Tracey Singer’s CD: Sweets ‘N’ Treats Review & Giveaway

The fact that children’s singer Tracey Singer(yes, it’s his real name) is a stay-at-home dad/musician does not set him apart from the multitudes of performers who juggle songwriting, performing and studio work with full-time parenting. What does make his story different is the fact that he is an MBA who traded a good management position with a Fortune 100 company and the excitement of the climb up the corporate ladder for a life of music, diapers, runny noses and the chaotically fun lifestyle that comes with raising 4 children – all under the age of 9!

“Once my first child was born I knew I wanted to be with her,” says Singer, “and frankly music has always won over any other pursuits.” He recalls registration day for the final year of his undergraduate degree when he excused himself in the middle of a meeting with his Psychology (his major at the time) advisor, with whom he was setting up his schedule, walked over to the music department table and switched his major. He knew that if he didn’t switch he would forever regret it. Music has always been a powerful influence. Children are a powerful influence too. After spending years writing choral music and performing jazz standards and oldies at clubs, corporate events and private parties, the influence of his kids brought about a musical career shift.

That shift was to the world of children’s music. “With 1 child I had time for adult ideas. With 4 little ones not so much – but that turned out to be a good thing!” With his kids crawling, toddling and running around him Singer wrote the music for his debut album, Sweets ‘n’ Treats, a funny and fun (and sometimes slightly twisted) musical adventure. His songs take us on a tuneful tour of camping trips gone haywire, summer Christmas celebrations, kids wearing baggy pants that barely stay up and the tale of a never satisfied sweet tooth. He also introduces us to a zany cast of characters including Foxy Joe, Hard Hearted Haley and the ever amusing Mall Mom. Singer does this while throwing in several styles of music in not-so-accidental fashion. “Just look at the song list on any child’s ipod,” he notes, “and you will find song styles that jump all over the place. I created this album to be like a pre-loaded ipod for kids or a fun ‘mix tape’ for the adults who listen with them.” Th CD debuts on July 7, 2009 and while getting ready for its release with little ones jumping on him and hanging from his arms and legs makes his job a challenge, he wouldn’t trade the experience for any cool, comfortable and quiet office in the world.

My take:
I was pretty excited to review a CD from a new children’s artist before its release date. I love the eclectic mix of songs on this CD. It ranges from simple ballads to old time rock ‘n’ roll to jazz. I am also impressed by the meanings the songs carry. For example there is a song appropriately titled “Stinky Smoke” aimed at telling kids smoking is not healthy. My favorite song is “Best Friends For Life” which is about brothers and sisters. I guarantee mommies will love this one! While this CD is a little to old for my boys (3 yrs and 15 months) both were dancing to the music. My 3 yr old even sang the chorus in most of the songs. This CD will be a big hit with the 5-12 age group as well as parents!

Sweets ‘n’ Treats is now available for $15 (Run time: 40 min). You can buy it from Tracey’s website or online from Amazon and iTunes.

One lucky MommyPR reader will win Tracey Singer’s debut CD Sweets ‘n’ Treats!

Win It!

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