Cool Music News from Our Clients
an irregularly updated newsletter from Sugar Mountain PR
an irregularly updated newsletter from Sugar Mountain PR
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Find springtime fun at Baby Loves Disco - the parent-run family dance party phenomenon now in more than 25 cities across the nation! Complete details and schedules are at www.babylovesdisco.com |
Cool Music for Kids NEWS - SPRING 2008
We want you to know about a whole new crop of fantastic family music this spring. Gunnar Madsen’s I’m Growing is
generating kudos, including glowing reviews by Kids Musicthat Rocks and CommonsenseMedia. Harmonica Pocket’s
Ladybug One continues to astound listeners with its funky cool solar powered sound. Check out what Cookie Magazine
and Zooglobble have to say about it.
Justin Roberts, known for smart and sassy kid-friendly songwriting, will release his sixth family music CD, Pop Fly. This
new collection of 11 original Justin Roberts songs soars musically and expresses the exuberance and conundrums of
daily living. Check out the tunes here and see the new Pop Fly video on YouTube now! Justin is planning dozens of
family concerts this spring and summer, in Iowa, Minnesota, California, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida and of course, his
home base in Chicagoland. Check out the latest show news at http://justinrobertsmusic.com/tour.php
There’s a brand new soundtrack for Earth Day 2008! Hayes Greenfield, known for his acclaimed Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz CDs
and educational programs, will release Music for a Green Planet. From the Dixieland beat on “This Little World of
Ours,” to the beatnik vibes of “The Greenable Rap” or the bossa nova rhythms of “Do You Know,” and even the cool
jazz tones of the “Brahms Green Lullaby,” Music for a Green Planet travels through an array of jazz styles with each
title based on a familiar children’s song. Environmental activist and educator Margo Schepart co-wrote the lyrics with
Greenfield. Celebrity eco-preneur Ed Begley, Jr. just endorsed it!
World music powerhouse Putumayo Kids will release a gentle new collection of lullabies with African Dreamland. Feel
yourself relax to the soothing tones by Ladysmith Black Mombazo, Habib Koite and Putumayo’s own Kaissa.
Putumayo is also planning a fabulous CD/DVD release with Sesame Workshop this fall. Stay tuned for that news.
For more springtime fun, check out the news from Baby Loves Disco! Kids and parents are now bopping at nightclubs
in more than 25 cities and it just launched in Cincinnati and Honolulu, as well as the U.K., Warsaw, Poland and Tel Aviv!
There’s no stopping this parent-run, community building family dance party phenomenon.
Coming up next time, we’ll have news about Hot Peas ‘n Butter’s fourth family release (their song “Different Spokes”
is in hot rotation on Noggin TV’s “Jack’s Big Music Show” right now), and Little Monster Records will release Soulville in
July.
Till then, keep tuning in to the tunes, and drop me a line about what you’re working on!
Music is truly the gift that keeps on giving. So, for your last minute stocking stuffers, check out your local independent
stores. Kids’ music is finally getting some retail distribution. You also have a few days left to shop online at e-tailers
like Cdbaby.com, the Pokey Pup, Big Kids and BestChildrensMusic.com. Our pal John Wood has recently launched a fab
service at KidzMusic.com where you can hear and purchase hard-to-find tunes by an array of indie kids’ artists.
COOL MUSIC FOR KIDS NEWS WINTER 2007-2008
It’s Grammy Time
The Grammy award nominees have been announced, and Sugar Mountain PR is proud to announce that two of our
clients, Buck Howdy and Peter Himmelman are nominees. It’s great to see the Recording Academy recognize singer-
songwriters of this caliber. Grammy winners will be announced in Los Angeles on February 10th.
Winter Means a Sprinkling of New Tunes
Ellis Paul, a singer-songwriter who’s been compared variously to Dylan and Morrissey, will release his first family
music CD – The Dragonfly Races. With whimsical lyrics and expert musicianship, this sharp collection of tunes will stick
with you through the year. This new keepsake CD includes a 24 page colorful book, illustrated by Ellis himself.
