Dan Zanes is known for his music that is suitable and enjoyable for all ages. He has created music with such notable musicians as Father Goose a.k.a. Rankin’ Don, Barbara Brousal, and Sheryl Crow. Well, ladies and gentlemen, he has done it again! In mid-May, Dan Zanes and Friends will release a CD called “Catch That Train!” This new album features guest appearances from The Blind Boys of Alabama, Nick Cave, and Natalie Merchant.
The title song “Catch That Train!” is all about the joys of riding on a train. Dan sings about “a symphony of a thousand different sounds” that he hears while riding on the train. He then sings about all of the different things you can see while looking out the window while zooming along on the train tracks. This is a cute song and a fun way to begin this album.
The Blind Boys of Alabama join Dan on “Welcome Table” which is a gospel song. The harmonies provided by The Blind Alabama Boys are absolutely inspiring. Some of the lyrics include “I’m gonna feast on milk and honey one of these days,” and “All God’s children gonna sit together. Hallelujah!” Even if you are not a spiritual person, this song will fill your soul.
Many other catchy tunes can be found on this CD. From the first note of “Let’s Shake,” my daughter was up and dancing with me. “Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie” is a song which encourages you to make a train with other people and dance along while Dan and Father Goose sing about getting on a train. “Loch Lomond” is a Scottish folk song that finds Natalie Merchant on vocals with Dan. “Grey Goose” is a peculiar song about hunting for a goose to eat, but the goose ends up escaping from everyone trying to catch it. The Children of AGAPE are also featured on Dan’s CD singing a traditional Zulu tune, “Pigogo.”
“Catch That Train!” is a wonderful combination of blues, jazz, gospel, traditional, and just-plain-fun music! Your entire family can appreciate the music of Dan Zanes and Friends on this fine collection of songs.
“Catch That Train!” will be available for purchase on May 16, 2006. You can purchase this CD from Festival Five Records, Best Buy, Amazon, and other retailers.
Catch That Train! Track Listing
- Catch That Train!
- Let’s Shake
- Welcome Table (with The Blind Boys of Alabama)
- Mariposa Ole (with Barbara Brousal)
- Train Station Humor
- Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie (with Father Goose a.k.a. Rankin’ Don)
- Pigogo (The Children of AGAPE)
- Country Life (with Donald Saaf)
- Loch Lomond (with Natalie Merchant)
- While the Music is Playing
- I Don’t Want Your Millions Mister (with the How Not to Get Rich Orchestra)
- The Fine Friends are Here
- Walkin’ the Dog (with the Rubi Theater Company)
- Wander in the Summer Wind
- Grey Goose (with the Kronos Quartet)
- Pata Pata (with Father Goose a.k.a. Rankin’ Don and Wunmi)
- Sweet Rosyanne (with Nick Cave)
- Moonlit Town (with Anna and the Flutes)
