Album Notes

Humm is an unusual name for a music CD, but in this case exemplifies what my third CD is all about. Humming is the first step in learning how to sing, is adaptable to a variety of musical styles and is fun to do. This CD is an extension of my work as a pre-school children’s music teacher. Sparked by numerous requests from Mom’s and children I have included many of the popular short rhymes I use in the classroom. These were recorded, most in one take, to capture the spontaneity of theses pieces. Camouflaged in fun these rhymes encourage children to participate while fostering an appreciation for musical meter and recognition of the steady beat. The CD harbors a distinctive array of musical styles. “The Fruit song” is a round, “Major Scale” introduces music’s scale and “Humm” itself is an introduction to harmony. In addition, several songs are written in minor chords [such as “triple Decker” and “Windy on a Hill”], rare in children’s music but enriching to young musical ears. The subject matter of the songs varies from the whimsical “Dirty Bill” who never takes a bath, to a girl who invents a car made from a vacuum cleaner and bicycle parts [“Janet Saved the Planet”] to a young boy singing about the wonders of learning to play a clarinet [“Clarinet”]. The CD was loads of fun to make, a true labor of love. I had the opportunity to make music with some extraordinary talented friends including Mike on percussion, Chris on Cello, my brother Jon on bass, Bob on sitar and Bill manning the boards. Incredibly rewarding was the chance to nurture my son Eric’s musical talents and to see him at 10 maturing into a fine musician. So listen to the CD and sing, clap along or just Humm.