October 6, 2005 -- Constant Wonder blends original music for children with lively facts about science and nature, taking listeners on a ‘Walk with Wonder’ in the duo’s debut recording by that name (Constant Wonder Records, $15.00), to be released November 15.
“ Constant Wonder uses a celebration of joy and humor that inspires children to appreciate and respect our very precious Earth – from the most unassuming earwig to a magnificent fores... ”
For cultures set in more remote parts of the earth, the education of children has traditionally been a responsibility assumed by the entire village, and to make the information more vivid it has often been sung or acted out. Constant Wonder – prolific, award-winning songwriter/pianist Connie Gillies and Alice Weiser, an award-winning singer/dancer/actress – brings this naturally melodic way of teaching science right into the homes of children with ‘Walk with Wonder.’
Known for combining upbeat music with nature-oriented theatre games and plenty of hands-on audience participation, Constant Wonder has created ‘Walk with Wonder’ in the same spirit of curiosity that informs their live shows. The album – carrying a theme of responsible ecology -- is an imaginative journey through the countryside, with songs linked together by a story of the forest and seashore perambulations of Constant Wonder and friends.
This is no three-chord children’s recording. The music in ‘Walk with Wonder’ employs a richly vivid harmonic palette, beginning with the happy Caribbean beat of the title tune and progressing onward to the slinky, bluesy shuffle of “Who Am I, Anyway?” to a song about insect defense mechanisms – “Ladybug” – to the funky, R & B-styled “Who Lays the Eggs?” to the down-home Dixieland of “I am a Mammal” to a cha-cha about crickets (“Crickets Keep Me Up at Night”) and a grand finale production-number, “I’m Just Happy You’re Alive.” Colorful orchestrations appropriate for young ears include baritone saxophone, Hammond organ, trumpet, flute, steel drum, tuba, clarinet, and slide trombone, along with plenty of keyboard action by Connie Gillies.
Possessed by a childlike curiosity for the world of nature, Connie Gillies and Alice Weiser were brought together by a penchant for wondering about everything.
Says Weiser, “On our new CD and in our live performances, our natural energy, enthusiasm, and joy about the world's wonders come pouring forth.” Gillies adds, “Whether children are onstage with us or listening to our ‘Walk with Wonder’ CD, we are all in a state of ‘constant wonder’ as we sing, act and learn about the world around us. Constant Wonder uses a celebration of joy and humor that inspires children to appreciate and respect our very precious Earth – from the most unassuming earwig to a magnificent forest."
‘Walk with Wonder’ may be purchased online at constantwonder.com and CdBaby.com.
