Arriving on CD July 31st -- Sing Loud! with Melissa Green (Review)

'SING LOUD!'

MELISSA GREEN

AND SPECIAL GUEST BROOKE SHIELDS

 

For ages 0 - 9
Label: Green Circle Music
SRP: $12.99
Run time: 34 minutes.

“Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Melissa Green taught preschool in New York City for two years before embarking on a musical career.  Her voice recalls '90s songstresses Juliana Hatfield and Lisa Loeb.” 

– Time Out New York Kids 

“Melissa has a knack for blending catchy melodies with playful lyrics about seahorses, wagon rides, and 'Chocolate Ice Cream.' As if her originals weren't enough, she also breathes new life into old favorites.”

– Los Angeles Daily News

 

Award winning children's musician Melissa Green looks ahead with pride to the July 31 release of her fourth studio CD, Sing Loud!  Featuring two duets that mark the kids' music debut of guest artist Brooke Shields, Sing Loud! celebrates the art of having confidence, being who you are, and empowering yourself with the knowledge that you can do anything you truly set your mind to!

Known for her distinctive, warm, "wide open" vocal style, Melissa Green has been writing and performing music for families for nearly a decade.  Sing Loud! builds upon her previous work with a new depth of focus that emphasizes individuality, courage, and pride.  With the help of producers Lisa Parade and Bob Marlette (Wilson Phillios, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Melissa Green has created a kids' /family album that musically documents her eclectic range of listening favorites: blues, ska, Nashville country, '50s rock 'n' roll, and today's pop, invoking such influences as Johnny Cash, The Noisettes, Indigo Girls, The Romantics, Bob Marley, Ani DiFrancio, the Dixie Chicks, Mumford and Sons, and Eminem.

Sing Loud! conveys the message "Stand tall, be proud, have fun, and get up and dance!"  Songs run the gamut from invigorating kid anthems like "Heyo,""Sing Loud!" and "Get Up" (which features a chorus from Eminem's "Lose Yourself") and rockabilly tracks like "Aboard That Train" to a cover of the Go Go's poppy "We Got the Beat" featuring Brooke Shields.  

When asked about her collaboration with Brooke Shields, Melissa Green explains, "We met six years ago and have been friendly since then.  I knew that Brooke had performed in Broadway musicals (Chicago and The Addams Family), so when I was thinking about a duet partner for Sing Loud!, she came instantly to mind.  Brooke said 'yes' right away, and I have to say she is so kind and sweet that recording with her didn't seem at all like work!  She came to our sessions rehearsed and ready to go.  She was up for everything, singing the songs any way we asked.  Brooke has achieved so much in her lifetime, and she's stayed true to herself.  I admire her very much, and it was an  honor to work with her."

While teaching at Beginnings Nursery School in NYC in 2003, Melissa Green began singing with kids.  Encouraged by her success, she honed her guitar skills and ultimately became the school's music and movement specialist.  Wishing to make her teaching more meaningful for the students, Melissa began writing and recording songs that grew out of their shared experiences.  Now living in Los Angeles, Melissa manages to teach music classes and workshops while also maintaining an active national touring schedule.  

Melissa Green's previous albums include Sweet Little One (2011), Round and Round (2008), and Here We Go (2006).  In 2008 she released a DVD, Clap, Shake and Roll, and a song-turned-book, The Seahorse Song. Her music is featured on Putumayo's Rock & Roll Playground (2010), and she was a John Lennon Songwriting Contest finalist for "The Seahorse Song" from Here We Go.

http://melissagreenmusic.com

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My Thoughts:

This was the first time my family had listened to a Melissa Green CD, even thought she has been turning them out for over a decade.  But, now that we are aware of this Connecticut native, we have made an effort to pick up her previous releases, as well a DVD which released in 2008 and a book, based on her hit song, "The Seahorse Song."  What hooked my husband and I when listening to Melissa's new CD for the first time was her love for the same type of music as us -- blues, ska, Nashville country, '50s rock 'n' roll, and today's pop.  She did an amazing job in incorporating both the sound and feel for each of these music genres.  Who knew a children's CD would include a song with a chorus line from rapper, Eminem?  Well, Melissa Green does this with her song, " Get Up," and makes it works.  

 

We listened to this CD with Savannah on a recent car trip to visit my parents, and by the time we reached their house, we were all energized and happy, from dancing in our seats, and tapping along to Melissa's catchy tunes.  Don't ask us for a favorite song, as each of the twelves songs on this CD were great.  I can see why Melissa Green is an award winning children's musician -- her music is so catchy and fun to listen and dance to.  Since our car ride, I have been playing this CD in the house after lunch.  Savannah and I have been having a blast having our own dance parties, in which we include a Freeze Dance piece.  

 

For my fellow CT and NY readers, there is still time to pick up tickets to Melissa Green's show at Bunnell High School, 1 Bulldog Blvd., Stratford, CT on August 4th.  This will be a memorable show, as it is the high school Melissa attended, along with 3 band members.   Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets -- http://melissagreenmusic.com/Shows.html

 

If you love wholesome children's music, then you will love the songs Melissa Green turns out on this and other albums she has previously released.   

 

 

--PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW--

 

Click here to order a copy of Melissa Green's CD, releasing July 31st, directly from her official website, for only $12.99. 

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.