Rock Roots

"RockRoots" is a touring assembly program, available for grades K-12, which traces the roots of American pop music. Fronted by lead and rhythm guitarists, Rick Levy and Dave Fry, who also host the program, the RockRoots video set is a filmed performance of the group before an audience of elementary school kids. On the first tape, the band (which also includes a pianist, drummer, and bass player) offers examples of blues, ragtime, the big band sound, and country music, while explaining the evolution of music as a melding together of sounds from immigrants, black musicians, and the birth of country music. Out of this particular stew, the rebel yell of rock 'n roll would emerge. That is the subject of the second tape, which covers rockabilly, early rock, soul, pop r & b, and the British invasion, concluding with an original rap composition. The format on both programs is to cut between the "show" and a backstage interview with Levy and Fry about their experiences with the "RockRoots" program. While the children seen on the video are obviously enjoying the program, this is one of those "you had to have been there" kind of programs. On video, the musical performances come across as perfunctory though competent, and the "instruction" offered is sometimes corny, sometimes interesting, and always elementary (which is fine, considering the audience). Still, this means the audience for this pair of videos is grade school kids, and while they might sit still in an auditorium for a decidedly different assembly program, it's unlikely that they're going to be bowled over by the video. Schools may want to consider bringing the "RockRoots" group to their school, but the video package is not a necessary purchase. (Available from: Levy & Levy Associates, 1602 Shenandoah Court, Allentown, PA 18104.)