Review of Terry's Never Be as Big as Hannah Montana album

From School Library Journal

May 2008
 
Never Be as Big as Hannah Montana. CD. approx. 35 min.

Prod. by A La Berry Music

Distributed by CD Baby.com. 2008. $15

PreS-Gr 3–Hailing from Massachusetts, Terry Hall, better known as Terry A La Berry, steps out of his role as percussionist for David Grover and the Big Bear Band in this solo effort of original tunes and pop standards for kids.

Hall composed or co-wrote most of these selections on topics ranging from the questions that kids have about life and growing up (“Questions”) to a tribute to Winnie the Pooh’s friend (“Tigger”) to the concept of popularity (“Never Be as Big as Hannah Montana”) to a Beach Boys-inspired celebration of the beach (“I Really Like the Beach”). Standards include covers of Sam the Sham’s “Wooly Bully” and Sheb Wooley’s “Purple People Eater.”

Hall’s original songs rely primarily on ballad and soft pop rock styles; “Lobster Dance” has a Caribbean beat. A group of children singing background vocals adds interest to several numbers, as does Janelle Herring singing lead on “I Really Like the Beach” and “Girl Who Cut My Hair.”

Hall continues to grow as a solo performer and will build on his fan base with this offering.

Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH