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.

"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 7 CDs in current release, including his latest, 'Internationally Unknown', released in 2006. More information about James and his music can be found at www.jamesdurst.com.