Sep 15, 2007

ellen edson - folk songs for children

Did you know about this already? I consider myself a bit of a children's music aficionado, but Ellen Edson's music just entered my radar screen. I LOVE IT! Take a listen:



This song, Sweet Potatoes, is from her first children's album, Family Fare: Folk Songs for Children and Their Families. What makes this music special, I think, is the Appalachian mountain style that seeps from every chord. Ellen's down-home vocals are accompanied by guitar, banjo, fiddle, autoharp and Appalachian dulcimer. Sweet, sweet relief from all of that gaudily synthesized, commercial children's music that's so readily available. This CD is a great way to introduce your child/students to traditional American music, as Ellen interprets folk "greats" such as Woodie Guthrie.


Ellen just released a new album, The Sweetness of You, which I heard about through one of my favorite designers, Kristin Nicholas. Kristin did the artwork for the album. After a quick listen, I knew I had to add it to my collection! I encourage you to do the same. There is little better that filling a child's life with meaningful music - and singing it together.

4 comments:

Sarita said...

I love it! I am always looking for new music to play for my son and my students. I definitely think I will add ellen edson to my collection. Thanks for sharing!

Mary~Ann said...

Wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I just listened to all these songs...fabulous! So fun and uplifting. The kids loved it :)

Bethany said...

My mom had an autoharp when we were little (she was a first grade teacher) and the warm strumming sound always makes me think of home!