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Press Reviews
The Marvel News
March 31, 2005
Mr. Martin's Second-Grade Classroom Newspaper
Belinder Elementary School in Prairie Village, Kansas
Dino Sings
Hi, I'm Alex Mangels. I interviewed Kevin Dolan, also known as Dino O'Dell. He is a local musician for kids and adults.
Q. How long have you been playing music?
A. Twent-one years.
Q. Is it hard to play the guitar?
A. Yes, it's hard, but it's also fun.
Q. What other instruments do you play?
A. I play piano and mandolin.
Q. How many C.D.'s have you made?
A. One, Dino O'Dell and the Veloci-rappers. I have played on eight others.
Editor's note: Dino's new CD, "Itty Bitty Monsters" was released in October, 2006.
Q. What is your favorite song that you wrote?
A. I would have to say, "Worms - They Really Hit the Spot," because I love to eat worms.
Q. Yeah, right!
A. No, I really do.
Q. I heard that you will play the White House.
A. Yes, I will be helping Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove. I will be part of his band for the Easter Egg Hunt.
Q. Are you exited?
A. Yes! I want to meet the president.
Parenthood Magazine (online)
Fall 2004 Recommended Gift-Giving Guide
"Kevin Dolan is a bright new voice to family music -- many musical styles and ideas make this one a plus. "
Booklist
April 15, 2004
K-Gr. 4. Teacher and performer Kevin Dolan’s (Dino’s alter ego) recording is an impressively accomplished debut album. The 10 songs -- all Dolan originals, some with collaborators -- have a fully realized approach. Whether the style is country, rock, reggae, jazz, or polka, the vocals (by diverse singers) and accompaniment are beautifully integrated and befitting the mood. The tunes share an offbeat humor and original point of view. A monkey goes “bananas for bananas,” and finds pleasure in simple tings; a frenzied Big Bad Wolf confesses to pork addiction. There’s an especially funny cabaret-style tribute to worms (as healthy fare). “Pizza Polka” is delightfully and absurd, and listeners meet “Dirty Joe” (“a giant walking hunk of dirt”). A festive addition to audio collections.
-- Paul Shackman
The Kansas City Star
Friday October 3rd, 2003
The Q&A
Kevin Dolan, Kids’ Singer
Q. Where did you get the idea for your musical alter-ego, Dino O’Dell?
A. I was looking for a dinosaur angle, which is something that kids get into. He’s not a dinosaur, but he’s got a dinosaur band, the Veloci-Rappers.
Q. Why play for kids?
A. I got my start with children’s music composing for theater. It really seemed to work.
Q. Influences?
A. I love Joni Mitchell. “The Circle Game” kind of got co-opted into kids’ music. remember that song? (Singing) “And the seasons, they go round and round; and the painted ponies go up and down.” And Bob Dylan. I came out of that folk style.
Q. Your silly songs, like “Elephants Like Ballet,” are great. Write any serious stuff?
A. “With These Hands” is the the one I end almost every show with. (Singing) “With these hands I can climb the highest mountain. With these hands we can sail across the sea. With these hands we can dig for hidden treasures. With these hands we can build a bridge between you and me.”
Q. That makes me want to cry in a good way.
A. It’s entertainment but still hopefully with a message. Not just a message of creativity and being open and having fun, but also working with this idea of community and learning how to work together.
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