With an Academics' Choice "Smart Media Award" proudly in hand, Ilana Melmed and Young Avenue Kids are set to send their first CD out into the world! Whatever I Want To Be features Ilana and the children of Young Avenue Kids singing catchy, original lyrics set to well-loved melodies by Rossini, Hayden, Grieg, von Suppé, and more, providing a joyous introduction to classical tunes that all children should know.
With a full schedule as a lecturer at USC, Ilana Melmed never envisioned that she would find herself producing a children's CD. However, inspired by her children and grandchildren, and motivated by a strong desire to share her passion for classical music with families, Ilana took on the roles of producer, singer, and lyricist for Whatever I Want To Be, recruiting a superlative cast of talent to participate in the project, including Emmy Award winner Stephen Cohn as production supervisor and vocal arranger.
A "family" feeling permeates Whatever I Want To Be with a sense of sharing and belonging and is part of the album's considerable charm. The vivacity of the kids (six of whom are Ilana Melmed's grandchildren) is endearing, not only when they sing, but also when they're heard sharing their enthusiasm and a treasure trove of information through a special eleven-track feature of this CD titled "The Kids Speak About the Composers."
Whatever I Want To Be takes off in grand style with everyone singing the "rocket ship" lyrics to the fanfare from Franz von Suppé's "Light Cavalry Overture" and proceeds in jolly fashion to "The Orchestra Families," which employs a marching tune by Johann Schrammel to capture the thrill and excitement of an outing to a symphony concert. Other highlights include the clever lyrics of "The Gorgeous Butterfly," which grace a Johann Strauss march, and the galloping tune from Rossini's "William Tell Overture," which finds new life as the humorous "William Tell Is Oh So Swell."
WHERE TO BUY: "Whatever I Want To Be" will be available May 28, 2013 online at Amazon.com, iTunes, CDBaby, and in select retail stores throughout the U.S.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the CD in exchange of my post for this promotion. I was given info and streaming links at no charge from the PR Firm / Company. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.
