The Rock Father™ has just learned that Parents’ Choice® Silver Honor Award-winner HOPE HARRIS will release ‘‘a lively new adventure into the world of art” with the May 22 release of Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!). Since we chose my daughter’s middle name based on one of the artists homaged on this album, we’ll definitely be giving it a listen. Check out the full details via the official press release below…
The album takes kids and families through a tuneful celebration of 19th and 20th century visual artists, offering musical mini-lessons in art appreciation and encouraging listeners to pick up a brush or a crayon and try creating art!
Expertly produced by Rob Friedman, co-producer of the Dan Zanes family albums, Picasso,That’s Who! (And So Can You!) invites kids to hop a train with Romare Bearden, action paint like Jackson Pollock, take a line for a walk with Paul Klee, jump off the diving board into a painting by David Hockney, look closely at the petals of a flower like Georgia O’Keeffe, and more.
Every one of Hope Harris’ songs is graced with an energy that encourages further artistic exploration in both learning about and creating art. The title track of Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!) is appropriately colored with vibrant Spanish rhythms, melodies, and instruments.” A funky retro rock ‘n’ roll ‘60s groove that’s sure to move listeners to action describes the free spirit of Jackson Pollock’s art in sound. Lots of bluegrass pickin’ expresses Grandma Moses, Alexander Calder receives a cool jazz treatment, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s vision is conveyed through a gentle waltz with soothing cello harmonies. Paul Klee’s song, “Dot in Motion,” has a solid roots rock feel, while “Impression Monet” (decorated with the distinctive sound of a French accordion) gives one the feel of floating down the Seine. Songs about David Hockney, Romare Bearden, and Henri Matisse round out the album, each offering a distinctive change of pace.
Says Hope Harris, “With Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!) my goal is to spark curiosity and inspire creativity. I want kids to look at the world around them, be motivated to visit art galleries and museums, and to realize that artists are everywheremaking all kinds of art. I’d like to say to every child who hears this music, ‘Now it’s your turn … paint it, glue it, draw it, mix it, try it! All the artists on this album did, and you can, too! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Use your imagination and have some fun!’”
A graduate of the University of Virginia and, later, the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre, Hope Harris spent many years living and performing in NYC, appearing both on and off Broadway, in regional and stock productions across the country, and even doing stints at venues like Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café. A crowning success in the kids’ realm was her starring appearance, for three years running, as “Baker Bobbie” for the Park Slope, Brooklyn, Chocolate Chip Chamber Music Series, for which she is also a contributing scriptwriter. Hope now lives with her family in Richmond, VA but returns often to NYC to perform.
Coming next from Hope Harris, in spring 2013, will be an Earth-friendly CD titled Lemonade Stand.
Visit http://www.hopeharris.com for updates.
