Ammu’s Treasures is a three-volume omnibus of 35 songs in different genres and languages and 21 Vedic chants with accompanying animation videos. A gift of intergenerational love and hugs, features 17 maestros including Bela Fleck, Romero Lubambo, Kenny Werner, and more. Ammu’s Treasures is a hug for the world, a message of Love Light Laughter for all ages.
Evaluation comments:
“Ammu’s Treasures is an album for listeners of all ages to treasure. Inspired by the songs she has sung to her grandchildren, Tandon (a successful Indian-American businesswoman, philanthropist, and Grammy-nominated artist) created this remarkable three-CD set that features 35 songs (plus an additional 25+ minutes of inspiring musical chants) that cross continents and genres; however, everything is tied all together through her lovely, comforting vocals. There are familiar children’s songs “Oh Dear! What Can the Matter Be?,” “Kookaburra,” and “Wynken, Blynken, And Nod” and old folk songs (“Ash Grove,” “Polly Von” and “Miller of the Dee”). Songs from France (“À La Claire Fontaine”), Italy (“Santa Lucia”) and her homeland of India (“Surangani,” “On A Cool Summer Morning”) along with pop standards (“Que Sera Sera,” “(How Much) Is That Doggy In The Window?,” and “Bye, Bye Blackbird”) and lesser-known 60s tunes (“Listen to the Pouring Rain,” “Wish You Could Be Here,” and “I Will Bring You Flowers”). Whatever type of song she attempts, Tandon impressively succeeds in making the music sound fresh and all her own. Not to be overlooked are the contributions her backing musicians (Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Howard Levy, Paul Kowert among the many notable contributors), their combination of instrumentation, coupled with gently inventive arrangements, create “world music” in the sincerest way. It should also be noted that the CD version of Ammu’s Treasures comes as a boxset complete with a colorful booklet for kids to enjoy while listening to the CDs. Parents should note too that Ammu’s Treasures is a rare “children’s album” that adults will enjoy listening to on their own time.”
