Album Notes

Singer, songwriter and guitarist, Aaron Vande Wege, has just released his second children’s music cd, “Bicycles, Monkeys, and an Occasional Cat.” His music is largely inspired by his godson, Jamie Duiven, to whom the cd is dedicated. Jamie, 5, appears on two tracks, “No More Monkeys” and “The Moose Song.” Aaron’s job as Jamie’s nanny affords him the time and freedom necessary to compose, create and test new tunes.

Many of the lyrics found on “Bicycles, Monkeys, and an Occasional Cat” were written by Aaron, though some, such as “Humpty Dumpty” and “Hey Diddle Diddle” will be familiar. Aaron often builds on traditional poems and arranges familiar melodies to create new sounds kids will enjoy. His style is mainly folk, though a bit of techno snuck in this time around.

Jazz musician, Kayle Clements (www.csongs.com), helped Aaron record and mix the 11-song album in his home studio. Kayle also appears on several tracks, having composed countermelodies, bass lines and various additions to Aaron’s creations. Other artists contributed their talents to “Bicycles, Monkeys, and an Occasional Cat,” including Kenn Vidro (www.squarepears.com), Rockford’s Lakes Elementary art teacher, who brought Aaron’s cover art characters to life.

The cd’s title evolved from the song titles, “Lavender Bicycle,” “No More Monkeys,” and three different songs about cats. Aaron’s first cd, “Picklehead and Other ‘Dilly’ Songs,” was released in 2004. Dilly Songs were created to be both Delightful and Silly songs that kids enjoy singing. Aaron writes his songs with the child’s singing voice in mind, hoping to evoke laughter and giggles.