Now Available on CD -- Catchin' Some Peaz by Hot Peaz 'N Butter (Review)

Hot Peas ‘N Butter, the family oriented, multicultural, New York City-based touring band, announces the release of their first-ever lullaby recording: Catchin’ Some Peazzz. This new album of original lullabies and soft renderings of familiar songs will be available on August 28 (Sony/RED Distribution). Guest artists include pianist Rob Arthur (Peter Frampton Band) and virtuoso jazz guitarist Oz Noy.

 

The album has been at least two years in the making and offers glimpses into the band’s family lives. Dad-musicians Danny Lapidus and Francisco Cotto are the principal members of Hot Peas ‘N Butter. The hours they’ve spent putting their own kids to bed inspired these songs, particularly Lapidus’ ode to his daughter Lily, “Time To Fly.” And the song “In Belgian Rain,” features the voice of Lapidus’ father (who sang this song to Daniel when he was growing up in Brussels). Both songs are new arrangements of tracks on the Parents’ Choice Award winning release Hot Peas ‘N Butter Volume 4: The Pod Squad.

 

“Fans have asked us about a lullaby recording for awhile now,” Lapidus explains.  There was no question about which song should go first. Cotto had arranged “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” in guaguancó style for their concerts recently, and it was an instant hit with audiences. “It changed the whole dynamic of the show, starting off with something familiar,” Lapidus says.  Cotto adds, “The lyrics and melody to this old song worked really well with the Cuban rhythm.” When the band performs the traditional Korean song “Nabiya” (Butterfly), a dancer accompanies them onstage.

 

The last track, a rendition of “Rock-a-Bye Baby”, offers a soft sound and cadence designed to waft listeners to dreamland. “Rock-a-bye baby was something we had to do. It's a classic!” says Cotto. “My wife used to sing it to my son all the time. He approves of the new version, so it must be good.”

 

Songs like “No Worries” and “Dream Away,” and their new acoustic arrangement of “Beautiful Dream,” will transport the whole family out of a hectic day and into a quieter place. As Lapidus and Cotto advise, putting these songs on a loop may be just the ticket to sleepyland, even for the most reluctant young nappers. “It worked for my kids!” says Lapidus.

 

The wide-open and fresh sound of Catchin’ Some Peazzz is no accident.  Acoustic guitar and piano tracks dominate, and the production is uncompressed, with less loudness than a typically rousing Hot Peas ‘N Butter recording.

 

Hot Peas ‘N Butter has won national awards and wide acclaim for their “sizzling percussive beats” and “hand-clappy Latin party music.”  Their videos “Different Spokes for Different Folks,” “Number 1” and “Deep Down,” appear on  Nick Jr. TV,  and they perform at theaters and festivals nationwide. Their partnership with St. Jude’s Research Hospital will continue this year with a new edition of their bicycle safety program.

 

Hot Peas 'N Butter's new music video “Round the World,” will debut on the kids’ music video channel  myKaZootv this month.

We've got some really big shows for you... Upcoming family concerts with  Hot Peas 'N Butter   October 7 - The Jewish Museum, NYC December 5 - Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit December 25 - Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY   Get updates at www.hotpeasnbutter.com ---------------- My Thoughts: This CD has become my go-to CD when I am having trouble calming the girls down at night for bed.  We have been dealing not only with a teething baby, but also a toddler with growing pains, so our nights have been very crazy later. I can't tell you the last time I had a full 5-7 hours sleep -- oh, yeah, it was right before the girls were born. :-)  But, thanks to the CD, the soft sounds of these kid-friendly tracks will have your little ones dozing off to sleep (even if it takes listening to the entire 12 tracks like it does with our littlest one, Arabella).   Savannah loves listening to the tracks, Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Stars are Waiting and Beautiful Dream,  while Arabella seems to enjoy each and ever track the same.  I first heard about Hot Peaz 'N Butter after seeing one of their videos on Nick Jr.  Since then, our family has become fans of this award winning band.  Their lyrics and melodies, especially with their first-ever lullaby CD work well together, and can be enjoyed by both parents and children.   We have always had problems putting the girls to bed at a reasonable hour (what is that? :-) ), and have invested in over a dozen lullaby CDs, but none really ever worked.  When we played these CDs, the girl would get excited, with Savannah usually getting up to dance around, or the songs themselves were not catchy or enjoyable to listen to.  With this CD, the songs are not corny and really do bring a sense of calmness and peace over children.  I notice that after the first track is played through, both girls are more relaxed, and will lay back to enjoy the rest of this CD. If you struggle, like I have, to calm your children at night time, why not give this CD a try?  What do you have to lose?  You have so much to gain, including happier, well rested children and parents. :-) Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.