Album Notes

Zoppa Records latest release Musical Verses Volume II is packaged attractively in a white DVD case and features 15 poems, close to an hour's worth of music on CD. Also enclosed is a beautiful 7"x5" 36-page booklet of poetry highlighted with numerous vintage black & white and color illustrations.

Come sail away with WYNKEN, BLYNKEN AND NOD:
Music to soothe and delight!

Got an overload of worries or stress in today's crazy world? Medicate with music and soothe your aching mind with the latest release from ZOPPA RECORDS™.

This small yet growing label founded in music-rich Portland Oregon by musicians Brian Godula and Ellen Kjelgaard Godula, gift us with their original music in the form of their latest release, WYNKEN, BLYNKEN AND NOD.
The Godulas have tapped into the trend of recording music for children that not only soothes and stimulates their growing minds and bodies but appeals to the grown-up as well. "We began our MUSICAL VERSES™ series after the birth of our daughter. We wanted to give her a gift of music and not just a hipped up version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, not that there's anything wrong with that, but to make music an adult would want to stay in the room for", says Kjelgaard Godula. She goes on to say, "In rediscovering the wonderful old poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson, Eugene Field, Walter de la Mare and so many others, we became inspired to turn those lyrics into songs". The music is mezmerizing, the poetry delightful and the vocals of Ellen Kjelgaard Godula would offer aural respite to the weariest of humans.

WYNKEN, BLYNKEN AND NOD is not just a musical experience however. The CD is packaged with a 36-page booklet of the poetry and is highlighted with lovely vintage illustrations. "We wanted to afford everyone an opportunity to enjoy the music and booklet; kids just learning to read, parents and grandparents wanting to sit with their children, look at the illustrations and listen, as well as read or sing along with Ellen", says Godula. "There are gentle songs as well as get-up-and-dance tunes on this album. The spirit is lively and there are alot of great musicians adding their talents to the project".
Portland musicians Eddie Parente on fiddle, Gary Harris and Danny Schauffler on woodwinds, Botielus on accordian, Bret Malmquist and Mark Bonney on guitars combined with Brian on bass and Ellen on keyboards and vocals round out the list of players. The combination of instruments on this 15-song CD along with the clear sweet vocals and charming poetry is irresistible.
Their first release from 2002, THE LAND OF NOD, has just been recognized with a 2004 Parents' Choice GOLD Award, top honors from a prestigious children's media evaluation organization, and deserves a look and listen.
Both WYNKEN, BLYNKEN AND NOD and THE LAND OF NOD can be found in bookstores, children's toy and specialty shops, online from the Zoppa Records website, Zoppa.com and her on CDbaby.com. Children's poetry has never sounded so good!