Little Monster Records will release Medeski Martin & Wood’s Let’s Go Everywhere on January 8th, and it’s already
generating buzz among their many fans. The famed alt-jazz band’s general grooviness is clear on this highly
imaginative release. Fans are also excited to hear MMW test their vocal chords. Don’t miss a guest appearance by
John Lurie, and discover what a claviola sounds like. Check them out on the recent NPR story featuring Stefan
Shepherd of Zooglobble!
Putumayo Kids will warm even the dreariest winter day with the forthcoming Hawaiian Playground. Featuring a range
of artists performing traditional and modern tunes celebrating the culture and exuberance of the islands, this is the
latest in the multi-award-winning collection of world music adventures. Putumayo is hosting two CD release concerts:
at Joe’s Pub (January 5) in NYC featuring the Moonlighters and Joe McDermott, and at the Children’s Discovery Center
(January 19) in Honolulu, featuring the Hawaiian group Imua.
Magic Maestro Music will soon change its name (not its absolute quality) to
Magic Maestro Classics – watch for the brand new Stories in Music release of Swan Lake in February.
Several other goodies will be coming soon from Suzi Shelton, Gunnar Madsen, Harmonica Pocket, Asheba, Laura
Freeman and other artists in this fascinating genre we call children’s music.
Cool Music for Kids News February 2008
THINGS ARE HEATING UP in the Children’s Music Scene for 2008
We already told you about three great CDs that started off 2008 with a bang : Putumayo Kids’ Hawaiian Playground,
Ellis Paul’s The Dragonfly Races and Medeski Martin & Wood’s fantabulous Let’s Go Everywhere. All three CDs bear
repeated spins – great tunes to cheer you up even on those darkest winter days.
Ready for more fun? This month, Suzi Shelton has just released her sprightly pop cornucopia, No Ordinary Day. Put
Suzi’s new tunes in your player now – and you and your kids will be bopping along in no time. Suzi’s also just been
proclaimed one of Daisy Rock Guitar’s featured artists, along with Miley Cyrus, Aly & AJ and Lisa Loeb. You go, girl!
Coming up in March are two great finds – Gunnar Madsen’s new CD I’m Growing, due out from his label Gee, Spot
Records, this March. The Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter, author and filmmaker has built a reputation
for creating smart indie music and books for kids. On this new CD, Madsen offers his playful humor and excellent
musicianship in every song. He clearly hasn’t lost his sense of childlike wonder. “I still get the biggest thrill from
learning new things,” he says. ”I may no longer be growing any taller, but my heart and mind continue to grow and
surprise me.” Gunnar is perhaps best known as a co-founder of the a capella group The Bobs, but in the past few years
he has released 2 kids’ music CDs and a book. Old Mr. Mackle Hackle. You won’t want to miss his genius for music-
making and recording. I’m Growing is due out on March 18th.
A great find is Harmonica Pocket, whose new CD Ladybug One is also coming on March 18th. This genre-crossing family
music release takes classic children’s tunes like “Twinkle Twinkle,” the “ABCs” and “O Susannah” (played on a sitar!)
and adds world music and alt-pop notes, to make it the right choice for 21st century kids and their parents. Original
songs celebrate fireflies, bumblebees, spiders and ladybugs, with each tune clambering under your skin with its catchy
phrasing and quirky sensibility. This truly “green” recording was produced off the grid at Harmonica Pocket’s solar-
powered studios on Marrowstone Island, Washington.
GRAMMY RECAP -- I’m still recovering from the Grammys. While the indie artists - Peter Himmelman, Buck Howdy &
BB, and Bill Harley didn’t bring home the golden gramophone (the Muppets holiday CD from Walt Disney Records won!)
for Best Musical Album, it was great meeting the nominees in the music and spoken word categories for children at a
special breakfast at the L.A. Biltmore Hotel on February 9th. Recording Academy trustee Cathy Fink delivered an
inspiring talk for artists, encouraging everyone to join NARAS and make their voices heard. Breakfast host Lynn
Orman reviewed the history of the children’s categories. The next day, Cathy & Marcy were onstage at the pre-
telecast delivering dozens of awards to an array of interesting artists. Check out their blog about the experience. Lynn’
s clients at the Blue Shoe Project won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues album. It was stunning to see Mississippi
blues legends Pine Top Perkins David 'Honeyboy' Edwards perform at the afternoon awards ceremonies. Buck Howdy
and BB moseyed on over onto the red carpet and corralled a picture in the Grammy roundups.
