We have something called the Radio Disney Test in our house. The Radio Disney Test is when you play music with the kids in the car and the kids do not ask “Daddy, can 
you put on Radio Disney!?!” That means the kids are actually enjoying the music; for only a little while they have escaped the chains of Hannah Montana and The Jonas Brothers for something unbranded. Something not connected to movies or TV shows or Theme Park rides; Music that is simply fun and good.
Recently we found a new album that passed our test with flying colors. So we obviously had to pass the word onto other Dads. The album is called Banjo to Beatbox by a singing duo called Cathy & Marcy. Cathy and Marcy take their blues, jazz and folk music sensibilities and mix it with some by hip hop via their guest Christylez Bacon. At first we were weary. Often, mixed genre concept albums fall short of their target; forcing muddled tracks that don’t please fans of any genre. But Banjo to Beatbox is an absolute win. The music is contagious and fun and the rap is actually good! Christylez Bacon is a real talent and he helps to create fun tracks for the kids (listen to It’s The Beatbox and Hip Hop Humpty Dumpty) as well as something for the grown-up hip hop aficionados.
The kids are absolutely in love with this album and our only beef is we wish this gem had more than 8 tracks…then again, maybe less is more. If you’re looking for your car ride to consist of something outside of Radio Disney’s top 20 playlist, go pick up Banjo to Beatbox by Cathy & Marcy. For more info on Cathy & Marcy visit their website: http://www.cathymarcy.com/
