http://themuseletter.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/pastor-shirley-caesar-spreads-the-blessings-at-the-dome/

Visit the bottom of this page:http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/reviews/2009/openbook.html @ Christianity Today consideration for independent projects. Thanks!

My husband and I have just cooked up a new musical project called, “Butterflyfish” — it’s an indie folk/bluegrass band dedicated to making music for (sm)all ages on themes so characteristic of old American music.

Check out our debut album, “Ladybug”: http://www.butterflyfishband.com It’s already been called, “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” for kids!

Anyway, we’d be honored if you’d let us know what you think of the project, if it might be something you’re interested in reviewing for Christianity Today (for example!), and/or if you have any advice on how to get the word out…

Thanks so much!

Peace,
Liz

p.s. I’m attaching our latest press release/bio to put the album in context.

Harvard Professor’s Songs for Kids, Families Make Spirits Soar

For Harvard Divinity School professor Matthew Myer Boulton, a longtime love of music took an unexpected turn one lazy afternoon at a watermelon picnic. While the kids ate and played, the grown-ups got to talking about parenting, about art, and about how best to explore the spiritual side of human life with their children in tender and inclusive new ways.

Too often, they agreed, music for families on spiritual themes is drenched with synthesizers and fundamentalism, making for “pretty thin broth, both musically and spiritually,” as Boulton puts it. And so that very afternoon, before the last slice of watermelon was gone, the picnickers decided to try their own hand at making what they so longed to find.

“We basically looked at each other and said, ‘Well, if we can’t find it out there, let’s see if we can make it ourselves,’” Boulton recalls. Thus began Butterflyfish, a groundbreaking collaboration between friends, neighbors, and some of the best musicians on Boston’s indie music scene.

The band’s debut CD, “Ladybug,” is a delightfully varied collection of Boulton’s original songs sprinkled with a few updated classics, all brought to life with a rootsy blend of folk, bluegrass, gospel, and the spiritual themes so typical of old American music. The result is tunes that appeal equally to kids, parents, and grandparents – what Boulton calls “all-ages songs” that are infectiously catchy, sweetly evocative, and inclusively accessible across generational and creedal divides.

“You don’t have to be person of faith to love this record,” says vocalist Zoë Krohne. “We’ve heard from parents and kids all over the country who may or may not belong to a spiritual community, but who so appreciate the opportunity to explore some of the ancient stories and ideas of spiritual life. It can be as much a matter of cultural encounter as of personal belief.”

In fact, Boulton adds, the situation is not so different from the classroom at Harvard. “Some of my students are heartfelt believers, some are passionate critics of religion, some are both at once – and the same is true of Butterflyfish fans. What we all have in common is a desire to engage these traditions for ourselves, to learn from their treasures and mistakes, and to talk all this over together. Kids and parents should be welcomed as active participants in this great conversation – and music is the perfect way to get the ball rolling.”

Though the band is based in New England, the trio has personal roots that extend from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to the shores of Lake Michigan, and those Southern and Midwestern influences come shining through the music. The three singers share lead vocal duties, alternating between Zoë’s honeyed alto, Matt’s buoyant tenor, and Elizabeth’s clear-as-a-bell soprano – though some of the best moments are when they blend in vibrant harmony.

Shades of Gillian Welch, Dan Zanes, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Jack Johnson suffuse the album, and many have called the project a kind of “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” for all ages.

“It’s really such a joy and a privilege to be involved in this project,” says Elizabeth Myer Boulton. “It’s all about making music meant to help kids, parents, and grandparents wonder together about the big mysteries of life.” With Butterflyfish, all ages can discover the old, old stories made shiny and new – and songs as sweet as watermelon on a hot summer day.

I just wish I could make it to Feinstein’s this next week, but sadly that is just not possible.

If you can get to New York don’t miss the opportunity.

November 17-21, New York City

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed “Best of New York” by New York Magazine, will debut MELINDA DOOLITTLE in her first-ever nightclub engagement from November 17 – 21. The “American Idol” finalist will perform an intimate evening of jazz standards, pop hits and Broadway classics, in addition to selections from her CD, Coming Back To You. All shows are at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street). For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com

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