Until next time, when I give out the great news about some April releases from Putumayo Kids (African Dreamland),
Justin Roberts (Pop Fly) and Hayes Greenfield (Music for a Green Planet).
Keep tuning in,
Beth Blenz-Clucas, Sugar Mountain PR
www.sugarmountainpr.com
We want you to know about a whole new crop of fantastic family music this spring. Gunnar Madsen’s I’m Growing is
generating kudos, including glowing reviews by Kids Musicthat Rocks and CommonsenseMedia. Harmonica Pocket’s
Ladybug One continues to astound listeners with its funky cool solar powered sound. Check out what Cookie Magazine
and Zooglobble have to say about it.
Justin Roberts, known for smart and sassy kid-friendly songwriting, will release his sixth family music CD, Pop Fly. This
new collection of 11 original Justin Roberts songs soars musically and expresses the exuberance and conundrums of
daily living. Check out the tunes here and see the new Pop Fly video on YouTube now! Justin is planning dozens of
family concerts this spring and summer, in Iowa, Minnesota, California, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida and of course, his
home base in Chicagoland. Check out the latest show news at http://justinrobertsmusic.com/tour.php
There’s a brand new soundtrack for Earth Day 2008! Hayes Greenfield, known for his acclaimed Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz CDs
and educational programs, will release Music for a Green Planet. From the Dixieland beat on “This Little World of
Ours,” to the beatnik vibes of “The Greenable Rap” or the bossa nova rhythms of “Do You Know,” and even the cool
jazz tones of the “Brahms Green Lullaby,” Music for a Green Planet travels through an array of jazz styles with each
title based on a familiar children’s song. Environmental activist and educator Margo Schepart co-wrote the lyrics with
Greenfield. Celebrity eco-preneur Ed Begley, Jr. just endorsed it!
World music powerhouse Putumayo Kids will release a gentle new collection of lullabies with African Dreamland. Feel
yourself relax to the soothing tones by Ladysmith Black Mombazo, Habib Koite and Putumayo’s own Kaissa.
Putumayo is also planning a fabulous CD/DVD release with Sesame Workshop this fall. Stay tuned for that news.
For more springtime fun, check out the news from Baby Loves Disco! Kids and parents are now bopping at nightclubs
in more than 25 cities and it just launched in Cincinnati and Honolulu, as well as the U.K., Warsaw, Poland and Tel Aviv!
There’s no stopping this parent-run, community building family dance party phenomenon.
Coming up next time, we’ll have news about Hot Peas ‘n Butter’s fourth family release (their song “Different Spokes”
is in hot rotation on Noggin TV’s “Jack’s Big Music Show” right now), and Little Monster Records will release Soulville in
July.
Till then, keep tuning in to the tunes, and drop me a line about what you’re working on!
Music is truly the gift that keeps on giving. So, for your last minute stocking stuffers, check out your local independent
stores. Kids’ music is finally getting some retail distribution. You also have a few days left to shop online at e-tailers
like Cdbaby.com, the Pokey Pup, Big Kids and BestChildrensMusic.com. Our pal John Wood has recently launched a fab
service at KidzMusic.com where you can hear and purchase hard-to-find tunes by an array of indie kids’ artists.
COOL MUSIC FOR KIDS NEWS WINTER 2007-2008
It’s Grammy Time
The Grammy award nominees have been announced, and Sugar Mountain PR is proud to announce that two of our
clients, Buck Howdy and Peter Himmelman are nominees. It’s great to see the Recording Academy recognize singer-
songwriters of this caliber. Grammy winners will be announced in Los Angeles on February 10th.
