"A winner from beginning to end." ~ Christian Science Monitor
"The fact is, the optimistic and peaceful nature of these songs is energizing and acts as a fresh breath of air, and is exactly why the album is ideal for any child who is drawn to high and fun melodies." ~ Emerson Radio (WERS) Review
With their trademark mix of crackling energy, adventurous musicianship and warm humor, Ben Rudnick and Friends extoll the virtues of vowels, imagine a world enamored with tubas, and celebrate the spirit of a bicyle bell. Special guests Buddy Cage (New Riders of the Purple Sage), Jeff Bird (Cowboy Junkies) and the Tuba Tune Horn Section add their grace to Grace’s Bell.
Approved by the Parents' Choice Foundation, Spring 2007
Best Children's Album,
Independent Music Awards Vox Populi 2008
NAPPA Honors Award 2007
Listen to selected songs from the CD
Album Info
MUSICIANS
Ben Rudnick: vocals, acoustic, slide & electric guitars, organ
Arnie Ashford: bass, vocals, whistling
Jared Steer: drums & percussion
Mark Yacovone: accordion
John Zevos: mandolin, tenor banjo, vocals
ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS
Jeff Bird: bodhran
Buddy Cage: pedal steel
Don Davis: soprano sax & clarinet
Paul Dillon: drums on Grace’s Bell
Lewis Melville: banjo
Andy Pinkham: guitars
TUBA TUNE PLAYERS
Mark Chenevert: tenor sax
Dave Harris: trombone
Michael Milnarik: tuba
Mike Piepman: trumpet
PRODUCTION
Produced by Ben Rudnick & Andy Pinkham
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Andy Pinkham Mortal Music Charlestown, MA, Arnie Ashford Digital Soundlab Manchester, NH, and Ben Rudnick Ben’s World Recording Studio, Arlington, MA
Additional recording by Jeff Bird at Ty Tyrfu, Guelph, Ontario and Lewis Melville at The Sound Emporium, Guelph, Ontario
Illustrations and design by Bob von Elgg bfsp.net
Tuba Tune horn chart by Dave Harris
THANKS
Thanks to our fans who had everything and needed something new.
To my brothers in music — John, Arnie, Jared and Mark.
To Buddy, Paul, Don, Jeff, Lewis and the Tuba Tune Players for their added cheer.
To Andy for being Andy.
And to Jeannie Deva, vocal coach extraordinaire.
Beyond thanks to Emily and Diane, aka the ladies of the house!
I am the luckiest guy I know.
Ben Rudnick, January 2007
