Alison Faith Levy, formerly “Sippy Alison” of legendary kindie trailblazers The Sippy Cups and the songwriter behind such Sippy hits as “Magic Toast,” The Jellyfish,” “Move Your Pants,” and “One Day Soon,” makes a stunning return to the kids’ music scene with her second solo album, The Start of Things, set for release on April 21st.
The Start of Things follows Alison Faith Levy’s critically praised 2012 debut solo album, World of Wonder, while taking a giant leap forward, both sonically and conceptually, bringing a blockbuster batch of sophisticated pop songs to little ears. Woven throughout the upbeat, lush tunes of The Start of Things are subtle themes of self-expression, self-empowerment, and self-acceptance.
Says Alison, “My producer, Allen Clapp, and I approached the recording of The Start of Things in the same way as World of Wonder, finding a production touchstone for each song that would guide its sound and mood. We drew upon such diverse influences as Burt Bacharach and Stephen Sondheim (‘Rainbow Tunnel’), Sharon Jones (‘The Start of Things’), Elvis Costello & The Attractions (‘TLC’), Nino Rota (‘Froggy Dance’), and even solo John Lennon (‘Little Dreamer’). I was also really happy to include ‘If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out’ by Cat Stevens. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs and such a perfect message for children to follow their own path and be heard.”
After spending five years crisscrossing the country with the psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll circus for kids that was The Sippy Cups, performing in such venues as Symphony Space in NYC, Lollapalooza, House of Blues, Central Park Summerstage, and Austin City Limits, Alison Faith Levy took a break from performing for children and found success with her “grown-up” Americana band, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, with songwriting partner Victor Krummenacher (of Camper Van Beethoven).
However, Alison missed performing for children and opted to start a “music time” at a local bookstore. A few months down the road found the place packed to the rafters every week. Kicking things up a notch, Alison formed The Big Time Tot Rock Band and began booking performances at libraries, museums, music venues and outdoor festivals. She was also writing new songs for kids, and the result was her first solo album, World of Wonder, produced by Allen Clapp, songwriter and bandleader with Bay Area indie popsters The Orange Peels.
Enthused noted music journalist Paul Myers about World of Wonder, “I only knew singer/keyboardist Alison Faith Levy from her work in more alt-rock settings such as The Loud Family (with Scott Miller) andMcCabe & Mrs. Miller (with Camper Van Beethoven’s Victor Krummenacher), but in this [kids’ music] milieu, we really get to hear her voice, which recalls the great girl group singers like Ronnie Spector. It doesn’t hurt that California sunshine pop mastermind Allen Clapp(The Orange Peels) bathes the whole thing in Spectorian reverb.”
I received a free copy of this CD and am quite impressed. There’s songs that start out slow such as Rainbow Tunnel and ones that start out faster such as The Start of Things. But, even when the song starts out slow, it speeds up and the music is lively and fun. Children will enjoy dancing and singing along with this CD! It is available starting today! This one is a Must-Buy for children ages 5-8.
The Start of Things will be available at iTunes, amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and at all of Alison Faith Levy’s shows and music classes.
Visit Alison Faith Levy’s website HERE.
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Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.
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