Keith Munslow, a multiple award-winning songwriter, storyteller, cartoonist and improv comedy performer, teams up with a fresh new voice in family music, Bridget Brewer, for a harmonious salute to the ups and downs of friendship. A collaboration among a big bunch of “goofs, music makers, adventurers, and creators of wild, crazy music that’s fun for the whole family,” the rootsy 11 songs of Big Buncha Buddies, are now available now digitally via CDBaby and iTunes. Starting today, fans may purchase the album from www.keithmunslow.com and other distributors.
Known nationwide for his SiriusXM Satellite Radio hit “Coffee Breath,” Munslow brings his quick wit and wry perspective on family life to these new songs (“That Was a Bad Idea,” “It’s an Adventure,” “Why Did You Teach Me That Word?”). His past collaborations with Grammy winner Bill Harley have won awards, national acclaim and radio play. Munslow’s own family recordings (Accidentally on Purpose, Dressed Up for the Party and Homemade Fun) have also drawn national accolades. He brings a piano-forward, fully orchestrated sound to the songs of Big Buncha Buddies. The colorful comics-style cover art is by Eric Fulford, and album design is by Stuart Wilson.
Munslow and Brewer began writing songs together a couple of years ago, when they were both creating musical sketch comedy pieces at the The Empire Revue in Providence, Rhode Island. Brewer is a published fiction writer and recent Brown University MFA graduate who is currently working on a book in Mexico City. As the songs came together, the two artists brought in other performers and began recording and performing before live audiences of families. Most of the songs were created collaboratively, with Brewer taking the lead for the poignant story-song about an unloved cetacean, “The Loneliest Whale,” and Munslow drawing on his parenting experiences for songs like “Don’t Grow Up Too Fast.” Public response has been enthusiastic, and fans helped the duo exceed theirKickstarter campaign goal. The single “Jilly the Ghost” was released last October, with The Rock Father calling it “a fine addition to the family playlist.”
The creative process has been smooth.“These songs came together very quickly and naturally,” notes Munslow. “All of the songs on Big Buncha Buddies relate in some way to learning to be a friend.” Brewer, who has never written a children’s song before this project, reflects on the deeper meanings in these seemingly light and humorous songs: “In the end, the only thing that matters is loving someone, feeling empathy for someone, no matter how different you are. No matter if that someone is a stick pony your grandma gave you, a battered stray dog you found on the side of the highway, or a kid who is so different from you everyone makes fun of you as you walk down the street. You love them and you see how good they are and you hold their hand and you walk through this terrible world with them, both of you a little less alone.”
Brewer will return to Providence in the spring, when the duo will perform an album release celebration concert. Munslow is performing at several schools this winter and will appear with Bill Harley in an annual “Sing Away Hunger” concert benefiting the Rhode Island Food Bank on February 4. For more information aboutBig Buncha Buddies and Keith and Bridget’s upcoming music and tour dates, visit www.keithmunslow.com .
I received a copy of the CD and I think that the songs will be a hit with younger children! The songs are cheerful and fun! I really like the fun lyrics and highly recommend for younger children!
Self Disclosure: I received a copy of the CD to facilitate this post. Info and photo was also provided.
Speak Your Mind