The Villager Newspaper, Chicago, IL September, 2000, page 8.
-Jennifer Cooper
"Folksinger Anna Stange has recorded and released her first compact disc, "A Family Album." The music captures Stange's spirited passion for folk music and showcases her vocal talents with such songs as The Midnight Special, Old Joe Clark and one of her favorites, Goodnight, Irene. her style is entertaining, clear and enjoyable for all ages.
"Families here in Beverly Hills/Morgan Park and Blue Island know Anna Stange from her many public concerts and as an inspiring music teacher at World Folk Music Company. A member of the Children's Music Network, Stange has taught at The Old Town School of Folk Music, World Folk Music Company, Beverly Art Center and Moraine Valley Community College. With a degree in Elementary Education, focusing on integrating music into the curriculum, her tallents have inspired many students, including her own daughter, who continues the family tradition in music.
"Originally from the upper peninsula of Michigan, Stange's CD features selected family photose from her younger days having fun with her six brothers and sisters. Music filled her home growing up and Stange followed her mother's footsteps, by first playing the trumpet. In college, she picked up a used guitar and discovered a whole new range of muscial expression and has since launched a considerable career.
"Stange now plays guitar, mandolin, mountain dulcimer and banjo and credits her style to such influences as Pete Seeger, Mississippi John Hirt, blues and bluegrass music. on "A Family Album", Stange accompanies herself with both guitar and banjo.
"Included on "A Family Album" is a renditionof You Are My Sunchine sung in both English and Kiswahili. While visiting Kenya in 1997, where her brother was volunteering with the Peace Corps, word got around the Anna Stange was a music teacher. She was invited to one of the schools where the children performed a full concert for her. One of the songs was You Are My Sunshine, which Stange committed to memory and now shares on this CD with Melissa Harlow singing harmony vocals.
"In the CD liner notes Stange writes, 'I encourage you to sing along. The more voices the better.'"
What other folks have said about A FAMILY ALBUM:
"Every time I listen to your CD, I like it more. Way to go!"
- Art T., Aug. 12, 2000
"The entire family is enjoying the CD."
-Maura H.
"I did my share of singing along for almost five hours."
-Lionel T., Aug. 22, 2000
"Thank you for the great CD. My whole family loves it!"
-Daniel, age 3
"Joan Baez or Anne Murray don't have nothing over you. I'm impressed. You sound great!"
-Steve S., July 16, 2000
"Just wanted to let you know how much my friend Andy & I enjoyed your CD, A Family Album. WHile driving from Chicago to the Phoenix, AZ area, we listened twice on the drive out and three times on the drive back home. From The Midnight Special, to Old Joe Clark, Big Italian Rose and Goodnight Irene, we enjoyed them all. It was nice having you along on the trip!"
-Mike L., April 15, 2001
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