Album Notes

Richard Peeples (christened "Mr. Richard" by Orlando, Florida-area moms) was part of the storytelling troupe at the Orlando Public Library, and moms and kids were constantly nagging him to make a CD of his silly tunes. At last, "Might As Well Sing" is here, with ten original songs hand-crafted on Richard's couch and polished for your listening pleasure at Delta Recording in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Richard is joined by former Squirrel Nut Zippers leader and Buddy Guy guitarist James "Jimbo" Mathus, who not only produced the album but also played banjo, accordion and some slippery slide guitar. Multi-instrumentalist Matt McWhirter played piano, organ and drums, and Memphis-based blues babe Miss Olga lends her silky vocals to the proceedings. As Jimbo says, "It's real music played by real people".

The whole family will enjoy "Might As Well Sing", from the pragmatic "What Good Is A Fish?" to the toe-tapping rock of "Sammy Snake" to the whimsical "Airplane Jane". Unsung pets are given their due in "Animal Friends", while a pig's natural slovenly tendencies are addressed in "Pig Pig Pig". And "Underwear", while a pub-friendly sing-along, has been proven to get your toddler out of diapers for good!

The New York Post picked "Might As Well Sing" in a round-up of new children's "platters that matter", and called "Sammy Snake" a "hip ode to a hipless animal". Parenting magazine featured the album as a May 2005 "Parenting Picks" for the 5-8-yr-old set, citing "skewered melodies, groovin' guitar, and zany lyrics", all featured at Mr. Richard's appearance at the 2005 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Kid's Tent. "Might As Well Sing" has also won two 2005 Children's Music Web Awards: Best Recording for Children Ages 5-8 and Best Song ("Underwear") for the same age group.