Winter Means a Sprinkling of New Tunes
Ellis Paul, a singer-songwriter who’s been compared variously to Dylan and Morrissey, will release his first family
music CD – The Dragonfly Races. With whimsical lyrics and expert musicianship, this sharp collection of tunes will stick
with you through the year. This new keepsake CD includes a 24 page colorful book, illustrated by Ellis himself.
Little Monster Records will release Medeski Martin & Wood’s Let’s Go Everywhere on January 8th, and it’s already
generating buzz among their many fans. The famed alt-jazz band’s general grooviness is clear on this highly
imaginative release. Fans are also excited to hear MMW test their vocal chords. Don’t miss a guest appearance by
John Lurie, and discover what a claviola sounds like. Check them out on the recent NPR story featuring Stefan
Shepherd of Zooglobble!
Putumayo Kids will warm even the dreariest winter day with the forthcoming Hawaiian Playground. Featuring a range
of artists performing traditional and modern tunes celebrating the culture and exuberance of the islands, this is the
latest in the multi-award-winning collection of world music adventures. Putumayo is hosting two CD release concerts:
at Joe’s Pub (January 5) in NYC featuring the Moonlighters and Joe McDermott, and at the Children’s Discovery Center
(January 19) in Honolulu, featuring the Hawaiian group Imua.
Magic Maestro Music will soon change its name (not its absolute quality) to
Magic Maestro Classics – watch for the brand new Stories in Music release of Swan Lake in February.
Several other goodies will be coming soon from Suzi Shelton, Gunnar Madsen, Harmonica Pocket, Asheba, Laura
Freeman and other artists in this fascinating genre we call children’s music.
Cool Music for Kids News February 2008
THINGS ARE HEATING UP in the Children’s Music Scene for 2008
We already told you about three great CDs that started off 2008 with a bang : Putumayo Kids’ Hawaiian Playground,
Ellis Paul’s The Dragonfly Races and Medeski Martin & Wood’s fantabulous Let’s Go Everywhere. All three CDs bear
repeated spins – great tunes to cheer you up even on those darkest winter days.
Ready for more fun? This month, Suzi Shelton has just released her sprightly pop cornucopia, No Ordinary Day. Put
Suzi’s new tunes in your player now – and you and your kids will be bopping along in no time. Suzi’s also just been
proclaimed one of Daisy Rock Guitar’s featured artists, along with Miley Cyrus, Aly & AJ and Lisa Loeb. You go, girl!
Coming up in March are two great finds – Gunnar Madsen’s new CD I’m Growing, due out from his label Gee, Spot
Records, this March. The Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter, author and filmmaker has built a reputation
for creating smart indie music and books for kids. On this new CD, Madsen offers his playful humor and excellent
musicianship in every song. He clearly hasn’t lost his sense of childlike wonder. “I still get the biggest thrill from
learning new things,” he says. ”I may no longer be growing any taller, but my heart and mind continue to grow and
surprise me.” Gunnar is perhaps best known as a co-founder of the a capella group The Bobs, but in the past few years
he has released 2 kids’ music CDs and a book. Old Mr. Mackle Hackle. You won’t want to miss his genius for music-
making and recording. I’m Growing is due out on March 18th.
A great find is Harmonica Pocket, whose new CD Ladybug One is also coming on March 18th. This genre-crossing family
music release takes classic children’s tunes like “Twinkle Twinkle,” the “ABCs” and “O Susannah” (played on a sitar!)
and adds world music and alt-pop notes, to make it the right choice for 21st century kids and their parents. Original
songs celebrate fireflies, bumblebees, spiders and ladybugs, with each tune clambering under your skin with its catchy
phrasing and quirky sensibility. This truly “green” recording was produced off the grid at Harmonica Pocket’s solar-
powered studios on Marrowstone Island, Washington.
