Sonia De Los Santos Talks “Don’t You Push Me Down” by Woody Guthrie

Sonia and I met a few years ago after playing together in Brooklyn. I have always admired her music, bright optimistic spirit and her ability to share her language and culture through song. As I was building the Under the Big Umbrella tracklist, I thought it would be wonderful to include Woody Guthrie’s “Don’t You Push Me Down.” I heard Sonia’s powerful version of Woody’s “This Land is Your Land” and I knew “Don’t You Push Me Down” sung in Spanish would be especially important and timely. I am so grateful to Sonia who carefully translated the lyrics into Spanish and taught them to me for this duet. Here, Sonia talks about the meaning of the song and the process of translating it to Spanish. Enjoy ~ and in Spanish it’s, “Disfrutar!”

What does the song “Don’t You Push Me Down” mean to you?

This song is very powerful and I asked myself this very same question, followed by:  Is it a “feel good” song about friends having fun with each other? Is it a protest song? Is it a song about learning how to set boundaries in our relationships? I think it’s a little bit of them all, and the beauty of it lies in the gentle way we are taken through different scenarios only to end with, “but don’t you push me down.” It’s genius. Woody Guthrie really knew how to connect with folks in a simple, yet profound way everyone could understand.

Why do you think the themes in the song, like standing up for yourself, are important for children to hear?

It’s never too early to learn to stand up for yourself! No matter how old we are, we can all identify with that. This song is a great way to get children of all ages thinking about it.

“Dignity and self-respect are values we should treasure and continue to pass on to future generations. ”

— Sonia De Los Santos

How did you meet Brady and what was it like collaborating for this duet?

I’ve been a fan of Brady’s music for a long time. We met years ago when we played together in a show thanks to my friend and publicist, Stephanie Mayers, our matchmaker! I felt a great connection to Brady’s sound and approach to family music, and I was delighted when he reached out to invite me to be a part of this album. This collaboration has been such a treat for me.

“Even though Brady and I have different musical styles, we complement each other finding common ground in the North American folk traditions. This is a perfect example of how music brings people together from diverse backgrounds, creating a new sound that resonates in the 21st century.”

— Sonia De Los Santos

Why do you think the bilingual element of the song is important right now? Especially for a Woody Guthrie song. 

Woody Guthrie spent a lot of his time giving a voice to the voiceless, and singing this song in English and Spanish is definitely honoring his spirit. In today’s world, often people who speak Spanish are afraid to stand up for themselves for various reasons… I feel honored to be making this bilingual version possible thanks to Brady’s idea.

What was it like translating the lyrics into Spanish and teaching Brady?

Translating the lyrics and adapting them for the song was not easy, but it was really fun!  It took me a few weeks. I tried different versions until I landed on the one we recorded. I also studied a lot of other Woody Guthrie songs, diving into his style, learning how he used metaphors, and just looking for inspiration. Teaching Brady the lyrics in Spanish was easy, he was very excited to learn them and we really had a great time singing together!

Sonia’s version of "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie.

What do you love most about children’s music?

There’s many things I love about making family and children’s music, it’s hard to pick just one, but I truly love seeing children young and old together, smiling as they imagine a better future filled with endless possibilities. 

“I truly love seeing children young and old together, smiling as they imagine a better future filled with endless possibilities. ”

— Sonia De Los Santos

Visit www.soniadelossantosmusic.com to learn more about Sonia and her music and follow her on social media at @soniadls. Her music is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify and be sure to check out her multi-city summer tour schedule at www.soniadelossantosmusic.com/shows.

A Little Help From My Friend David Gibb

“It was 52 years ago today…” the Beatles released “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and turned pop music on its head! 🙃✌🏼Track two, “With a Little Help From My Friends,” has always been a fav. As I was working on my new album, exploring themes of kindness & compassion, I knew it would be a perfect fit. That's when I rang up my buddy and touring mate from Banbury, England, the brilliant UK family musician David Gibb. 🇬🇧 I love what we created together, exchanging parts and ideas "across the pond." I am so excited to include our version on my new album Under the Big Umbrella.

Over a spot of tea, 🍵 David and I chatted about his relationship with the Beatles’ music, international friendships, and why he loves children’s music. I think Paul really meant to sing this in St. Pepper's, “So let me introduce to you... the one and only David Gibb…!”

What does the Beatles’ music mean to you and how is it part of your life?

David: The first time I really discovered The Beatles was when I was 11 years old and on holiday in Italy. We had the their '1' album in the car to keep us entertained on the road, and in the evening we arrived at the campsite we were staying to break up the journey. Once all the tents were set up my family went to explore, but I got back into the car and put the CD on again. I wasn't quite sure why, but I knew deep down that the songs I was listening to were special and were important. I sat there for over an hour soaking up those melodies, harmonies and rhythms. As I got older I had the pleasure of slowly working my way through all of The Beatles albums and then their solo records, but nothing will ever quite compare to sitting in that hot car somewhere in Tuscany, hearing those songs for the very first time.

