Album Notes

Born in Toronto, Martha Johnson studied psychology and theatre at York University before becoming a founder member and lead singer of the Canadian new wave/alternative art pop band Martha and the Muffins in 1977.

Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Martha wrote and recorded Songs From The Tree House, her collection of original children’s songs, winning her the Juno Award for Best Children’s Album in 1996. She and partner Mark Gane adapted the songs for the stage production of Treehouse!, a play produced by Montreal’s Youtheatre which toured schools in Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.

As an artist with Prologue To The Performing Arts, Martha performed her children’s music for several years in schools and public venues, including Toronto’s Winterfest and Milk International Children’s Festival, First Night in Toronto and Mississauga and The National Gallery in Ottawa.

What the critics say about Songs From The Tree House:

\"All the songs display a level of melodic, vocal and instrumental sophistication that is rare in children\'s music...refreshing for parents who routinely have to endure hearing the same record over and over and over and over.\"

Christopher Harris, The Globe and Mail

\"She writes about things young children love. The music is pure pop of the most listenable kind, with some interesting sound effects to intrigue little people.\"

Deanne Fisher, City Parent

\"A very refreshing collection of songs that will surely find a place in the hearts of children. Excellent production standards.\"

Jack Grunsky, Children\'s performer


\"A delightful collection of children\'s songs...Magic! I enjoyed the songs thoroughly.\"

Bob McAdorey, Global TV


\"An instant classic! Brilliant!\"

Michel LeFebvre
Artistic Director, Youtheatre, Montreal


\"The music is simple and melodic with a clean modern sound that, fortunately, resists the temptation to overindulge in technology. It\'s a fresh new sound in children\'s music, and that\'s quite an accomplishment these days.\"

John Hoffman, Today\'s Parent