[Dixielandjazz] Playing for Kids, Writing Songs For Kids

[Jim Kashishian]

Playing for Kids, Writing Songs For Kids:

We have just completed the recording of 18 songs that will be split up into
a series of workbooks + CD for schoolkids.  Our music will be used for
groups of recorder playing students to toot along to.  A sort of music minus
one thing, where one of our instruments in the band handles the melody line
first time through.  The flutes (recorders) then are meant to read their
music books and play along as we continue to play through the rest of the
song, albeit we drop into improvising mode after the first time through.

The songs are mostly Spanish children's songs, but at least one is
jazz...The Saints.

We had a lot of fun recording the songs in my studio.  I decided to record
the piano alone first, deciding as I listened to him whether he should carry
the melody line, or maybe it would be a good one for the trumpet...or the
'bone, or leave it as a trio rhythm thing for each song, or maybe just piano
alone.  That way there is a great variety in the tunes.  I then added the
bass, then the drummer, then the 'bone & trumpet where needed.  The Saints
sports kazoo & voice by yours truly!  

18 tunes = 18 hrs of recording approx., even though we did it in a one by
one fashion.  All the guys in the band have years of recording experience,
so no problem there.  Toss in another 10 hrs of editing, mixing, etc., and
we have a record! 

We had been approached by a fan of the band who is a school teacher.  It is
his project, and he found an editing company to put the book/CD's out. 

Good fun, and should be great for the recorder honkers.  Not bad for the
band, either, as we are getting a writeup of our history, etc., in each
book.

Jim