Peace on Peabody Hill (2008)
I recorded an “unofficial family friendly” CD for my granddaughter and her parents. I’d like to share it with you.
CD Photo: Phil Knudsen (Thank you, Phil!)
FREE DOWNLOAD
Using a computer, you can download the CD at this link. This downloads a compressed “zip” file, most likely to your “Downloads” folder. Double click on that file to uncompress it to a folder containing mp3 audio files of 9 songs.
To listen to individual songs or view song lyrics, scroll down.
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID
“Thanks so much for the CD! It is Gemma’s (2yr old) fast favorite… The Garden Song particularly resonates with her, I think. She asks for it over and over! Lovely recording, too, Tom — really nice to just have it around on the player. Your conversational tone is perfect — it really feels like you’re sitting right there on the other side of the boombox, talking and singing with us.” ~ Jud Caswell
“Tom Smith’s music awakens a nostalgic feeling that transports you to the time and place of the best hug you’ve ever had. It guarantees an instant, peaceful smile of wonder on my 4-year-old son’s face…You can’t help but sway back and forth with a grin and sing along. You can tell the world that I love your CD.” ~ Kim Jennings
“From the initial “Well, hello there!” on ‘I’d’ve Baked a Cake’, through the starkly beautiful ‘Prayer for Peace’, this CD is an absolute keeper. Tom’s voice and musical style are at once genuine, gentle, and nostalgic. He may have created this recording with a little one in mind, but it has taken up residence in my car stereo…I’d planned to give it to my nephew but will have to get him another copy. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy and share wonderful family-friendly music while supporting Tunefoolery, an amazing organization!” ~ Perry Desmond-Davies
ABOUT THE SONGS
I recorded this informal CD for my granddaughter, Anna (pictured here at 15 months old). My goal was an album that she and her parents could use while they spend time together in the playroom, or during bath or dinner time, or while getting ready for bed. It is not a “party mix” – more like a collection of peaceful songs for relaxed family times.
There are nine songs, five of which are Tom Smith originals. To my guitar accompaniment I added banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica and jaw harp. For the lyrics, please click on each song title (Acrobat Reader required).
1. I’d ‘ve Baked a Cake – © 1950 Al Hoffman Songs Inc.
I learned this from my Aunt Carey when I was five years old. I added a few new words. Sometimes I open my family shows with this song.
I’d’ve Baked a Cake (Click to play audio)
2. I’ll Sing it Myself – © 2008 Tom Smith
This pretty much sums up my philosophy of singing in public. I wrote it to open the Children’s Music Network northeast regional gathering.
I’ll Sing it Myself (Click to play audio)
3. The Cricket – © 2008 Tom Smith
One June day I heard a cricket near my fireplace hearth. I looked for it for over an hour. I wanted to observe how it made such beautiful music. I never found it, but this song was the happy result. I am told that the Irish call crickets, “pipers of the hearth”. It is good luck to hear a cricket in your house. It worked for me.
The Cricket (Click to play audio)
4. Guabi Guabi – South African folk song
I am told this is sung in an odd mix of Zulu and French. I haven’t a clue what it means, but I always feel good when I sing it.
Guabi Guabi (Click to play audio)
5. The Garden Song – © 1990 Cherry Lane Music, David Mallett
This wonderful David Mallett song has been recorded by many folks and traveled the world over. I first recorded it in 1980 for Gentle Wind.
The Garden Song (Click to play audio)
6. B A Bay – Unknown
My brothers and I learned this song when we were kids, from a short comedy film by The Three Stooges.
B A Bay (Click to play audio)
7. Peabody Hill – © 2008 Tom Smith
I wrote “Peabody Hill” last summer in our isolated cabin in New Hampshire. Peabody Hill is a special place I try to carry with me wherever I go.
Peabody Hill (Click to play audio)
8. To Put Anna to Sleep – © 2008 Tom Smith
I was in charge of Anna while her parents went out for a rare dinner in peace and quiet. Anna usually goes to sleep rather easily, but of course this particular evening was an exception. The core of this song came to me while singing her to sleep. It was finished via several more Anna bed time sessions.
To Put Anna to Sleep (Click to play audio)
9. A Prayer for Peace (Live) – © 2007 Tom Smith
This was recorded live at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, in Concord, MA during a wonderful open mike hosted by Ellen Schmidt and Jake Kensinger. You can hear Ellen at the end of this recording. Howard Cannon was the sound man. I’d like to take the Emerson Umbrella audience with me wherever I sing. What a joy to sing with them!
A Prayer for Peace (Live) (Click to play audio)