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Laura Veirs to release colection of folk songs for children

| On 06, Sep 2011

LAURA VEIRS returns in November with a collection of folk songs for children entitled “Tumble Bee“. Recorded by Grammy-nominated producer Tucker Martine in their home in Portland, Oregon in the spring of 2011, it covers a wide range of American folk songs, from early 20th century work songs to the ballads of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Peggy Seeger and Harry Belafonte.


Inspired by the birth of her son Tennessee last year, and by countless fans who’ve told her over the years how much their kids love her records, Veirs became curious about the history of American children’s music. She and Martine listened to hundreds of songs from past centuries, including Harry Smith’s famous Anthology of American Folk Music. They selected what Veirs calls, “a sampling that reflects our richness as a people.”

“Many of these songs have been forgotten throughout the years,” adds Martine. “We wanted to bring these songs to a new generation with an instrumentation that both honors their traditions and creates something unique.”

Tumble Bee features guest appearances by The Decemberists’ frontman Colin Meloy, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and Carl Broemel, Basia Bulat, Bela Fleck, Karl Blau and members of Blind Pilot, among many others. Much more than simply a record for children, Tumble Bee stands on its own as a vibrant and sonically beautiful recording; listeners of all ages will revel in Veirs in her prime. “I love this record,” says acclaimed songwriter Sufjan Stevens. “Laura’s folk songs for children prove that the best children’s music never gets old” … “A brilliant kids record that anyone who loves good music will appreciate” adds James Mercer (The Shins).

Critical acclaim for “July Flame”, the seventh album from Laura Veirs, released in January 2010 on Bella Union records…

“consumes you as utterly as a hazy flashback to mythical summers past”

The Times – 5 Stars *****

“Her best album yet”

MOJO – 4 Stars ****

“This is a vivid song cycle that’s part-ecstasy, part-sadness – but unfailingly lovely .”

Uncut – 4 Stars ****

“a work of sustained craft and loveliness.”

Q – 4 Stars ****

“Rapturous… the tapestry of sounds is mesmerising”

The Guardian – 4 Stars ****

“An album that gorgeously combines summer with shades of winter.”

Metro – 4 Stars **** (Album of the Week)

“July Flame’s loveliness is hard to put out.”

NME – 8/10

“sends us spinning breathlessly through the rarefied Oregon air from where she calls.”

Evening Standard – 4 stars ****

“Guitars murmur, orchestral arrangements roll by and Veirs’ sweet vocals bask in the haze”

Financial Times – 4 Stars ****

“This is a beautiful record”

Independent on Sunday – 4 Stars ****

“marvellously captures the sights and sensations of summer.”

The Mirror – 4 Stars ****

“evocative lyrics… everything is enchanting… her best yet.”

Psychologies – 4 Stars **** (Album of the Month)

“Evoking hasy, lazy summer days, this is a peach of an album.”

The Sun – 4 Stars ****

“her finest collection yet”

Rock’n’Reel – 5 stars *****

“elegant melodies… quietly hypnotic”

Mail on Sunday – 4 Stars ****

“Laura Veirs has hit her songwriting stride again… This album brims with uplifting choruses and joyful strings, perfectly capturing one summer of love”

The Observer

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