“I wasn’t quite sure why, but I knew deep down that the songs I was listening to were special and were important.”

— David Gibb

What was it like recording “A LIttle Help From My Friends” after touring the UK with Brady last fall?

When Brady asked me to guest on his album I was really excited, particularly as “With A Little Help From My Friends” has always been one of my favourite Beatles songs. We had so much fun touring together last Autumn and to be able to continue the relationship through song is great! Because we're sending everything over via email, piece by piece, it's a really collaborative way of working, and it's great fun to see how the song has come together!

Photos from the Songs Across the Pond UK Tour Oct. 2018.

Why do you think friendship, especially international friendship, is an important theme for children?

I think the world is a smaller place than it's ever been. Smart phones, the internet, social media - they've all made it so easy to strike up an international relationship at any level. This is a brilliant thing, but it only works for everyone if we approach these relationships with a sense of respect, understanding and openness. We're not born with prejudice and intolerance built in, it's something we learn from society. That's why it's so important for young people to have the opportunity to make friendships with people all round from all across the world at an early age. Brady's music, especially this new album, is all about that which I think it's a brilliant thing.

“We’re not born with prejudice and intolerance built in, it’s something we learn from society. That’s why it’s so important for young people to have the opportunity to make friendships with people all round from all across the world at an early age. ”

— David Gibb

Who is your favorite Beatle and why?

Well... I know lots of people don't think he's very cool, but for me it's all about Paul. He's just such a brilliant musician, and his melodies are second to none. And he never stopped making music, even when the critics were tearing him apart. To have been in The Beatles, with everything that that entailed, and then to do it all again with Wings, playing those huge stadiums and making platinum selling records is pretty amazing. Ram, his second solo LP is probably one of my favourite records of all time. My Dad would put it on a lot at home, and whenever I play it now it makes me think of him. It's wonderfully kooky and twee*, but with that inherent understanding of rock ‘n’ roll which I think lots of people forget that Paul has. Go have a listen!

*British slang. Twee: affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint. :)

What are a few of your favorite Beatles songs and why?

“Martha My Dear”

Just because of the brass arrangements - they're so lush and almost have this cabaret feel to them. And the piano part is really interesting in the way it uses rhythm, it almost feels like it's going to double back on itself at times. There's a kind of uncertainty to it all, which makes it really charming and welcoming. Sometimes McCartney can be very twee*, but I feel like this is an example of when he manages to walk that line perfectly.

*There he goes again…

“A Day In The Life”

There's something desperately sad and beautiful about that melody and the lyrics. And also something wonderfully British with the references to the Royal Albert Hall and Blackburn, Lancashire. When Brady came over here to tour, quite by chance we ended up staying at an Airbnb in Blackburn, Lancashire. It made me laugh. As to be honest, it's a bit of a grim northern town. I have a feeling John Lennon probably just picked it because he liked the way it sounded when it was sung.

6. What do you love most about children’s music?

I like that when making music for children there's no rules. Kids don’t have any real concept of genre. They don’t care if it’s punk rock, gypsy jazz or hip hop. This means that as a songwriter you can write in any genre and any style you want without someone saying “but I thought you were an ‘insert genre here’ artist?” I also like that you feel you are making a difference. I’ve lost count of the amount of times parents have said that my albums have saved them on a long a car journey! In the UK there’s really not much children’s music out there but there is a huge appetite for quality music for families.

David busking on the streets of Banbury, in his Bay City Roller tartan & jammin’ some “Madness” with his mates!

Learn more about David at www.davidgibb.com and check out his “music for little people, big people and everyone else in between” on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. Follow him on social media at @davidgibb and be sure to look up his tour schedule if you’re over in the UK! Stay tuned for more collaborations…

The Songs Across the Pond Tour is a wrap!

David & me at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, England. Photo by Bridget Rymer

Ten shows, nine beautiful English towns, 1,800 miles driven, endless cups of tea, a few pints, fish and chips and mushy peas, one attempt at Marmite on toast and many snacks of crisps (chips) and sweets (Maltesers rock!) added up to a memorable UK trip where David Gibb and I shared our uniquely fun, feel-good musical collaboration with audiences of kids and families.

A great big thank you to David and Ellie

for their warm hospitality, vision and hard work to make this tour happen.  I loved working with them both.

Ellie crafted magical clouds for the stage and managed our ambitious tour itinerary.  She was also in charge of “the pack,” always finding enough room in the car to squeeze in all of our instruments, amps, the clouds and some days, their sweet lil’ kitty, Finn!

