Hootenanny
Parents' Choice Silver Award Winner: Just try to resist moving to the tuneful and muscular beat propelling Los Angeles-based indie singer-guitarist Steve Pierson's original brand of roots music. A fine lyricist as well, Pierson layers his appealing original songs with feel-good messages that support his target audience without a hint of preachiness, whether it's a 'let's play' frolic done '50s hand jive style ('Come On By'), a bluesy reminder that 'You can decide what you think is cool' ('Be Yourself') or encouragement that after a disappointment things are bound to get better ('Brand New Day,' with a pitch-perfect doobie doobie shoo bop bop chorus.) 'Don't Play With Your Food' is a giggle, 'Groovy Day' is warmed with sunny brass accompaniment and the last track, 'Begin the Day Again,' a parent's country lullaby, provides a sweet and tender finish. Lynne Heffley ©2013 Parents' Choice --Parents' Choice AwardsPeople Magazine July 2013: The Best Kids Albums Now! A family effort featuring musician Steve Pierson, wife Melinda McGraw and daughter Lucy, this charmer puts a rootsy spin on feel-great ditties like 'Be Yourself' and 'Groovy Day'. --People Magazine