Laurie Empen and Kara Kesselring
Callin' All Kids
© 2007 Laurie Empen and Kara Kesselring
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Silly, Sweet and Singable songs for kids of all ages.
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Laurie and Kara remember loving music from an early age, and it was a fundamental part of their respective childhoods. From rural backgrounds, each spent countless hours singing, making up songs, playing piano, and putting on musical productions. It was through this shared passion for music and art that their paths would intertwine as adults in sweet home Chicago.
The idea of an album for kids (and their parents) grew out of their love for children and children’s music, in recognition of the ever-expanding families of their circle of friends, and as fate would have it, Kara’s own addition.
Laurie’s love of babies and kids is as old as her love of music. She says, "There's a sense of awe and pure joy , an energy and honesty I see in them, that I celebrate and try to replicate myself." And she does. For years, Laurie has balanced her professional acting career with that of professional childcare provider and, recently, a teacher's assistant in a Montessori toddler classroom. Parents lovingly refer to her as “The Baby Whisperer.”
Kara has enjoyed children's music from the early days of Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock. She's a professional vocalist/pianist in Chicago and teaches children and adults at Old Town School of Folk Music where she is excited to start teaching Wiggleworms classes. Kara and Patrick became particularly inspired to create a quality recording for both kids and adults because they welcomed their first-born, Iris Mae,on November 7th.
Kara and Laurie chose music for “Callin' All Kids” from their childhood, traditional songs, folk tunes, as well as two originals. They collaborated in the studio with talented guitarist Neal Alger and bassist/aforementioned husband Patrick Williams and arranged these songs with their own spin...and with the help of some little folks!!
Whatever your age, your heart will sing along with these songs!
reviews
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We love it!
author: Renee M GroggMy three year old and I often listen to it while I work and she plays in the kitchen. We went to a friend's house and we were all singing the songs together. I'm buying it today for my nephew in Kentucky to enjoy. Thanks for making great kids' music that doesn't make the adults go crazy. =)
I Love the CD
author: Francis Guinan, Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble MemberDear Laurie--- You are a wonder. I am just knocked out not just by the breadth of your talents (actor, singer, activist, teacher, producer) but that you have the skills and vision and energy to see them take form and touch other people. Anyway... I love "My Bonnie/..." Your voice is rich and simple and the arrangement is terrific. I laughed aloud at your character turns in "Froggie Went A Courtin'" I confess to having two favorites: "Lay Down Your Head" (a beautiful song) and "All Through The Night" Your voice and Kara's work so well together. The songs are really wonderful. Thank you for getting this to me.
Really, Really Love It
author: Erin FlynnI just finished listening to callin all kids and I just really, really love it. That said, the CD is so lovely. Wow. I love your originals and I had no idea what a project you were creating. What a wonderful creative venture as you anticipated Iris' arrival! The original arrangements, the thoughtful celebrations of children, parenting, and the days of growing up.