“Song in Your Heart”

When I showed up to my very first Tunezies class, thinking it was just a one-off gig, I was surprised to discover that the songs "the kids" want to hear are the same ol' tunes that have been loved by families for centuries.

Growing up singing, dissecting, and interpreting the Great American Songbook, I know my way around a standard. My experience performing and touring with jazz ensembles has given me a deep appreciation for these classics. So, when I started thinking about children's songs as standards, I felt inspired to compose my own.

Writing my own curriculum and putting my artistic stamp on every facet of Tunezies has been incredibly fulfilling. As a mother, in addition to a songwriter, I feel a strong calling and responsibility to nurture this space. Our original curriculum and songs make Tunezies a unique musical realm, and I'm so grateful and honored to have received a Jazz Road Creative grant from South Arts to record this music.

In November 2023, I traveled to New Orleans with a dream cast of musicians to record 17 original songs – the ones you’ve come to know and love from your Tunez 4 Totz classes. Produced by Jon Cowherd (Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, Chaka Khan...), and featuring Jon on keyboards, Herlin Riley on drums, Roland Guerin on bass, Brian Seeger on guitar, with special guests Joel Frahm on saxophone, Matt Chamberlain on percussion, and Rick Nelson, "Song In Your Heart" is designed to be the soundtrack to your family's lives.

Stay tuned for information about its release and upcoming performances related to the album!  - Jesse Palter