Album Notes

"Few things say optimism like the idea of making lemonade out of life's lemons. Happily, Leonardo's debut recording for kids is in keeping with this sunny outlook." Publishers Weekly

Makin' Lemonade is the debut Children's CD by Chicago born singer/songwriter Leonardo. These 14 uplifting acoustic guitar based songs cover diverse topics and musical styles the whole family can enjoy and share.
Imagination, self-esteem, safety, and nature are the major themes in songs that feature plenty of sing-along choruses, funky beats, and memorable melodies.
Leonardo's earliest musical experience was singing along with Tom Jones, a string tied to his Lincoln Log to imitate a microphone. After mistakenly attending a Pete Seeger concert at age 11, he thought is was Bob Seger playing the school gym, he took up the guitar. He led a rock band in the fertile Chicago music scene of the early 1990's, then hit the road on the folk circuit performing throughout the US and Europe and releasing three critically acclaimed CD's along the way.
As the big brother of three siblings, the youngest a Down Syndrome teenager and a guest on the recording (Bee Goes Buzz, Chicken Crossed the Road?), his guitar was the best tool a babysitting brother could possess.
Leonardo's musical journey continues with his dedication to writing and performing for children of all abilities and their families.
Publishers Weekly (Full Review )
"Few things say optimism like the idea of making Lemonade out of life's lemons. Happily, Leonardo's debut recording for kids is in keeping with this sunny, upbeat outlook. The title track extols the virtues of the "citrus elixir, the mind body fixer" The tune "Snow Day" is fittingly sprinkled with the peppy refrain "Hey, hey yippie I yay, it's gonna be a snow day." The song goes on to describe kids participating in typical indoor activities perfect for an unexpected day off. And, yes, there's a sled-riding outing, too.
On "Yankee Doodle", a child finds an outlet for his creative doodling. "Shake It Off", a rattling rap song, encourages kids to get up and get shaking. Listeners also learn exactly "How Did The Chicken Cross The Road?" (by looking both ways and staying inside the lines of the crosswalk, of course). Leonardo's jaunty guitar playing and friendly voice make an entertaining combination. This pleasant entry to the genre will likely be welcomed into lots of minivan CD players." All Ages