Album Notes

John Carlin has been a respected musician/performer on the downtown NYC scene for many years. A former RCA recording artist, he is also a single parent. For the past several years, he has taught his own unique and lively music classes throughout Brooklyn, which have gained him a devoted following amongst the several hundred families he has 'taught'. ( There are waiting lists to get into his popular classes.)
Last year, he began doing family concerts (sold-out shows at the Living Room and Southpaw, and a recent headlining performance at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Halloween festival, which drew a record 11,000 people). He also produced a CD of Lullabies, made with the idea of putting a child to sleep. Parents were surprised to discover that the CD was eminently listenable, and not at all 'baby-ish'. A lovely collection of standards and ballads, and soothing instrumentals, it proved that John Carlin's approach to 'family' music was, above all, rooted in intelligent artistry.

First Time For Everything, his debut original family CD, continues in this approach. A real DIY project (John plays all the instruments on it), he recorded and mixed it himself in his home studio.
With a big heart, and a clear sense of fun, it once again reveals an accomplished musician and songwriter turning his talents to music geared for children, that adults can appreciate as well.

" I sorta backed into this whole kids music thing by accident. I've always had an affinity for children, and music is pretty second nature to me as well. But if you had told me five years ago that I'd be playing concerts and birthday parties for kids, I don't think I would've believed it. I was just happy to find a way to make a living in NYC that didn't suck (and that I truly enjoy!), and be able to spend time with my daughter too. I guess you never know what you're supposed to be doing, until you're doing it. "