GRAMMY RECAP -- I’m still recovering from the Grammys. While the indie artists - Peter Himmelman, Buck Howdy &
BB, and Bill Harley didn’t bring home the golden gramophone (the Muppets holiday CD from Walt Disney Records won!)
for Best Musical Album, it was great meeting the nominees in the music and spoken word categories for children at a
special breakfast at the L.A. Biltmore Hotel on February 9th. Recording Academy trustee Cathy Fink delivered an
inspiring talk for artists, encouraging everyone to join NARAS and make their voices heard. Breakfast host Lynn
Orman reviewed the history of the children’s categories. The next day, Cathy & Marcy were onstage at the pre-
telecast delivering dozens of awards to an array of interesting artists. Check out their blog about the experience. Lynn’
s clients at the Blue Shoe Project won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues album. It was stunning to see Mississippi
blues legends Pine Top Perkins David 'Honeyboy' Edwards perform at the afternoon awards ceremonies. Buck Howdy
and BB moseyed on over onto the red carpet and corralled a picture in the Grammy roundups.
Until next time, when I give out the great news about some April releases from Putumayo Kids (African Dreamland),
Justin Roberts (Pop Fly) and Hayes Greenfield (Music for a Green Planet).
Keep tuning in,
Beth Blenz-Clucas, Sugar Mountain PR
www.sugarmountainpr.com
Cool Music for Kids NEWS - SUMMER 2008
It’s All About Connections
We all know that the brain develops rapidly the first few years of life, and that early childhood is
the best time to learn language. It turns out that our brains are primed to learn about music when
we’re young too. As Daniel Levitin (a musician and neuroscientist) explains in his fascinating book,
This Is Your Brain on Music, by mid-childhood, the brain starts to prune away unused neural
connections, retaining “only the most important and most often used ones. This becomes the basis
for our understanding of music, and ultimately what we like in music, what music moves us.” Brain
research today points to the fact that as we listen to a particular kind of music, we come to expect
a certain ordering of tempo, timbre and melody. Meanwhile, our brain actually forms to
accommodate this musical structure. As Levitin says, “basic structural elements are incorporated
into the very wiring of our brains when we listen to music early in our lives.” And the more types of
music we discover, the more brain connections are built.
So, music for children goes miles beyond the over-commercialized and somewhat debunked Mozart
Effect idea. Levitin posits the importance of music for its own sake, not just to improve one’s math
scores or memory for other tasks. Music is simply powerful for its own sake.
Good thing it’s easy these days to introduce children to a wealth of music from all sorts of cultures
and genres. Sugar Mountain PR has spotlighted an amazing array so far this year – Celtic,
Hawaiian and African music from Putumayo Kids; jazz from Medeski Martin & Wood and Hayes
Greenfield; folk from Peter Yarrow and Ellis Paul ; power pop from Justin Roberts, an indefinable
mix by Gunnar Madsen, and even the toe-tapping, family-friendly tunes played every month at
Baby Loves Disco!
New Tunes
This summer, keep your child’s brain humming with a new crop of releases. These will make you
smile while your neural networks expand:
Hot Peas ‘N Butter is about to release their 4th family Latin and pop music collection,
The Pod Squad. This NYC based group has a busy summer concert tour planned. They’re known
for sizzling percussive beats and “hand-clappy Latin party music.” The eclectic styles on this new
release are not only Latin and Afro-Caribbean, but you’ll hear strains of jazz, folk and pop-rock.
Kids will love the conversation with a guitar, “Hey Mike!” featuring Mike Stern.
The Story of Swan Lake –Maestro Classics does it again with a wonderful introduction to
classical music. This time, it’s the glorious music of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. Maestro Stephen
Simon conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and "shred lord” guitarist Joe Stump plays a
wonderful variation on Odette’s theme melody. The CD also includes helpful background
information and beautifully illustrated activity guide.
Let the Good Times Rouler: French Party Songs for Children -- The Secret Mountain -- This
collection of upbeat Francophone tunes features some of Montreal’s coolest singer-songwriters.
Perfect for summer parties and road trips, each track will make people of all ages feel the good
times roll along. The CD includes a file for printing out the French lyrics and translations. The label
will also release a music CD, with the tunes from their award-winning Treasure in My Garden
animated DVD.
