Sweet Honey in the Rock Experience...

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Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX -- School Library Journal, 1/11/2008

Sweet Honey in the Rock: Experience...101. CD. 1:03 hrs. with lyrics. Prod. by Appleseed Recordings. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2007. #ASPRCD1104. $15.

K-Gr 5–This sensational female African-American ensemble uses their signature a capella style to perform 18 original songs utilizing folk, gospel, jazz, blues, and rap. Tight harmonies with parts weaving in and out characterize the group’s musical style. A few of the songs have percussion instruments in the background, but most of the percussion is provided by vocals and hand clapping. The songs focus on things that are important to children as they are growing up—education, an appreciation of nature, learning kindness and gratitude, being a part of the community, and more. Among the songs are “Education Is the Key,” “Trust,” “Chinese Proverb,” “The Soul of Nature,” “Member of the World Community,” and “Me Is We.” Each song in the lyric booklet is given an “Adrinka” symbol from Ghana, West Africa. These symbols have different meanings, such as wisdom, unity, and faith, making it easy for teachers to choose songs by category. Although some songs would have benefited from being shorter, this excellent album belongs in every library’s music collection.