers to a few Bible stories. Since I had never heard this song before, I didn’t know what it was supposed to sound like. I did like the arrangement. Whenever they sing “He locked the lion’s jaw,” there is an echo after that line, calling, “He locked,” and I find that particularly interesting.
Dan Zanes and Friends produced a great album with “House Party.” This CD is a great addition to your family’s music collection.
For more information, please visit Festival Five Records.
“House Party” is available at CDBaby, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers.
House Party Track Listing
- House Party Time
- Wabash Cannonball (with Bob Weir)
- Queremos Bailar (with Barbara Brousal)
- Hop Up Ladies
- Washington at Valley Forge
- Jamaica Farewell (with Angelique Kidjo)
- Tankoh-Bushi (with Yoshi Waki)
- Down in the Valley (with Father Goose and the Dandelion Chorus)
- Waltzing Matilda (with Deborah Harry)
- West Indian Counting Song (with Aggie Decaul and Courin Gibbs)
- Sunny Old Sun
- Tennessee Wig Walk
- Shining Star
- How Do You Do? (with David Jones)
- Daniel in the Den (with Donald Saaf)
- Surrounded by Friendship (with Cynthia Hopkins)
- Old Joe Clark (with Rankin’ Don a.k.a. Father Goose)
- Hey Little Red Bird
- We Shall Not Be Moved
- A Place for Us (with Philip Glass)