Lullabies for Little Visionaries
(Sounding Free Music, 2000)
by Danae Shanti and the Inspired Child Choir

After Raffi becomes a new family member and parents start unplugging the tape player, its time for something new. Thankfully, we no longer have to choose between Disney and Barney to please both parents and children. Colorado artist, Danae Shanti's new CD, Lullabies for Little Visionaries will keep everyone happy.

With inspirational lyrics, palpable intention and clear music, her CD crosses age boundaries and reaches all of our hearts. To make her own vision a reality, Shanti asked for and received wonderful help. Mark Oblinger (formerly in Firefall with children's music of his own) played guitar, sang, co-produced and recorded the CD. Boulder, Colorado musicians Christian Teele, Paul Cotugno, Michael O'Neill and Saphyre contributed. Shanti's brother and sister in-laws, Paul and Chris Romaine, arranged, co-produced and more. Shanti wrote all the songs except Spirit Song, a drumming chant by Saphyre and sung by the Romaine's daughter Erienne and Lullaby by Ann Fagerstrom Perry, which features another girl, Tess Knichel.

Shanti's songs are easy to sing along with and the lyrics are sweet without being overly sentimental. Her songs are like simple prayers set to simple music. Oblinger's magical touch helped keep the focus on the lyrical message.

The story behind the CD adds texture to the solid songs. A singer and singing teacher for many years, Shanti sang lullabies each night as she put her newborn son, Ryan Lance, to bed. “Spontaneous songs just came to me,” she said, “as if they were given to me in the moment. I never could remember what I sung”. A wise friend suggested she tape herself.

Listening to the lullabies, bits and pieces of melodies, choruses and lyrics, Shanti shaped them into songs. The songs needed singers and the Inspired Child Choir was born. Directed by Shanti, a small group of 4-12 year-olds learned, performed and then recorded her original spiritual compositions.

“We talked a lot about the songs,” Shanti explains, “and what they meant to the kids. Their favorite is Shine Little Light which is about being good and loving in your heart and still having bad days. It amazed me that the song I considered the most sophisticated is their favorite.”

Copyright © 2001 Anna Stewart. All rights reserved worldwide.

See Music in the Tools & Gifts section for information about ordering the CD.