Album Notes

Winner of a Parents' Choice Award, a John Lennon Song Writing Award and a Dr Toy Best Vacation Product Award.

Nashville Parent, November 1, 2001:

"If cowboys moonlighted as children's musical entertainers, these would be the songs they'd sing! A gently rollicking, country western-flavored gallop through childhood, "Emily Songs" just begs to be danced to. The comic absurdity of "I Need a Hand", "The Window" and "Monkey and the Engineer" will leave the little ones in stitches. Though it's difficult to single out a favorite track on this engaging CD, "Cowgirl Song" is definitely the rootinest, tootinest tune this side of Abilene. Excellent music and musicianship make hearing this CD played over and over again (as kids are wont to do) a real pleasure." - Ashley R. Crownover

The Boston Parents' Paper, November 1, 2001:

"Ben Rudnick and Friends' Emily Songs may be just the CD to get your family through a rainy Saturday. Arlington resident Ben Rudnick has assembled a variety of bouncy bluegrass tunes and added some traditional favorites and old-fashioned fiddle pieces that are sure to get little feet hopping." - Cathy Elcik

Publisher's Weekly, April 9, 2001:

"A peppy blend of banjo, guitar, mandolin and a host of other instruments give Rudnick's debut children's recording a buoyant sense of fun. In his four original songs, Rudnick frequently goes for the funny bone, but also infuses his work with subtle messages about a child's desire for adult help ("I Need a Hand") and the joys of self-expression ("I Like Silver I Like Gold" and "Cowgirl Song"). The music is given plenty of room to shine, not only on traditional tunes like "Skip to My Lou" and "The Window" but also on several instrumental tracks, including "Salt Creek" and "Brad's Polka." The upbeat bluegrass sound includes the accomplished work of Jeff Bird (of the band Cowboy Junkies) on harmonica and a hodgepodge of percussion instruments including cowbells, wood blocks, triangle, tambourine - with a few hand claps and bird chirps thrown in. All ages."