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Lullabies for Little Visionaries

Danae Shanti and the Inspired Child Choir

Kid's Music review
With inspirational lyrics, palpable intention and clear music, Danae Shanti's CD, Lullabies for Little Visionaries crosses age boundaries and reaches all of our hearts.

Shanti's songs are easy to sing along with and the lyrics are sweet without being overly sentimental. Her songs are like simple prayers set to simple music. Mark Oblinger's (co-producer, guitarist and vocalist) magical touch helped keep the focus on the lyrical message.

The story behind the CD adds texture to the solid songs. A singer and singing teacher for many years, Shanti sang lullabies each night as she put her newborn son, Ryan Lance, to bed. "Spontaneous songs just came to me," she said, "as if they were given to me in the moment. I never could remember what I sung". A wise friend suggested she tape herself.

Listening to the lullabies, bits and pieces of melodies, choruses and lyrics, Shanti shaped them into songs. The songs needed singers and the Inspired Child Choir was born. Directed by Shanti, a small group of 4-12 year-olds learned, performed and then recorded her original spiritual compositions. Not only is her son part of the CD, but her niece, Erienne sings a solo on the CD and her parents, Shanti's brother and sister in-laws Paul and Chris Romaine are the co-producers.

"We talked a lot about the songs," Shanti explains, "and what they meant to the kids. Their favorite is Shine Little Light, which is about being good and loving in your heart and still having bad days. It amazed me that the song I considered the most sophisticated is their favorite."

The children are not just performers. According to Shanti, they are co-creators in the process. "From conception through production," she states, "the kids are learning more than just a song, they are learning how they can positively affect the world."

For her singing children's songs with children is like being sung to as a child. "Some of us were never sung to when we were young," she said, "My hope is that these songs remind people of their spiritual connectedness and makes them feel hope and peace."

When the songs start running through your head and your children light up whenever the CD is played, you'll know she's made her dream come true.

A portion of proceeds goes to organizations that support the health and well being of children.

Printed in Family Connections, and on Inspired Parenting