“JUMPINJAZZ KIDS – A SWINGING JUNGLE TALE” TO BE DISTRIBUTED WORLDWIDE VIA THE CHILDREN’S GROUP BEGINNING 2013

Al Jarreau

“A stand-out mix of storytelling and songs . . . animagination-stirring musical adventure!” – Parents’ Choice Foundation

“The music stands on its own superbly . . . Isn’t this how YOU want young people to get hooked on swing?” – Jazz Weekly

JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale, the new CD celebrating the rich history of Jazz and Popular music by paying tribute to its legendary pioneers through story, song and a variety of musical styles, has been picked-up for worldwide distribution beginning in 2013 through The Children’s Group. The Children’s Group’s focus will be big-box stores, music retailers, educational channels and specialty stores as well as digital download platforms.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with The Children’s Group,” said Steve Barta, co-Producer, JumpinJazz Kids. “The Children’s Group has an excellent distribution network and expertise in the children’s product area, and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Added Laura Hunter, General Manager of The Children’s Group, “We see ‘A Swinging Jungle Tale’ creating a whole new (and knowledgeable) generation of jazz music lovers. We're truly excited to be workingwith the team behind Jumpin’ Jazz Kids and bring the Grammy Nominated ‘A Swinging Jungle Tale’ to retail.”

JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale is the proud recipient of a Grammy Award Nomination forBest Children’s Album in the 55th Annual Awards to take place in Los Angeles February 10th, 2013. In celebration of the CD release as well as the Nomination, a special performance will take place at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on February 8th at 11am as part of Grammy Week and the Museum’s Educational Outreach Series featuring many of the artists who appear on the CD. The nomination follows JumpinJazz Kids recent win of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the highly coveted award for children’s entertainment that is the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys.

Dee Dee Bridgewater

JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale (the CD) is a unique blend of classic storytelling and fun,original jazz/pop songs performed by world-renowned jazz artists Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau and Hubert Laws and backed by an energetic jazz quartet, symphony orchestra and narration and voice characterizations by James Murray. JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale introduces children to theimaginative worlds of jazz, the spoken word and the Symphony in a fun yet educational, engaging and unique way. Produced and created by music industry veterans Steve Barta and Mark Oblinger and co-author Linda Lawson, JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale was released September 25th.

All three guest artists – Bridgewater, Jarreau and Laws – were equally enthralled with the project and offered their support immediately when approached to participate and their performances from the downbeat let you know that this is no ordinary children’s CD. Bridgewater’s unparalleled chops are featured on “ This Elephant’s Gerald,” while Jarreau’s playful vocals highlight “Do The Monkey Swing” and “Hubert Hummingbird.” Laws adds flute to both a song named in his honor, “Hubert Hummingbird” and “Her Name Is Little Growl.”

Hubert Laws

JumpinJazz Kids is a unique line of children’s music that combines classic narrative storytelling withfun, pop-influenced jazz songs backed by a Symphony Orchestra. The stories follow the imaginative adventures of a seven year-old girl named Claire and her stuffed animal friends. The first title in the series, “A Swinging Jungle Tale,” finds Claire in her Grandpa’s backyardjungle looking for a “lost story.” Powered by her imagination alone, Claire’s stuffed animal friends begin to magically come to life and she learns all about their world … and a little bit about herself along the way. In addition, the music for JumpinJazz Kids has been fully-scored for live performances with a symphony orchestra.

With the story for A Swinging Jungle Tale already translated and recorded in French, Japanese and Spanish, it is the vision of JumpinJazz Kids to develop a series of interactive CDs, books, apps, concerts and educational events nationally and worldwide with the premise being to teach jazz and symphonic history, provide music education, promote children’s physical activity through dance and movement, enlighten their understanding of the animal world and most importantly, to allow their imaginations to flow. Concerts have already taken place with full orchestra/jazz quartet in Colorado and Milwaukee and were met with widespread critical acclaim.

JumpinJazz Kids - "A Swinging Jungle Tale" - a celebration of story, song and swing . . . where Imagination is King!

www.jumpinjazzkids.com