Muse’s Muse Reviewer Releases Indie Folk Rock CD for Kids

Date: Oct 04, 2007

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http://www.chipwithrow.com
239-481-6167
2548 Columbus Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

(FORT MYERS --) Muse’s Muse reviewer Chip Withrow, a Southwest Florida teacher and musician, has just released his first CD, Everyday Things, which he describes as “folk rock for groovin’ families.” Withrow was inspired by his daughter and his students to write fun, intelligent songs for kids that their parents and other adults can enjoy listening to as well.

The album features 12 original songs in a variety of American music styles, from blues to honky-tonk to singer-songwriter ballads. Withrow’s lyrics show a unique ability to really think like a kid, and his stylish acoustic guitar playing and funky piano riffs bring a number of artists to mind, such as Jack Johnson, Bruce Hornsby, and Paul Simon. Fellow children’s musician John Hadfield says, “Chip’s songs have a sweet, quirky Jonathan Richman-type innocence, “ and Fort Myers mom Meg Hawthorne quips, “Think Justin Roberts meets Bob Dylan.”

The title track, “Everyday Things,” celebrates Withrow’s philosophy of finding the simple joys in life. “I think kids and families enjoy the message that life is fun and full of wonder. Music has a great way of bringing us back to that,” Withrow says.

As a teacher, Withrow also finds that poetry and music motivate discovery and learning, and songs like “Mismatched Socks” and “Gnu Gnu” emphasize the joy of learning. The whole album features clever lyrics and complex music to appeal to toddlers, middle-schoolers, and adolescents.

So far, families are finding Everyday Things a hit with kids and parents alike, getting everybody singing along and even dancing.

“Before their attention turns to heavily marketed pop, this is music that kids and their parents can enjoy together,” says Mike Borgsdorf of the acoustic folk/blues group Bandy Lou.

Grandparent Mary Heasley wants in on the action, too. She says, “I can see all of my grandkids and I dancing around my kitchen these songs.”

Everyday Things is available on Withrow’s website www.chipwithrow.com. Additionally, t-shirts and other merchandise inspired by the songs can be purchased online.

The official CD release party will be a great chance for families to hear the music live and celebrate the joys of discovery together. It will be held Saturday, November 3 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Imaginarium Hands-On Museum in Fort Myers.

Withrow will also perform at the Cape Coral Farmers’ Market beginning Saturday October 27 and other Saturdays throughout November and December. Check the website for a full list of shows.

Other local shows will be scheduled this year around Withrow’s busy schedule as an active dad and journalism teacher at Ida Baker High School in Cape Coral, Florida.