Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Jennifer Paskow is hooked on volunteering to perform at hospitals, special ed schools, and benefits for causes she believes in because each experience reaffirms the ability of music to uplift, heal, and empower. Her CD was released in September of this year.
Jennifer Paskow has inherited some of the heart and soul and indeed the passion of singer-songwriters of the ’60s and ’70s who have inspired her since childhood. Born of a mission to bring light, love, and beauty into the world, Make A Circle introduces children to the idea that learning to love and accept oneself is the first step to loving and accepting others while embracing everyone’s differences.
Freely admitting her admiration for Raffi and his child-honoring philosophy, and inspired by the spirit of her favorite album from childhood, Free to Be … You and Me, Jennfer Paskow’s objective with Make A Circle was to make a recording that would feel like a hug for humanity. Produced by Don Boyette (Michael Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Gary Clark, Jr.) and mixed and mastered by Robert Carranza (Jack Johnson, Beck, The Mars Volta, Los Lobos, Ozomatli), the album achieves and far surpasses Jennifer’s goal.
Make A Circle leads off by showcasing Jennifer Paskow’s rich, honeyed voice on “Make A Circle,” whose central message is to extend your love to others by learning to love yourself. “On The Inside,” an anthem to self-esteem, encourages young people to look within to discover their intrinsic value.
“I Am A Tree” connects us to one another and Mother Earth by presenting the metaphor of a tree connecting to the earth as an emblem of the oneness of all things, while “Celebrate This Day” urges physical movement to express the sheer joy of life. Continuing the celebration theme, Jennifer Paskow’s version of “This Little Light of Mine” is a manifestation of traditional hand-clapping gospel exuberance.
Celestial bodies receive their due in the wrap-up of this beautiful album. The soothing sounds of “Hello Moon” depict the wonder of being connected to nature and the universe, while “Long Time Sun” is an Irish blessing that Jennifer Paskow sings at the end of every children’s yoga class she teaches.
A trained music therapist and children’s yoga teacher, Jennifer Paskowhas been an exponent of healing since she was a child. When not recording or performing publicly, Jennifer can be found teaching yoga to kids living in shelters and sharing her music with hospitalized children and their families as a volunteer with the acclaimed organization The Art of Elysium. Says Jennifer, “Singing for kids in the hospital is a real highlight for me. I always walk away feeling joyfully inspired and rooted in my purpose. I’ve been doing community service since I was nine years old, and hte ideas of giving back and supporting my community are deeply ingrained in my being. I believe in the interconnectedness of all life and that, as we give, we are receiving.”
This is a CD young children will enjoy! It also is soothing and would be great for children to listen to before napping and going to sleep.~ SoCal City Kids.
Make A Circle will be available on iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby.
Visit Jennifer Paskow’s website HERE.
Jennifer Paskow on Facebook
Jennifer Paskow on Twitter
Self Disclosure: I received a free CD to facilitate this post. Photos and info was also provided.
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