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VEUX-TU DANSER?

Matt Maxwell
Toronto, Muffin Record Company, 1991. Audiocassette, $10.95, includes text.


Grades 5 to 9/Ages 10 to 14

Reviewed by Patricia Cooper

Volume 20 Number 2
1992 March


Matt Maxwell is a former French teacher whose class now comprises children all across Canada. His albums Comment ca va?, Quand tu seras grand and Le loup du nord, which was nomi­nated in 1987 for a Juno award, help make learning French fun and made Maxwell one of the most popular children's entertainers and songwriters in French.

Veux-tu danser? is Maxwell's fourth album featuring an eclectic mixture of music, most of it original, and aimed at a slightly more mature audience than his previous cassettes. As the title suggests, several of the songs, including a bilingual ska/reggae version of "Twist and Shout," are dance oriented. The themes of other songs cover a wide variety of contemporary world issues, such as peace and endangered animals, as well as everyday interests like music videos, camping and vacations. Also included on this recording is Matt's arrangement of a beautiful traditional folksong, "Un canadien errant."

The mood and musical styles of the songs vary greatly from reggae and rock to traditional ballads. The melodies are catchy; you will soon find yourself singing along with Matt. Moreover, his pronunciation and grammar are very good. The technical production of the album is excellent. My only quibble is with the picture on the album cover; it suggests to me romantic ballroom dancing, which is not likely to appeal to young adolescents.

Teachers and parents will find the accompanying text a great help.

Recommended.


Patricia Cooper, Brampton Public Library, Brampton, Ont.
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