Album Notes

Jim LaChapelle, a storyteller from Wilmington, MA., has enchanted audiences of all ages for the last 15 years. Using an array of wonderful voices and colorful characters, his works dance into your imagination. Whether on a grand stage, close and personal or by a roaring campfire, his stories draw you in and envelop you with adventure, horror,
laughter and surprises as he tells Stories from Around the World, European Folk & Fairy Tales, and original stories.

Jim's tales are entertaining, offering interesting lessons to ponder. In 'Seven Silly Fellows,' Jim introduces listeners to seven goofy but good natured siblings who can't seem to retain their attention while taking a dip in the lake. His vocal jubilation and animation in this piece encourage smiles and set listeners in a great mood for the rest of the production. In many of his stories, Jim repeats phrases, which though often silly, are sure to invoke amusement in child and adult alike. For example, in the second story, 'Tikki Tikki Tembo,' Chan must race through the town trying to tell everyone that his brother is drowning - but his brother's name is so long, it takes all his breath just to get it out.

His longest story, 'The Heartless Giant' is a twenty-minute tale of curious Prince Leo who accidentally releases a heartless giant who causes great harm. To correct his mistake, Leo must persevere through several adventures and sacrifice everything to save his kingdom. This story delivers the most powerful performance, as Jim aptly executes young Prince Leo's struggles. The CD has two more stories that are just as much fun as those already mentioned. Once Upon My Imagination will leave listeners bemused and delighted with this storyteller's skill. For hundreds of years, high courts of royalty enjoyed many a minstrel's riveting performance. Though storytelling nowadays is considered youth-oriented, it can be exciting enough to enthrall any listener in this world of manufactured entertainment.