Louie Miranda, a leading figure in early childhood education and family entertainment, will release two new CDs on February 28th. The jazz-infused "Yellow Checker Taxi Jazz Guitar" and the Latin-influenced "Fiesta Latina" each showcase Louie's distinctive brand of 'Informational Music', which teaches as it entertains. Featuring bilingual lyrics and themes of empowerment, the songs aim to inspire children to believe in themselves and to engage in their environments. This is not passive entertainment -- it's music families can grow with.
Louie's new compositions are incredibly rich, drawing upon such eclectic influences as Jim Morrison, John Denver, Paul Simon, George Benson, Genesis, Rudy Valley, Neil Diamond, Eagles, Swingle Singers, Asleep At The Wheel and more. He aims to have an impact on the way people perceive children's music --young listeners can handle more sophisticated harmonic textures than generally thought of, allowing for the integration of minor and dissonant sounds. This structure, in turn, evokes a wider range of emotions for the child. One listen is all it takes to realize these albums deliver a truly sophisticated collection of songs. And for the guitar enthusiast, there are many surprises in store, as Louie uses a variety of guitars to add dimension and color throughout the tracks.
As an accomplished musician, educator, singer and writer, Louie has cemented his reputation as a respected and beloved performer who creates music for people of all ages. In fact, BIG APPLE PARENT Magazine just praised him as a "Local Hero..." who is "Genuinely Devoted to Teaching and Entertaining Children." He encourages families to discuss his songs, some of which address environmental or social issues. By inspiring parents and children to interact, he hopes to make music a more complex part of their every day lives.
Both "Yellow Checker Taxi Jazz Guitar" and "Fiesta Latina" include a blend of original songs and hip, new versions of traditional tunes. The CDs feature original album art by Louie Miranda, and showcase Louie's long-time group, SUBANDA: Gaku Takanashi-Upright & Electric Bass; Damon Banks-Electric Bass; Gilad-Percussion; John Hadfield-Percussion; Jeff Haynes-Percussion.
INFLUENCES/INSPIRATIONS/SONG NOTES:
YELLOW CHECKER TAXI JAZZ GUITAR
Yellow Checker Taxi Jazz Guitar: Literally inspired by a yellow checker taxi jazz guitar placed in the window of a music shop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this song references three influential standards: 'Fly Me To the Moon', 'On Broadway' and 'Girl From Ipanema'.
Eddy Ate Donuts: Influenced by the country-swing band Asleep at the Wheel. This song plays on one of the most rudimentary of guitar lessons: the name of each string. It gets you up and swinging -- by the time it's over, you'll have learned the name of each string on the guitar.
Blue Whale: A perfect example of Louie's "Informational Music", which teaches as it entertains. Louie uses facts about Blue Whales, sung to a sound reminiscent of late 50’s early 60’s. Travel the ocean with the bouncy jazzy feel of his vintage guitar tremolo riff. In this song, being Blue is not a sad thing. Influenced by guitarist Duane Eddy and the sound of the baritone guitar, prominently used in Spaghetti Westerns of the 60's and made popular through songs like 'Ghost Riders in the Sky' and instrumental groups such as The Ventures.
Head & Shoulders: This bilingual dance song has a Bouncy 'Benson' feel, and is referenced as such. What better way to learn your body parts in Spanish than with this funky groove!
Crabs & Lobsters: Written for and performed at the New York Aquarium's Under the Sea Dixieland Beach Party, with a sound influenced by Rudy Valley. Whether you're dancing beneath the waves or on the beach, this jumping Dixieland tune is pure fun!
26 Letters in the Alphabet: Inspired by the chord changes of the well known jazz standard 'All the Things You Are', as well as by the vocal styles of the Swingle Singers and Manhattan Transfer. Complex harmonies and chord changes are made as easy as 'ABC'.
You Are My Sunshine/Working on the Railroad: The day begins with the baritone guitar rising with the sun and building up steam to create the image of a mighty locomotive. A wonderful new rendition of two sing-a-long classics.
Penguin: Penguins out for an evening of fun find themselves at the Ice Cap Café, listening to the cool sounds of Melvin Penguin & his quartet. Influenced by the great quartets found in jazz clubs around New York City.
Scale Construction: A new spin on 'Doe A Deer'. Louie breaks out his rhythmic tool kit and begins construction of an eight step ladder (scale) on which to place the sounds Do-Re-Me-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do. Hip-hop influenced, creating imagery by taking unexpected sounds (such as a hammer) and giving them a new identity as part of a rhythmic pattern.
Twinkle Improv/I Love All of You: The opening statement and improvisation of this song is a tribute to the great jazz guitarist Tony Mottola. It segues into a song with a message of love, set against the backdrop of a familiar jazz standard ('I Love All of You' references 'The Autumn Leaves').
Baboon: Another example of "Informational Music", driven by a swinging rhythm section that continues to build momentum.
