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| Elizabeth Mitchell's 'Sunny Day' Available October 5, 2010 Sometimes, in a world filled with noise and glitz, the simpler things become the most treasured. Elizabeth Mitchell celebrates the beauty of quiet moments with 'Sunny Day' (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, October 5th). Mitchell, her family, and a host of guest artists weave a tapestry of spirited and loving songs, reminding us of the beauty of the natural world and the magic to be found during the course of a day. A true family affair, 'Sunny Day' features performances with Mitchell's husband and musical partner, Daniel Littleton, their nine-year-old daughter Storey and Storey's cousins and friends. The album features two original songs written by Storey, and guest performers include Levon Helm, Dan Zanes, Jon Langford (Mekons), Larry Campbell, and the Children of Agape Choir of South Africa. There's something here for every musical taste, from traditional American folk songs, to Japanese and Korean nursery songs, to fresh new arrangements of popular songs by Bill Withers ("Lovely Day"), Chuck Berry ("School Days") and Augustus Pablo ("Reggae in the Fields"). 'Sunny Day' offers "handmade music" which invites listeners to join in. As Amanda Blake Soule, the author of The Creative Family, notes in the 28-page full-color booklet enclosed with 'Sunny Day, ' "These songs bring our attention to the magical, mysterious, fabulous and special simple moments of everyday living." They provide a soundtrack to brighten any day, "inspiring family connection and togetherness, " as Soule says. Acclaimed by Time magazine (May 2010) as one of the "Stars of Kindie Rock, " Mitchell has been performing and recording family music since her days as a NYC preschool teacher in the early 1990s. She released two family recordings ('You Are My Flower' in 1998 and 'You Are My Sunshine' in 2002) on her independent label You Are My Flower. Through word of mouth, these albums became underground children's music hits and were at the forefront of the current wave of independent children's music. In 2006, Mitchell became the first new children's music artist signed to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in the 21st century with her release 'You Are My Little Bird.' The CD won national awards and critical acclaim and continues to be one of Smithsonian Folkways' best-selling albums. Mitchell sang a duet with Ziggy Marley on his 2009 Grammy Award-winning Family Time (also featured on The Tonight Show) and she is also known as a co-founder of the band Ida. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has carried on the rich tradition of children's music cultivated by Folkways Records founder Moses Asch. Folkways Records released more than 200 titles made for or by children. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Jazz News :: home page |