Sharing the stage with David was a joy. His songs are enchanting and he’s an ace musician. His charm and kindness made me feel right at home on my first visit to the UK.  He and the audiences did have a crack up about me being new to their culture - sampling their beloved foods and learning how to make a proper cup of tea! The milk goes in first, right?

My wife Bridget was able to join us for part of the tour; I loved sharing this experience with her. She also took some beautiful pics along the way.

Cheers to all of the venues, theatre crews and staff, friendly librarians who never failed to greet us with a cup of tea, and Sarah Edmonds for the lovely tour poster and graphics.

Chatsworth House

Many thanks to Talia Smith for her social media brilliance - sharing this adventure with our US (and new UK) fans as it was happening day to day was a treat.

What a pleasure it was to get to know David and Ellie’s families! Ellie’s mom and dad took in a show, then treated us to a lovely lunch in Farnham. David’s mom welcomed us into her home and cooked up many wonderful meals. I had my first Sunday roast complete with Yorkshire pudding and sticky toffee pudding for dessert!

And finally, a big high-five

to all of the families who came out and supported the tour. So wonderful to meet you and share our songs and stories. We can’t wait to see you again!

David and I had a blast and consider this a very sweet beginning to a new friendship and an unfolding musical adventure.  We’ll keep you posted...

Oxford

Cheers!

Check out two orignial tunes we wrote for the tour!

David’s hometown of Belper

Schools Rock!

We love playing schools!

It's great meeting students & teachers and sharing our music in such a fun, super-charged atmosphere. It’s a real rock show with energized kids of all ages, their friends & teachers having fun, moving, grooving, singing & interacting - spirits lifting & flying!

It’s extra-special when schools have time to prepare for the excitement of the concert by listening to the music, getting to know the Lil' Band.  Sometimes, classes design colorful signs quoting song lyrics, or they'll get dressed up in their hippest fashions for the show. Maybe they've learned to sing their favorite tunes or rehearsed a funky dance routine. Whatever it is, putting in the extra effort makes it a one-of-a-kind experience for all. In this post, you will find all the resources you need to prepare your class for a Little Band That Could show!

We're so happy to share this video of a recent highlight.

Filmed at the H.C. Johnson Elementary School, Jackson, NJ. Thanks to music teacher, Melissa O’Keefe. Editing by Ethan Noble. Photos by Ms. Garagiola.

What an inspiring April day at H.C. Johnson Elementary School in Jackson, NJ!

We celebrated Autism Awareness Month 2018 with our Love Me For Who I Am concert, and we were welcomed by an enthusiastic student body! Their extraordinary music teacher taught the students our songs, they prepared creative movements & even had a few surprises for us.  The entire school explored the themes of acceptance, difference, love & celebrating all abilities and even made some cool signs: "Different is Beautiful!," "You Are a Rainbow!"

This video is a perfect document of the joy, thrill, love & appreciation we feel when we visit a school and perform our music for such a loving, spirited, attentive & just plain AWESOME audience! Enjoy!

Photos by Ms. Garagiola

ROCK YOUR SCHOOL PLAYLIST on SOUNDCLOUD & Work with our song lesson plans in the classroom!

Check out our school playlist, specifically designed with the songs that we'll be playing at your school. Spend time playing the tunes in the classrooms & get your voices tuned up & your dance moves down! Teachers, you can help your class explore the concepts behind our song with our lesson plans designed with the help of Monica Osgood (Director, Celebrate the Children School) & Stephanie Suter (Fourth Grade Teacher, Southold Elementary School). To book Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could at your school, contact Maura Kelly Magliaro, mkellymagliaro@RVCSchools.org or 516.225.1466

THREE-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE BRADY RYMER makes infectious, high-energy rock ‘n’ roll for kids and families. His trademark smile lights up performances and shines brightly in his recordings, expressing the warmth, fun and positive spirit of growing up. Together with his longtime Little Band That Could – outstanding players all, with backgrounds from Americana to Zydeco – he’s released eight albums for children and performs across the country at schools, libraries, performing arts centers, clubs and festivals. “His positive message was uplifting, reinforcing teamwork.” Tom Payton, Principal, Roanoke Elementary School, Riverhead, NY “I thought it was awesome because it felt like every bit of happiness just bursts out into dancing.” 4th grade concertgoer, Southold, NY For More Info: www.bradyrymer.com

Thanks to ALL the AMAZING schools we visited in 2018! You all rock!

Kossmann Elementary School • H.C. Johnson Elementary School • Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary • Lynbrook Kindergarten Center • Roslyn Heights • Oakwood Primary • Mount Sinai Elementary • Celebrate the Children School • Early Childhood Center at Temple Shaaray Tefila • Ridge Road School • NYC schools participating in The Big Umbrella Festival celebrating Autism Awareness Month at Lincoln Center: PS 176, Richard Hungerford School and Manhattan Star Academy.