A Child Grows In Brooklyn

I don't think I have ever reviewed an album on a post before...but I just had to make this exception.  I got an email from a publicist asking me if I wanted to review a new family CD. I listened to some MP3s first and, being blown away, asked for one to be sent right away.  I told Papa Tree how I loved this new album by an artist named Ellis Paul, and he, of course, knew all about him. I really didn't know I was so out of the loop! Well, at any rate, I am in the loop about Ellis now! If you liked with Marlo Thomas, I bet you are going to like . They have the same narrative quality and rich cast of characters who have other wordly adventures carrying with them their real world values.  The songs investigate world concerns in a sophisticated, yet child-friendly manner through the alluring, rich voice of Ellis.

If you aren't familiar with now is a great time to become acquainted with him. A celebrated folk artist with 13 albums, he wrote this 14th with his two daughters in mind.  It is his first family album and I am grateful he decided to do one. Finally, music that child and parent can listen to without the parent getting bored or going crazy!

If you don't want to take my word for it, "Paul is one of folkdom's most incisive and intimate songwriters. Now a doting father, his first family album, "Dragonfly Races," bubbles with buoyant, hummable songs that appeal to kids and parents - and incite good conversations..."

In support of the new album, "The Dragonfly Races", Ellis is touring. He is coming to one of my favorite venues, "Joe's Pub".

Here is the scoop:
Ellis Paul
April, 13 2008 at FAMILY SHOW - Joe’s Pub
425 Lafayette St., New York, New York 10001
Cost   : $15 adults/$12 kids/Under 3 - FREE
*Special Family Show* Ellis will perform songs from his family album "The Dragonfly Races". For more information, visit or call . Unfortunately the $12 ticket option cannot be purchased online Please call Joe’s directly to purchase tickets.

If you want to win "The Dragonfly Races"- there are 2 available for giveaway.  I chose my favorite song off of the album, Abiola, as a springboard for the trivia question for you to answer to win. The first 2 correct answers win a CD- which is beautifully illustrated by Ellis himself in 23 pages of thick, intaglio style drawings that seem like the makings for a future book.

Here is the question:
Who is Abiola?
For the answer, check out and listen to the and, (if you are having a hard time catching it...you can always download the lyrics for the song!).