Windy City Kindie from Chicago’s Mr. Dave!

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Praised as a “celebrity to kiddos in Chicago and for good reason,” Mr. Dave (a.k.a. Dave Hamilton) is poised to take his place on the national kindie music scene with the June 9 release of his fourth kids’/family album, Feeling Good.

Inspired by such artists as Kendrick Lamar, Paul Simon, the Beach Boys, Frank Ocean, and Dan Zanes, and produced by Grammy-nominated Jamie Candiloro (Ryan Adams, REM, Luscious Jackson, Willie Nelson), Feeling Good is a lyrical mix of upbeat, fresh, and funky tunes that are easy on adult ears and guaranteed to get the little ones movin’ and groovin’. Mr. Dave’s distinctive takes on vocal color, clarity, and balance at the mixing board, highly focused energy, and musical authenticity shine throughout each track.

The roots of Feeling Good’s irrepressible charm grow deep in the soil of Dave Hamilton’s career as lead vocalist/guitarist with the acoustic funk band 56 Hope Road.  For six years, beginning in 1998, they toured the country hitting home runs on the jam band scene, were named #1 Road Warrior Band by renowned online musical resource, JamBase.com, and gained national attention for their energetic live performances and relentless tour schedule that included hundreds of solo shows, as well as opening for such artists as Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band, Page McConnell of Phish, Tom Cochrane and Red Ryder, Devon Allman, Spyro Gyra, Verve Pipe, Bob Schneider, and more.

Imbued with themes of love, learning, positivity, and activity, Feeling Good revs up the fun-o-meter with “Bamboo the Bear,” a Paul Simon-esque number that’s especially easy for kids to sing along with. Inspired by Kendrick Lamar, “Street Smarts” has lots of good information about urban safety, all delivered with an unbeatable beat. “Pelican Kid,” with its focus on diversity and acceptance, is packed with personality to the max, mixing rap and melodic elements. Influenced by the Beach Boys, “Two Wheels,” a 21st century surfer song, rides the waves of universal appeal, and the album’s title track, with a tip-of-the-hat to Dan Zanes, is an exuberant dance tune that sports a jolly, country sound.

During production of his 2014 kids’ album, Come On In, Dave Hamilton came to fully understand that he was meant to be writing and performing for kids.  This life-changing realization spurred a career change, motivating him to become a full-time kids’ musician and teacher. The metamorphosis from Dave Hamilton to Mr. Dave has been hailed by parents as “pure magic,” with his classes and shows being declared, “absolute must-do activities for the entire family.”

In 2016, Dave and his wife, Christina, opened their own children’s music studio, Mr. Dave Music, in Chicago, with the goal of bringing the joy of music into the lives of children, families and adults by providing culturally responsive instruction and creating a warm and authentic educational experience.   Mr. Dave Music is committed to innovative programming that fosters creativity and celebrates diversity through the power of music.

I received a copy of this CD and I really recommend this one! It has a different sound and it’s just simply fun music for young kids!~SoCal City Kids.

Previously released Mr. Dave albums include Come On In (2014), It’s Mr. Dave (2009), and Mr. Dave (2000).

Feeling Good  is available at CDBaby.com, iTunes, and the Mr. Dave Music Store, 1935 W. Division St., Chicago, IL  60622.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the CD to post. 

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