Mr. Greg & Cass McCombs Sing And Play New Folk Songs For Children
Release Date: August 18, 2023
Label: Smithsonian Folkways
Cass McCombs and San Francisco preschool teacher Greg Gardner (aka Mr. Greg) join together on Sing And Play New Folk Songs For Children, crafting a whimsical ode to discovery and innocence for children and adults alike.
In a harmonious convergence of musical artistry and childhood wonder, the debut album from songwriter and pre-school educator Mr. Greg (Greg Gardner) and indie rocker Cass McCombs casts an enchanting spell of tenderness. Their collaborative effort teems with curiosity and aptly celebrates the nascent joys of exploration and learning. True to their roots as longtime friends, Gardner and McCombs forge a connection for young hearts teetering on the precipice of newfound understanding. A bridge for children learning their way through the labyrinth of life and parents seeking to rekindle the flames of youthful wonder, Sing And Play is a lush symphony of emotions and experiences.
Drawing inspiration from the storied legacies of Ella Jenkins and Woody Guthrie, the duo's melodies take shape as heartwarming vignettes that resonate deep within the soul. With an infectious zeal, they serenade the essence of friendship, inviting listeners to explore the ideas of empathy and camaraderie, embracing diversity and urging young minds to weave threads of understanding and compassion. But it doesn't stop there. With gentle cadence, they lead the way to a place where self-care is more than a routine, it's a harmonious dance with one's own existence, underscoring the significance of nurturing one's body and soul.
The album shines as an ode to courage and justice, paying lyrical tribute to stalwarts of valor like Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Harvey Milk. Through poetic verses, the young listeners are introduced to the indomitable spirits who have shaped history's course, kindling fires of inspiration in their nascent hearts. But these songs are not merely melodies; they are portals to boundless adventures, portals through which children can embark on quests of imagination and exploration. Complementing the musical voyage, the album offers suggested activities, igniting sparks of creativity and discovery in the minds of the young explorers.
In the end, Mr. Greg and Cass McCombs weave a sonic quilt that envelops its listeners in the embrace of innocence and enlightenment. In a world often fraught with complexities, this music stands as a sanctuary of joy and revelation, reminding us all that the journey of learning is a lifelong symphony of the heart.