Many of you may have already heard of Putumayo World Music. This record label, birthed in 1993, is well-known for its upbeat sounds and rhythmic collections of international music. Putumayo is easily recognized by the folk-y artwork displayed on their albums (artwork by Nicola Heindl.) Although you can find Putumayo music in record stores, you are much more likely to find it in one of the 3,000 specialty stores, coffee shops, book stores, and gift shops that carry their albums. Among these is Whole Foods Market.
In 2002, Putumayo World Music launched a division called Putumayo Kids. This was created to expose children to world music through fun, funky, exotic beats. Since the release of the World Playground CD, Putumayo Kids has become one of the leading children’s record labels. The Playground series has won numerous awards for their children’s CDs and multicultural activity kits. Among their many children’s CDs, my personal favorites include Dreamland (a lullaby collection), New Orleans Playground (obviously near and dear to my heart), African Playground, and Folk Playground (a collection of American folk songs mixing traditional sounds and lyrics with contemporary artists and beats).
Not only is this music wonderful because it encourages diversity and cultural-awareness in children, its truly fun and “dance-able” Your children will beg to hear it in the car, at home, at a friends… wherever! The best part, though, has to be the fact that while it’s fun for kids, it’s fun for adults, too!
Putumayo does an excellent job of mixing traditional with contemporary. The music is inspiring, fresh, and upbeat… “guaranteed to make you feel good” as the company’s motto says! Be sure to check out Putumayo World Music soon! Feel free to click on any of the links for more information… especially on the CD titles for a sample of the album’s WONDERFUL music!
