Brady Rymer, a Grammy award nominated family music artist, will release a new CD that honors the thoughts and feelings of kids of all abilities – particularly those on the autism spectrum. The ten original songs on Love Me for Who I Am are written from the child’s perspective and offer a bright, positive and highly musical way of celebrating life amid challenges.
The new CD, featuring guest vocals by Nick Jr. TV star Laurie Berkner and a groovy keyboard performance by Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads) will be available on April 12th, in time for Autism Awareness Month. Five percent of proceeds from CD sales will benefit Autism Speaks, a non-profit research and advocacy group.
The anthemic songs on Love Me for Who I Am were inspired by Rymer’s work with students at the Celebrate the Children School in Northwest, NJ. Rymer worked closely with school founder-director Monica Osgood, who suggested ideas for the songs all taken directly from things the kids said or from challenges some have faced.
“Brady is a rock star here. Kids know that Brady accepts and appreciates them. They have a sixth sense about that.”
Osgood’s husband, Dan Myers, the school’s music teacher and long time collaborator with Brady, produced the CD.
“I’m hoping the songs will invite a deeper understanding and appreciation of children with autism and other related conditions,” says Brady. “When I look out from the stage during my shows at Celebrate the Children I see the same thing I always hope to see – a bunch of happy folks of all ages, having fun together and expressing themselves freely encouraged by the music.”
In fact, anyone who lives or works with kids will recognize these song themes: “Picky Eater,” “Who Wants To Wear Shoes?,” “I Don’t Like Change” and “Tune Out.” All refer to the experience of a child with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, but the lyrics ring true for anyone.
“The appeal is universal,” Rymer notes. “I want the music and stories to be a bridge, connecting us in a positive way, celebrating our individual spirit as well as our differences.”
Zoe Kakolyris, an artist with Asperger’s Syndrome who is also deaf, created the colorful CD art showing children interacting with joy and humor.
“Her art perfectly reflects the spirit of these songs; I’m so honored to have her involved in this project,” says Brady.
Brady Rymer is one of the top talents in the independent family music scene today.Originally with the RCA Records band From Good Homes, he ventured into family music with the CD Good Morning, Gus in 2000. Since then, he has released five other CDs, including the 2008 Grammy Award nominated Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could. Rymer’s rootsy, accordion laced pop and rock music regularly wins critical acclaim, including Parents’ Choice Gold awards. He is also a featured performer with the Listen to Your Buds campaign to promote hearing protection with kids.
Rymer lives on Long Island with his wife and two children.
The special pre-release title track from “Love Me for Who I Am” has enjoyed heavy rotation on Sirius-XM’s Kids Place Live radio reaching number one for 12 successive weeks, and the channel will air a “Rumpus Room” live concert with Brady and his band in the spring.
For updates on the itinerary, visit www.bradyrymer.com
DETAILS
Love Me For Who I Am
Bumblin’ Bee Records
Release: April 12, 2011
SRP: $14.98
Info: www.bradyrymer.com
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