Album Notes

Acclaimed songwriter/performer James Durst has released a new collection of children's singalong songs, 'Isn't This A Great Day For Singing?!', on his own independent WorldWind/SidewalkSongs label. The hourlong 23-song CD is in response to parents' requests for a travel companion to his two award-winning children's singalong videos, 'A Great Day For Singing!' and 'Another Great Day For Singing!'

At once entertaining and educational, James employs songs rich in melody and ripe for harmonies to engage children and their families in singing together. Additionally, he uses familiar songs to introduce them to irregular rhythms ('Itsy-Bitsy 7-Legged Spider' and 'Kumbaya In 5'), the sections of the orchestra ('Old King Cole'), and Spanish ('Somos El Barco/We Are The Boat'). He's ably supported throughout by upright bassist Ritt Henn, and also Jamaican percussionist Maroghini, Mountain Stage's Ron Sowell on harmonica, 'BanjerDan' Mazer, Ken LaRoche on soprano sax, and Children of Roanoke. Durst's arrangements are fresh and fun, breathing new life into songs that are like old friends. Adding humor to the mix, Durst's "altered egos," Eb & Flo, contribute three duets.

"Did we ever tell you how many times our grandchildren have listened to Mr. Durst's recording, the one we bought when he performed at your home!
They just love the choice of songs and the tempos. Every time we drive them somewhere, they want to listen and they call for it to be put on the CD player in our car." --Milt Goldsamt, Silver Spring MD

"I really like it; it's a great kids' thing!"
--Ginger Osborne, Philadelphia

Since 1965, James Durst has shared his unique repertoire of original and collected songs in some 2 dozen languages with audiences of all ages in 45 countries and 49 of the United States. He has 9 CDs in current release, including 'Internationally Unknown' (2006), 'Songs from Hue Manatee's Quest' (2009) and 'A Whaling Trilogy' (2009). More information about James and his music can be found at www.jamesdurst.com.