Dan Zanes' House Party!: A Family Roots Music Treasury

My goodness, it is a strike of luck that we came upon this book. It does not only contain lots of dong but most interesting backgound information to the actual songs, the original version, the cultural aspects of each song etc etc. Anybody who is interested in music for children should get this. You will be able to talk, play, sing together. This book will be in use for many years to come here.

I have been running Roots Music gatherings in Western Washington (bluemuse.org) for many years, and I can attest to the immense effort required to uncover and curate the hidden musical gems within our cultural tapestry. Dan Zanes' book is a masterful collection of musical influences and references, centering on songs from the major cultural threads and backgrounds that form the backbone of our evolving society. This book meticulously presents each piece with an insightful explanation and a rich compilation of references for those eager to delve deeper. The dedication and effort invested are evident. The detailed drawings and artwork complement the extensive layout of songs and the compilation of thoughtful lyrics. I commend Dan Zanes and his team for their extraordinary effort. It’s clear that this was a labor of love and dedication, and the result is nothing short of remarkable. What sets this book apart is not just the content but also its accessibility. Performances of each piece by Zanes and his community are readily available online, providing an interactive dimension that encourages deeper exploration. Astonishingly, all this has been accomplished in just 160 pages. This compact yet comprehensive collection is a testament to Zanes' ability to distill a vast cultural heritage into an engaging and educational format. For anyone passionate about music and its roots, this book is indispensable. When and if I find myself on a desert island, this will be at the top of my survival kit. There is no better cornerstone for the future.

Easy to use! Both guitar and ukulele notation!

I bought this book for our family music collection. (In our house on any given day you are bound to hear banjo, violin, guitar, uke, and/or recorder, although I’m sure it will work for the instruments in your house as well😊.) The scores are easy enough that players with a basic understanding of reading music can browse through and start working on any tune that catches their eye—and with these richly colored, collage styled illustrations, something is bound to jump out immediately. The songs are grouped by theme—sea shanties, dancing reels, spirituals, etc.—and contain classic American tunes like “Eerie Canal” and “We Shall Not Be Moved,” as well as multicultural folk tunes like the Japanese children’s song “Anta Gaga Doko Sa” and “Siyahamba” a South African song of liberation. It’s a fun mix, and the ratio of known to new is enough to keep it interesting and challenging. (Yes, “All Around the Kitchen” is there, in case you’re wondering. Page 128.) As an educator, though, what I really love is that each piece is accompanied by both reading and listening suggestions...information that allows you to really dive deep into the life of a song. For example, flipping through now, I come to “King Kong Kitchie.” Not only do I find that it’s a version of “Froggie Went A-Courtin’”...but somehow it has a modern relationship to filmmaker Harry Smith and poet Allen Ginsburg. Say what?! Who knew? Anyway, for those of you, like me, who have spent the last several years with Dan Zanes as one of your only lifelines to sanity between episode after episode of Mickey Mouse Playhouse, I can confirm that once again...he has not let you down. He has brought you the magic of singing your favorite childhood song with your kids, in a quiet, thoughtful, and authentic way. You will not be disappointed.

This book is GOLD for families with children, and for music lovers in general. It is a collection of folk songs everyone knows and loves, and not only includes the sheet music but the rich history and roots of each particular song! It is expertly written, beautifully laid out, and so easy and approachable for anyone to use. I really appreciate the construction of the book as well. It has a spiral binding with thick sturdy flexible cover and heavy colorful pages, easy to turn, but hard to rip! VERY solid purchase!

I am really enjoying this book. I am looking forward to using it with my young students as we go on a journey to discover the story behind various songs. I was very pleased to see that each song highlights the artist, context and origin, as well as various instruments. (including body percussion and homeade instruments) As an educator and woman of color, I especially enjoy the multicultural aspect of this collection. It takes you all over the world to explore songs of various languages and times in history. I also enjoy the suggestions for further listening, reading, places to visit etc. You can't help but to engage with its content! A little something for everyone!