Hey kids, pull up for "An A Cappella Family" and sing along!

 

Incoming Full Review Highlights: 

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“I’m an a cappella fella with an a cappella family,” declares Steve Pullara on the opening track from his latest album, An A Cappella Family. Over the course of ten light, uplifting songs, Steve and his talented “family,” a group of musicians who recorded the entire album from a distance during the pandemic, entertain listeners with clever lyrics and jaunty melodies. The songs cover a wide range of topics including having gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe, the fun of slurping while eating, and the trials of losing your car in the parking lot. Also included are songs about a family’s adopted dog Bowzer and adopted cat Whiskers, a great tune about the fact that almost everything in life arrives at the store via truck, and a cool song about friends that proudly declares, “Big or small, short or tall, my friends come in all shapes and sizes.” While the majority of the album is very up tempo, things do slow down a bit with songs like “Midnight on the Moon” and “Ti Amo Lullaby.”

When listening to well-executed a cappella you don’t notice the absence of instrumental accompaniment, and that is certainly the case here. The lyrics are showcased by perfectly harmonizing vocals that weave together on each song to tell an engaging story. With most songs falling in the 2:30-3:00 minute range, the tracks on An A Cappella Family would make fun additions to dance breaks during storytimes and music programs. Get in the swing of things with the video for the first track, “All Cooped Up,” below." -Veronica DeFazio, Kids Rhythm and Rock.com

Kids music news and reviews for librarians, teachers and parents.

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"From Grammy winner, "Steve Pullara and his Cool Beans Band" comes a delightful, upbeat collection of family and kid-friendly tunes, An A Cappella Family. Spritely, often times, giggle along lyrics are set to flawless a cappella harmonies and beats. It will get kids, parents and pets dancing and singing together as they hear positive messages of friendship, love, and every day current encounters during these uncertain times. A highly creative 5 - stars collection." -Paula Slade, Audiobooks, Entertainment and Media

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"Grab your family and pets and take a 30 minute journey that will bring out

the child in all of us! "An A Cappella Family" is retro...current...and timeless...guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face." - Cindy Hughlett,

 Music Guild Heritage Award Winner

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"Who would think an album of a cappella songs could sound so full and complete?

There’s not a guitar, piano, or any other typical instrument here. Just Steve Pullara’s voice out front singing the lyrics he wrote. The sister duo of Kelli Lewis & Wendi Kilman add perky background vocals along with Steve’s longtime collaborators Pat Robinson, Jim Cravero and Gloria Domina. It’s so unique and original! And the songs are all relatable whether it’s about being All Cooped up (during this Covid 19 pandemic) or losing your car in a parking lot, Steve knows how to take a simple subject and make it fun for kids. The production is top rate, the songs are all listenable and the artwork is perfect (also by Steve). Steve Pullara knows how to speak to children and they are all the better for it." 

- Cyndy Drue, 102.9 WMGK, Philadelphia, PA

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"Steve Pullara has done it again! With his usual blend of fun, enthusiasm, and unbridled creativity Steve -and his Cool Beans Band- have created another breath-of-fresh-air listening experience for kids of all ages (and their families.) An a capella collection of humorous and touching new Pullara songs is just what this world needs. The opening cut "All Cooped Up" is the definitive statement on the silver lining that can be found by families who are making the best of our current situation by enjoying each other's company. In the midst of the hilarity there's also one of the classic (and touching) Pullara ballads: a beautiful lullaby called "Ti Amo Lullaby," which parents will want to play for kids as they drift off to sleep. This is a real album experience- it's different than anything else out there, and because it's "a Cappella" you can put it on and enjoy the whole thing. In fact that's how I'd recommend you listen. But watch out...it won't be long before everyone is singing along!"

- Chip Mergott, The Mergott Minute, Public Radio

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"An A Cappella Family": "Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band brilliantly strike a family musical cord once again—without a single instrument! In his newest CD An A Cappella Family, Steve treats young ears to the delightful tunes of Swing music, Doo Wop sounds, and a host of other toe-tapping experiences, all with inventive vocals and rhythmical noises. Gum On My Shoe, while a sticky situation for anyone, becomes a melodic experience. There is no sound quite as satisfying when drinking a milkshake as the one described in Slurp It Up! You can’t stop tapping your toes while searching for a “lost car” or noticing that friends come in “all shapes and sizes.” This CD rings of a happy childhood filled with song and sound. The angelic voices in Ti Amo Lullaby are sure to keep any Boogieman away. Steve and His Cool Beans Band consistently deliver everyday experiences in new and inventive ways and celebrate them with the wonderful noises around us. An A Cappella Family is truly a delight for the senses."

- Dina Carmelengo, Academic Interventionist/Special Education Teacher,

Long Valley, NJ

 

"The album A Capella is a perky collection of children's songs made with voices and percussion.  Each song tackles a familiar everyday situation that any child can relate to.  All songs help the young listeners to understand and adapt to their ever-changing environment.  From huge issues such as dealing with the recent quarantine (All Cooped Up) to handing daily inconveniences (Gum on My Shoe) to understanding the complexities of society (Everything Comes From A Truck),  Steve Pullara creates the most interesting, funny, and informative descriptions of real life by using his creative musical talent.  I was especially entertained by the song that focuses on the modern internet stars, cats and dogs, called Bow Wowser and Mee Owser.  No two songs sound the same, nor do they lean on any of Steve's previous masterpiece albums.  So when you are a fan of Steve, every listening is new experience.  Steve does not produce his art in a vacuum. He has talented people all around him adding harmony, rhythm, and enthusiasm to his work.  The Cool Beans Band is, thus, an essential ingredient to Steve's music. Thanks to all of you in the band for sharing your talents with all of us in the audience." - John DiFiore, Associate Professor

                                                                                 Union County College

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