Hope Harris: Picasso, That's Who! (And So Can You!)....R&G!

Here at Reviewed by Mom, we just love good music!  Last year the kids and I became fans of Hope Harris thanks to the fun CD, Cousins Jamboree. When we had the chance to review her just released (May 22nd) offering Picasso, That's Who! (And So Can You!) we jumped at the chance.  Here is the scoop on what we are jamming to in the RBM caravan....

Hot on the heels of her 2011 Parents’ Choice® Silver Honor Award winning CD, Cousins Jamboree, independent children’s musician Hope Harris is excited to embark on a lively new adventure into the world of art with the May 22 release of Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!). The album takes kids and families through a tuneful celebration of 19^th and 20^th century visual artists, offering musical mini-lessons in art appreciation and encouraging listeners to pick up a brush or a crayon and try creating art!

Expertly produced by Rob Friedman, co-producer of the Dan Zanes family albums, Picasso,That’s Who! (And So Can You!) invites kids to hop a train with Romare Bearden, action paint like Jackson Pollock, take a line for a walk with Paul Klee, jump off the diving board into a painting by David Hockney, look closely at the petals of a flower like Georgia O’Keeffe, and more.

Every one of Hope Harris’ songs is graced with an energy that encourages further artistic exploration in both learning about and creating art. The title track of Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!) is appropriately colored with vibrant Spanish rhythms, melodies, and instruments.” A funky retro rock ‘n’ roll ‘60s groove that’s sure to move listeners to action describes the free spirit of Jackson Pollock’s art in sound. Lots of bluegrass pickin’ expresses Grandma Moses, Alexander Calder receives a cool jazz treatment, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s vision is conveyed through a gentle waltz with soothing cello harmonies. Paul Klee’s song, “Dot in Motion,” has a solid roots rock feel, while “Impression Monet” (decorated with the distinctive sound of a French accordion) gives one the feel of floating down the Seine. Songs about David Hockney, Romare Bearden, and Henri Matisse round out the album, each offering a distinctive change of pace.

Says Hope Harris, “With Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!) my goal is to spark curiosity and inspire creativity. I want kids to look at the world around them, be motivated to visit art galleries and museums, and to realize that artists are everywhere making all kinds of art. I’d like to say to every child who hears this music, ‘Now it’s your turn … paint it, glue it, draw it, mix it, try it! All the artists on this album did, and you can, too! It doesn’t have to be perfect. Use your imagination and have some fun!’”

A graduate of the University of Virginia and, later, the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre, Hope Harris spent many years living and performing in NYC, appearing both on and off Broadway, in regional and stock productions across the country, and even doing stints at venues like Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café. A crowning success in the kids’ realm was her starring appearance, for three years running, as “Baker Bobbie” for the Park Slope, Brooklyn, Chocolate Chip Chamber Music Series, for which she is also a contributing scriptwriter. Hope now lives with her family in Richmond, VA but returns often to NYC to perform.

  Track Listings:
1 A-C-T-I-O-N (Jackson Pollack)
2 Picasso, That's Who! (Pablo Picasso)
3 Who Made the Splash? (David Hockney)
4 Grandma Moses (Grandma Moses)
5 Swingin' Little Duck (Alexander Calder)
6 See A Painting by Georgia O'Keefe (Georgia O'Keefe)
7 Dot In Motion (Paul Klee)
8 Telling Stories (Romare Bearden)
9 M-A-T-I-S-S-E, Matisse (Henri Matisse)
10 Impression. Monet (Claude Monet)
11 Paint A Picture, Too

Hope Harris is a wonder.  She has created music that is fun, danceable all while paying homage to the arts.  This CD is just so much fun and has introduced the kiddos (and me in some cases!) to different artists and their styles.  I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite from this CD but I really love the gentle styles of Impression. Monet and See a Painting by Georgia O'Keefe.  My kiddos love to rock out to the bluesy, folksy Picasso, That's Who song!  This CD is a mixture of fun styles of art AND music!  It is a match made in heaven thanks to the talented Hope Harris.  If you are looking for some fun music for your summer pick up your copy of Picasso, That's Who! (And So Can You!)....

I am so pleased to tell you that one lucky RBM reader will win a copy of this brand new CD from Hope Harris!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter.... a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It