Wow! I have a newfound appreciation for recording artists and engineers everywhere, as we have now been in the recording studio the past few days of our Christmas break with the three kids laying down the tracks for our children's CD of "Polka Dot, Plaid and Paisley." It is a lot of work to put it all together, but we are sure having fun while we're doing it! I had no idea what to expect when we went into the music studio to record. The first process includes laying down acoustic guitar tracks to all 14 songs I've written with my family, then adding in our engineer PJ's bass guitar and drums to add dimension to the music. Next we started adding layers of vocals: Denise's vocals to all the tracks, Rachel and Kaitlyn (who sing on thirteen of the tracks) and Jacob, who is included on five of the tracks. PJ's attention to detail is outstanding, and the kids enthusiasm for this project makes it all worthwhile. When Jacob sings the lyrics to "Criss Cross Applesauce" it really melts your heart. Especially when he gets to the part that includes, "I know I should be still and sit on the carpet.... criss cross, applesauce, hands in my lap.... but it's hard as can be, when you are only three.... harder than taking a nap!"
Looking forward to listening in on the editing and mixing process for the remainder of the week... then we'll be ready for mastering of the CD. Thanks for following along on this journey with us. I have a dream that there will be countless children, families, and childcare centers touched by this music. Just doing this with my children alone has been worth the adventure!
