Barry Strutt
A summer sing-a-long

In these increasingly cynical times, when the sing-along threatens to become a lost pastime, kids and parents alike yearn for at least a moment or two of retro-innocence. I mean who could have imagined an era heartless enough to willfully despoil the campfire spirit of Kumbaya in order to score a few partisan political points--but that's where we often seem to be headed. But wait--don't dowse the campfires yet--it's not too late for some needed sunshine! The Grammy nominated, internationally lauded BatDuo are here to save the day! Edgy and cynical is no way to grow-up, and if The Battersby Duo have anything to say about it--and they continuously do in these dozen--er--baker's dozen tunes, that is just not going to happen. With tunes entitled "Skipping Along", "Bounce", "Colors", and "Going to the Pool", how could it? As the titles foretell, these songs are all about living in the moment, by the moment, and for the moment--as only a preschool kid knows how to do. In short, the sing-along is back! Not the pedantic kind--but the simple, all-out fun one.
Yes, "A Baker's Dozen" continues in that wonderful tradition of the infectious sing-along that is at once throw-back Americana, and yet relentlessly contemporary since its spirit never really goes out of style. And Tim and Laura Battersby--guitars and voice, voice and guitars--are magicians of the medium. Silliness and laughter abound, and while there is plenty of food for the unbridled imagination to get fat on--there is not a morsel of negativity, nor a crumb of cynicism. Hear, hear! Enough said. These kitchen chemists are cooking up a storm this time around with two parts silly and one part fun. Wait--isn't it one part silly and two parts fun? I can never get it exactly right, but if you've heard this rollicking duo before you know it really doesn't matter what the recipe calls for--it always comes out just right! And if this is your first time at the table, sit back, relax, and feast on the toe-tapping music that is about to fill the room as your kids come back for seconds. .and thirds .. . and fourths . . . .

Michael Hoppe
Charming and Delightful

Trying to find something for my young grandson, I came across the Grammy-nominated Battersby Duo
and their delightful submission "A Baker's Dozen" As stated on the cover, it is "A preschool musical extravaganza", and I cannot imagine this age group not just loving the music. Child-like innocence, fun catchy songs both charming, friendly and goofy, a perfect soundtrack for preschoolers. Have to say, I was often smiling, too....!
It should be added Tim and Laura Battersby are very dedicated to their craft and what they are doing. They have performed at the White House several times, and have been very involved with young children for decades, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. So, as one of the songs says "Be Nice" and give this charming album your time...Bravo, Tim and La!

 

John McLaughlin
Another Bakers' Dozen!

These guys are so much fun. Don't listen to me - listen to my 5-year-old grandson, who loves to sing along to happy songs in the car. Well, if you could interrupt him while he's singing along to this CD, he would tell you.... Me, I just grin a lot when they're singing. OK, I do try to sing along too, but we won't talk about that. Just let Alaric lead the way, at the top of his lungs.... Tim and Laura are just witty musicians who know where the music can go if you give it half a chance. Like their older mentor - in a sense - Pete Seeger, they believe first of all in getting people to join in, not just sit back and listen passively. Sing along, that's the idea, right? So -- do you have the CD already? And if you don't... Well, here's the easy thing to do. Get it right now, and check it out with your five year old, and I stone guarantee you'll find out what the big idea is. Or, yeah, I guess you could invite Alaric along in the car, and he'll give you a demonstration. OK? Definitely a keeper to add to your BatDuo collection.

 

Shannon Pressley
A Great, Fun New CD

This album is a clever combination of fun, uplifting music and life lessons on how to treat people and enjoy life! The lyrics sweep you away into the core of each song and before you know it the whole family is humming along and day dreaming of cup cakes, swimming and old childhood dreams. A Bakers Dozen is a feel good CD that will make you smile. Love it!