Say Yes: Influenced by Peter Gabriel and his organization 'Witness'. Louie originally wrote and performed this song for Heads of State at the United Nations' "Say Yes for Children" Campaign. Meetings were held to discuss the needs and rights of children world wide. In concert, Louie was accompanied by a 100-piece choir and a 200-piece symphony orchestra. Dignitaries and celebrities from all around the world attended this important event.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.louiemusic.com
Track List:
1. Yellow Checker Taxi Jazz Guiitar
2. Eddy Ate Donuts
3. Blue Whale
4. Head & Shoulders
5. Crabs & Lobsters
6. 26 Letters in the Alphabet
7. You Are My Sunshine/Working on the Railroad
8. Penguin
9. Scale Construction
10. Twinkle Improv/I Love All of You
11. Baboon
12. Say Yes
Other Genres:
Louie's new compositions are incredibly rich, drawing upon such eclectic influences as Jim Morrison, John Denver, Paul Simon, George Benson, Genesis, Rudy Valley, Neil Diamond, Eagles, Swingle Singers, Asleep At The Wheel and more. He aims to have an impact on the way people perceive children's music --young listeners can handle more sophisticated harmonic textures than generally thought of, allowing for the integration of minor and dissonant sounds. This structure, in turn, evokes a wider range of emotions for the child. One listen is all it takes to realize these albums deliver a truly sophisticated collection of songs. And for the guitar enthusiast, there are many surprises in store, as Louie uses a variety of guitars to add dimension and color throughout the tracks.
As an accomplished musician, educator, singer and writer, Louie has cemented his reputation as a respected and beloved performer who creates music for people of all ages. In fact, BIG APPLE PARENT Magazine just praised him as a "Local Hero..." who is "Genuinely Devoted to Teaching and Entertaining Children." He encourages families to discuss his songs, some of which address environmental or social issues. By inspiring parents and children to interact, he hopes to make music a more complex part of their every day lives.
Both "Yellow Checker Taxi Jazz Guitar" and "Fiesta Latina" include a blend of original songs and hip, new versions of traditional tunes. The CDs feature original album art by Louie Miranda, and showcase Louie's long-time group, SUBANDA: Gaku Takanashi-Upright & Electric Bass; Damon Banks-Electric Bass; Gilad-Percussion; John Hadfield-Percussion; Jeff Haynes-Percussion.
INFLUENCES/INSPIRATIONS/SONG NOTES:
YELLOW CHECKER TAXI JAZZ GUITAR
Yellow Checker Taxi Jazz Guitar: Literally inspired by a yellow checker taxi jazz guitar placed in the window of a music shop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this song references three influential standards: 'Fly Me To the Moon', 'On Broadway' and 'Girl From Ipanema'.
Eddy Ate Donuts: Influenced by the country-swing band Asleep at the Wheel. This song plays on one of the most rudimentary of guitar lessons: the name of each string. It gets you up and swinging -- by the time it's over, you'll have learned the name of each string on the guitar.
Blue Whale: A perfect example of Louie's "Informational Music", which teaches as it entertains. Louie uses facts about Blue Whales, sung to a sound reminiscent of late 50’s early 60’s. Travel the ocean with the bouncy jazzy feel of his vintage guitar tremolo riff. In this song, being Blue is not a sad thing. Influenced by guitarist Duane Eddy and the sound of the baritone guitar, prominently used in Spaghetti Westerns of the 60's and made popular through songs like 'Ghost Riders in the Sky' and instrumental groups such as The Ventures.
Head & Shoulders: This bilingual dance song has a Bouncy 'Benson' feel, and is referenced as such. What better way to learn your body parts in Spanish than with this funky groove!
Crabs & Lobsters: Written for and performed at the New York Aquarium's Under the Sea Dixieland Beach Party, with a sound influenced by Rudy Valley. Whether you're dancing beneath the waves or on the beach, this jumping Dixieland tune is pure fun!
26 Letters in the Alphabet: Inspired by the chord changes of the well known jazz standard 'All the Things You Are', as well as by the vocal styles of the Swingle Singers and Manhattan Transfer. Complex harmonies and chord changes are made as easy as 'ABC'.
You Are My Sunshine/Working on the Railroad: The day begins with the baritone guitar rising with the sun and building up steam to create the image of a mighty locomotive. A wonderful new rendition of two sing-a-long classics.
Penguin: Penguins out for an evening of fun find themselves at the Ice Cap Café, listening to the cool sounds of Melvin Penguin & his quartet. Influenced by the great quartets found in jazz clubs around New York City.
Scale Construction: A new spin on 'Doe A Deer'. Louie breaks out his rhythmic tool kit and begins construction of an eight step ladder (scale) on which to place the sounds Do-Re-Me-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do. Hip-hop influenced, creating imagery by taking unexpected sounds (such as a hammer) and giving them a new identity as part of a rhythmic pattern.
Twinkle Improv/I Love All of You: The opening statement and improvisation of this song is a tribute to the great jazz guitarist Tony Mottola. It segues into a song with a message of love, set against the backdrop of a familiar jazz standard ('I Love All of You' references 'The Autumn Leaves').
Baboon: Another example of "Informational Music", driven by a swinging rhythm section that continues to build momentum.
Say Yes: Influenced by Peter Gabriel and his organization 'Witness'. Louie originally wrote and performed this song for Heads of State at the United Nations' "Say Yes for Children" Campaign. Meetings were held to discuss the needs and rights of children world wide. In concert, Louie was accompanied by a 100-piece choir and a 200-piece symphony orchestra. Dignitaries and celebrities from all around the world attended this important event.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.louiemusic.com
Track List:
1. Yellow Checker Taxi Jazz Guiitar
2. Eddy Ate Donuts
3. Blue Whale
4. Head & Shoulders
5. Crabs & Lobsters
6. 26 Letters in the Alphabet
7. You Are My Sunshine/Working on the Railroad
8. Penguin
9. Scale Construction
10. Twinkle Improv/I Love All of You
11. Baboon
12. Say Yes
Other Genres:
- KIDS/FAMILY: Kid Friendly
- JAZZ: World Fusion
- FEATURING GUITAR