Big Jeff
Big Jeff and His Middle-Sized Band
© 2004 Jeff DeSmedt (829757766027)
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Inspired by the likes of the Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin, Devo, Dr. Seuss, Thelonious Monk, and even the Ramones, Big Jeff and his crew of skilled, versatile musicians deliver fun, movement-oriented songs that both entertain and educate.
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Six-and-a-half foot tall children's singer-songwriter "Big Jeff" DeSmedt first laid hands on a guitar at the age of six. An early interest in American folk music and the Beatles led to progressive rock and modern jazz; and as a member of the New Jersey Folk Project, Big Jeff added Irish folk music, country, and Dixieland to his repertoire. He began writing songs for his daughter Molly when she was 2 years old, and he started playing for children nearly 10 years ago at the New Jersey daycare center where he worked as an aide and school bus driver. As his popularity grew, he transitioned into a full-time career as a children's musician, performing at numerous venues throughout New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area.
Already the author of several classic day care tunes, including "Big Pterodactyl in the Sky" and "The Orange Song," Big Jeff remains a prolific songwriter with a diverse catalog. The new release, Big Jeff and His Middle-Sized Band, introduces a playful rock edge, while his earlier CDs -- Big Jeff I, Big Jeff II, and Big Jeff's Halloween Routine -- are more country and folk influenced.
Big Jeff's experience as a childcare professional and parent ensures that his shows are packed with fun, movement-oriented songs that both entertain and educate. And Big Jeff's Middle-Sized Band -- which features Mark Rufino, aka "The World's Happiest Bass Player"; Dave "Mr. Kleiner" Kleiner, lead guitarist and third-grade teacher; and drummer and educator "Cool Ken" Serio -- is a group of seasoned and versatile musicians that is able to not only explore rock and roll with power and grace, but also to delve into a bit of funk, reggae, ska, blues, and doo-wop.
In addition to performing regularly at over two dozen schools and daycare centers, Big Jeff performs both solo and with the Middle-Sized Band at numerous festivals, benefits, park concerts, libraries, and other public venues, including the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival and the Morristown Fall Festival and Street Fair. An active member of the Children's Entertainment Association and the New Jersey Folk Project, Big Jeff has released four children's music CDs and a concert DVD.
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Great stuff!
author: Natalie Waddell-RutterWe love Big Jeff at our house - he's got some great rocking tunes that the whole family will love and want to get up and dance to. As a mother, I appreciate the originality of the songs. My kids enjoy the stories the songs tell as well as the music itself. Highly recommended!
- author: AES
Finally music that young and old can enjoy at the same time! Make no mistake, this is not your typical "kiddie music". These songs get everyone in the house up and dancing. As with his Halloween CD - my kids ask to listen to this instead of watching television - a great choice! I'm going to buy all his cd's if it keeps them from being couch potatoes!
Stylish Rock for Young and Old
author: Craig MatthewsI've been a big fan of Big Jeff's music for years, making sure that the families I know with young children have copies of all his releases. On his latest release, Big Jeff has assembled a "Middle-Sized Band". The music and sound produced by this quartet is worthy of being a mainstream adult release; the CD is both strong in melody and rhythm, yet full us subtle, refined musical touches that even the most professional musician will appreciate. However the lyrics and approach to structure are infinitely catchy and accessible to children, who will find themselves singing along with many of the songs here. Big Jeff's finest release yet, truly great music for children that adults will enjoy as well.
A GREAT STEP FORWARD MUSICALLY FOR THE GREAT BIG JEFF!!!
author: Stevie C.I had the pleasure of listening to the Middle-Sized Band recently and compared it to "The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's...' - just in terms of musical ambition and experimentation. Thankfully, he doesn't leave the 'children's music appeal' for his core audience behind. They will all appreciate growing up AND growing musically with Big Jeff and His Middle-Sized Band! Blues, punk, new-age, kazoo-jazz - it's all here!!!