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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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
issues page!
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
issues page!
COOL MUSIC FOR KIDS NEWS WINTER 2007-2008
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.
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.
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.
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 - APRIL 2008
Springtime Blossoms with New Tunes
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!
Springtime Blossoms with New Tunes
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!