Coming in August
Later this summer, don’t miss these releases: Richard Perlmutter adds to his best-selling
collection of zany-brainy classical music CDs with Beethoven’s Wig 4: Dance Along Symphonies. Also,
look out for Soulville, a tribute to music of the ‘60s and ‘70s performed by R&B artists (Little
Monster Records) and Yes To Running! Bill Harley Live – by the inimitable, Grammy Award-
winning musician, storyteller and author Bill Harley.
Meanwhile, we’ll have some musical summer activity ideas coming in podcast form from Grammy
Award winning children’s music pioneers Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer.
Tune in and stay cool!
Beth Blenz-Clucas - bethpr@msn.com
It’s All About Connections
We all know that the brain develops rapidly the first few years of life, and that early childhood is
the best time to learn language. It turns out that our brains are primed to learn about music when
we’re young too. As Daniel Levitin (a musician and neuroscientist) explains in his fascinating book,
This Is Your Brain on Music, by mid-childhood, the brain starts to prune away unused neural
connections, retaining “only the most important and most often used ones. This becomes the basis
for our understanding of music, and ultimately what we like in music, what music moves us.” Brain
research today points to the fact that as we listen to a particular kind of music, we come to expect
a certain ordering of tempo, timbre and melody. Meanwhile, our brain actually forms to
accommodate this musical structure. As Levitin says, “basic structural elements are incorporated
into the very wiring of our brains when we listen to music early in our lives.” And the more types of
music we discover, the more brain connections are built.
So, music for children goes miles beyond the over-commercialized and somewhat debunked Mozart
Effect idea. Levitin posits the importance of music for its own sake, not just to improve one’s math
scores or memory for other tasks. Music is simply powerful for its own sake.
Good thing it’s easy these days to introduce children to a wealth of music from all sorts of cultures
and genres. Sugar Mountain PR has spotlighted an amazing array so far this year – Celtic,
Hawaiian and African music from Putumayo Kids; jazz from Medeski Martin & Wood and Hayes
Greenfield; folk from Peter Yarrow and Ellis Paul ; power pop from Justin Roberts, an indefinable
mix by Gunnar Madsen, and even the toe-tapping, family-friendly tunes played every month at
Baby Loves Disco!
New Tunes
This summer, keep your child’s brain humming with a new crop of releases. These will make you
smile while your neural networks expand:
Hot Peas ‘N Butter is about to release their 4th family Latin and pop music collection,
The Pod Squad. This NYC based group has a busy summer concert tour planned. They’re known
for sizzling percussive beats and “hand-clappy Latin party music.” The eclectic styles on this new
release are not only Latin and Afro-Caribbean, but you’ll hear strains of jazz, folk and pop-rock.
Kids will love the conversation with a guitar, “Hey Mike!” featuring Mike Stern.
The Story of Swan Lake –Maestro Classics does it again with a wonderful introduction to
classical music. This time, it’s the glorious music of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. Maestro Stephen
Simon conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and "shred lord” guitarist Joe Stump plays a
wonderful variation on Odette’s theme melody. The CD also includes helpful background
information and beautifully illustrated activity guide.
Let the Good Times Rouler: French Party Songs for Children -- The Secret Mountain -- This
collection of upbeat Francophone tunes features some of Montreal’s coolest singer-songwriters.
Perfect for summer parties and road trips, each track will make people of all ages feel the good
times roll along. The CD includes a file for printing out the French lyrics and translations. The label
will also release a music CD, with the tunes from their award-winning Treasure in My Garden
animated DVD.
Coming in August
Later this summer, don’t miss these releases: Richard Perlmutter adds to his best-selling
collection of zany-brainy classical music CDs with Beethoven’s Wig 4: Dance Along Symphonies. Also,
look out for Soulville, a tribute to music of the ‘60s and ‘70s performed by R&B artists (Little
Monster Records) and Yes To Running! Bill Harley Live – by the inimitable, Grammy Award-
winning musician, storyteller and author Bill Harley.
Meanwhile, we’ll have some musical summer activity ideas coming in podcast form from Grammy
Award winning children’s music pioneers Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer.
Tune in and stay cool!
Beth Blenz-Clucas - bethpr@msn.com
