Friday, July 11, 2014

WhirlyGigs' One Man Band Has Simple Charms

I've lost count of how many bios I've read for children's music that start out: "I've always loved music but when my son/daughter was born, I channeled everything into them."

What usually follows is a lullaby CD or a bunch of simply command songs. However Keith Wasserman (aka The Whirlygigs) had the decency to wait before releasing his CD, GREETINGS FROM CLOUD 9. His daughter Lila is now five, which means Keith can tether his prodigious musical skills with subtlety and depth, producing a disc that could easily be mistaken for easy listening or soft jazz. Yes, a backhanded compliment.

Ably produced by maestro Dean Jones (Dog on Fleas), Keith's songs cover the standard healthy living/love thy family/let's have fun checklist. But he takes a left turn and steers away from expectations. "Don't Ask Me Why" is a jaunty singalong responding to a bevy of confounding queries such as "Why do I like multigrain bread?"

"Gingerbread Man" has both tuba and Halloween feel, "Arithmetic Blues" is a rumbling modern lament about having to learn new things as school, and "Every Day in Every Way" revels in how parents envelops and provide a child with the love they need, no matter where they are or what they're doing.

Wasserman's music can be slotted somewhere between Dog on Fleas and singer/songwriters such as Randy Kaplan. There's less of the storyteller element than Randy usually delivers on his CDs, but a similar, distinctive charm. Your very little ones will enjoy "Tickle Machine" and "Portobello Mushroom," even if they have no idea what the latter really is (yes, it's the punch-the-card healthy eating tune).

Keith is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to help distribute his music. His CD is completed, you can grab it through the links below. But if you want to help him get to your neck of the woods for performances, or get his disc into the hands of discerning reviewers at quality publications (are there any of those left), click and check his info.

In the meantime, GREETINGS FROM CLOUD 9 is available through the WhirlyGigs website, CDBABY, iTunes, and Bandcamp.

Here is the video for their song, "Every Day in Every Way":

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