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Great and Small

A year and a half ago, I did a post entitled Gentle, Lyrical Touch, referring to Butterflyfish’s first CD, Ladybug.  I bemoaned the paucity of spiritual music for children, at least ones I could listen to, too.

Here’s what I said then: “Why not have songs that mirror a larger culture and incorporate truths into them?  Why not weave in the experience of God or truth or love into everyday songs, rather than beating our children over the head with commandments?”

I said I had found a partial solution in Ladybug, a mix of spiritual, gospel, folk, and bluegrass tunes that had wide appeal.  A natural progression for kids who are asking more and more questions.  A happy respite from Raffi for adults.

Now Butterflyfish has come out with a second CD, Great and Small. I love the story behind the cover name.  I’ll let the band tell it:

Every person should have two pockets, the story goes, with a scrap of paper in each.  One scrap should read, “I am but dust and ashes,” a line from the Book of Genesis, and the other should read, “For my sake was the world created,” a line from the Talmud.  Whenever we feel too proud, the rabbis taught, we should read the first piece of paper; whenever we feel discouraged, we should read the second.

I love that.  It’s always about balance, isn’t it?

Both CDs are reminiscent of some of Liliana and my favorite singer/songwriters—Elizabeth Mitchell, Frances England, and the entire movie soundtrack for Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? The songs’ topics range from self-confidence (I’m thinking of “You Be You” where a child takes joy in singing) to love (“Rest”) to grace (“Amazing Grace”).  The voices—done by Michael Myer Boulton, Elizabeth Myer Boulton, and Zoë Krohne—are sweet and playful, inviting anyone into the conversation.

I, for one, am hooked.

[Post image: Michael Myer Boulton, Zoë Krohne, Elizabeth Myer Boulton]

2 Comments


  1. Jenny
    Mar 03, 2011

    I LOVE that paper idea. I kind of want to make some kind of artwork out of that. Ideas, ideas!


    • Elissa
      Mar 03, 2011

      What medium are you working in? LOL.

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