FYC – Best Children’s Music Album. Released on 6/20/24, EVERYONE ON BOARD is my 6th album. It is Educational, Inclusive, and FUN! It offers a variety of moods and musical style. I am the songwriter, and I play acoustic guitar and sing. The album was produced by Andre Maquera, who also plays lead guitar, bass and other instruments. You can listen to it on various platforms (see links near the top of the homepage). Here be a Captain’s Log of notes on each track:
Everyone On Board (for Gani) – an observation and an invitation that highlights things we have in common. Inspired by my friend Gani from Kazakhstan. Featuring Wendy Maquera and Jilib on backing vocals.
Gimme Back My Binky – about babies and their need for pacifiers. There is a stylistic nod to “Spaghetti Western” film music, and a cultural reference at the end. Featuring Andre on Talk Box.
Sea Shanty (Friendly Pirate Style) – a rousing song of the sea with a pun-y reference to Bob Marley. Featuring Tracy Wolters on Backing vocals.
Cyclops – the creature from Greek Mythology returns with a monocle. Listen for number “one” in languages other than English.
One Eye On You – a mom and her kids playing hide-n-seek to a boppy beat.
Cranky Lazy Stinky – limerick silliness and the obligatory fart joke. Featuring a Fog Horn.
I know You Pirates – an old blues/folk song repurposed for sailing the sea. Featuring Andre on lead guitar and Tracy Wolters on harmonica.
Smarty Pants Pirate – a Pirate know-it-all dabbling in geography and history. An homage of sorts to Led Zeppelin.
Wreckers – inspired by a kids book about a different kind of Pirate.
Performing Everyone On Board (for Gani) at the September 2024 Children’s Music Network Conference in Chicago, IL.
Little Ripples (inspired by April) – a song about creating good karma that was inspired by Me Very First & Only Matey April Tuck. She adds her dulcet tones on the track.
Little Seashell – for anyone who feels overwhelmed by “big” people. Based on original lyrics by 11-year-old Rhea Ferris.
Kid Captain – on a hero’s journey to explore the world. Percussion break by Andre.
Song of the Siren – a haunting tune about entrancing figures from mythology, Featuring Lea Ann Macrery on vocals.
Safe Harbor (Smitty’s Guitar) – a version of my 2013 song of reassurance. Featuring Greg Smith on guitar.
Ski Shanty – skiing pirates? Yes! They’re dancing on planks on their feet. Inspired by Kim Riegel. This song in turn inspired the aforementioned Sea Shanty (Friendly Pirate Style).
Happy Merry Jolly – a celebration and recognition of various seasonal traditions, with a punchline worthy of Dickens.
She Can Be a Captain Too (Wonderfaux Remix) – a song of encouragement inspired by 10-year-old Rhea and dedicated to Rhea Ferris and Kamala Harris. Remix by Joshua Clinger.
FP Rap (Friendly Edit) – slingin’ the syllables in a more concise version with added sound effects.
I’m the Friendly Pirate (Bass Drum Edit) – my flagship song and the first pirate song I wrote – in a more concise version with added bass drum.
FYC – Best Children’s Music Album. EVERYONE ON BOARD.
