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2007 Juno Nominee for "Children's Recording of the Year" 2006 ECMA Nominee for "Children's Recording of the Year" 2006 Music Nova Scotia Awards WINNER for "Children's Recording of the Year" Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me, is a collection of 12 original songs written by Donna Rhodenizer, ranging in musical style from blues and bluegrass to pop, and even a lullaby / tango. The topics include imaginary creatures such as dinosaurs and dragons, as well as songs that promote self-esteem and celebrate positive life attitudes. Donna & Andy are joined on several tracks by children who are related to Donna, collectively known as "The Relative Minors". The infusion of some of the finest jazz, blues and bluegrass musicians has resulted in a listening experience that is both authentic and enjoyable. The 12 songs on this CD are presented in two versions: full performance tracks as well as sing-along tracks (instrumentals only) for those who want to sing with a professional back-up band! Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me is a collection of original songs written by Donna Rhodenizer. There are twelve tracks ranging in style from a lullaby/tango, to bluegrass, to blues, to pop. The CD also contains instrumental accompaniment tracks for each of the songs. The studio musicians (including some of the finest jazz, blues and bluegrass musicians) who have contributed their talents to this CD making this recording authentic in its musical stylings, and enjoyable for children and adults alike. The CD begins with Ed the Invisible Dragon, the tale of an imaginary creature who is the cause of mishaps and messes in the household that cannot seem to be explained. With saucy sax riffs and the addition of B3 Hammond organ, this tune is the right combination of secret service stealth and mischief. The Most Important Person showcases Andy's vocal talents. Andy provides a different voice for five distinct characters, each who believes he is the most important person on the ship. It is a bit of a verbal battle, but the Captain wins out in the end! I Need a Home for my Dinosaur explores the dilemma of having a pet that eats more than he should and must be given away. The addition of tuba and banjo create a good-natured accompaniment that complements and supports the lyrics of this delightful children's song. I Need a Home for my Dinosaur is one of Donna's earliest songs for children, and it has become a favourite of many fans, young and old. Gramma's Pajamas follows Gramma's problems with her lacy pink pajamas. With too much giggling and not enough sleep, Gramma is tired and ready to try almost anything (except giving up her "jammies") to get some rest. The fiddling of Gordon Stobbe and the solid bluegrass guitar and banjo stylings of Greg Simm bring this tune to life and will ensure a special spot in the "favourites list" for this tune. The Best One for the Job focuses on all the things a person enjoys as a unique individual. The lyrics promote self-esteem and the message to "be happy with yourself". Authentic accordion accompaniment adds a great flavour to this tune. Cool Bob is a blues tune with attitude. Over the standard I-IV-V-I blues changes, Andy narrates the story of a man and his cat, both known as "Cool Bob" who have learned how to make a living on the street as jazz musicians. If you can snap your fingers, get them ready, you will want to use them on this song. The "Can't Wait 'til i'm Older" Blues takes a second look at some of the pitfalls that might occur in the future once we procure those things we all think we want – a car, a great job and a place of our own. The sax takes its turn at wailing the blues during the instrumental third verse. No More School for Me! is a celebration of those unexpected holidays when snow limits one's ability to leave the house and when staying in bed is the only logical option. Written in a style that could be described as "Leroy Anderson meets mall music" this song is catchy and as delightful as a winter sleigh ride. Bedtime Tango is written from the perspective of a child who has been sent to bed, but who can think of too many fun things to do instead of going to sleep. Juxtaposing a lullaby with a tango, this song will either help you sleep or send you searching for a rose to clamp in your teeth as you tango behind closed doors. Sleep Gently Tiny Child features the voices of children from Donna's extended family (The Relative Minors) accompanied by harp (played by Jennifer Wyatt) and four-part vocal harmony by Donna & Andy. The combination creates a lovely lullaby, and a quiet gem tucked in amongst the more lively songs in this collection. Just Passing By was written for a group of Donna's students who were graduating. The words are thoughtful, inspiring and contain a great message for anyone facing change in his or her life. Andy's mellow baritone lead voice is supported by Donna and the "Relative Minors" creating a pop hit. Raise Up Your Voices celebrates the joy of sharing music with others. With driving percussion, funky bass and even a wa wa guitar, this rhythmic celebration of singing is a great finale song for this collection.  
Computer Cat received the 2004 East Coast Music Award (ECMA)
for Children's Recording of the Year. It also garnered Donna & Andy a 2003 Music Industry of Nova Scotia (MIANS) nomination for Children's Artist of the Year.
The CD is supported by two printed publications: "Computer Cat song book", and "Computer Cat Teacher's Resource: Songs with cross-curricular activities for elementary classrooms."
Christmas A to Z Use the alphabet to keep track of all the things that make Christmas special. Deo Celebrate the joy, peace, love and hope of the season. Appropriate for groups with a mixture of religious faiths. A fabulous closing number for any concert. Huron Carol A beautiful traditional carol telling the Christmas story. It's Christmas Time Wouldn't it be great to feel the excitement and joy of Christmas all year? An excellent all-school finale or choir selection for your Christmas concert. Joyful Bells A jubilant instrumental song written for handbells, but adaptable for other instruments. A great pre-concert "overture". Mister Santa Santa needs to know just how good you have been this year. With this song you can tell him in both English and French. Includes 4-bar musical interludes for optional body percussion or hand jives. One Small Voice Each small voice makes a difference in the world, whether it was one small child many years ago, or one small child helping to fill today's world with song. Pére Noel Pére Noël needs to know exactly what to bring in his sack of presents. You can tell him in this song. Written in French, optional English words are also provided. Rap It Up To Go Things have changed with the technology available these days. Even Santa is changing some traditions. Sing, "Gloria"! A calypso-type offering of the Christmas story. Includes descant vocal line and claves part. Star Above A gentle song of hope and peace. Like stars, we can all make the world a brighter place as we share hope and love. Waiting Patiently for Santa (Choral reading) A humorous look at someone who has NOT learned the art of patience on the most exciting night of the year.
Fine Company features the tenor/baritone/bass voice of Andy Duinker, supported by Donna Rhodenizer's instrumental and vocal harmonies. The CD contains ten tracks including four traditional songs, four original songs (written by Donna) and two songs by other Maritime composers. This recording is a great addition to any CD collection. Click on the title of each song for complete lyrics. The CD begins with Call of the Ocean, a new original song written by Donna Rhodenizer. This is songwriting at its finest. The lyrics are well crafted and will speak to those who love the ocean. They are set in a musical setting that sparkles and flows like the ocean itself. Old Ways is a beautifully written song by three fine Cape Breton writers. Andy's rich vocals are given "centre stage" accompanied only by piano. The CD is worth purchasing for this song alone! Ode to the Fishermen, written by John Gracie, showcases Andy's vocal range as he multi-tracks all five parts himself. It is hard to believe that one voice can be so versatile, yet the proof is in the audio. Sarah, Spinning Wheel and Jessie Munroe are three light-hearted traditional songs offering some insight into young lovers facing the obstacles of restrictive courting regulations. These songs from the traditional repertoire are treated carefully to preserve their original flavour while adding enough contemporary flavour to create a nice blend of old and new. The Love of the Sea, written by Donna Rhodenizer, has had a solid response with thousands of copies of the printed version distributed across Canada. It has been recorded by other artists who have discovered this choral gem. The melody is indicative of Donna's lyrical writing, handled with great sensitivity by Andy's vocals. Violin and cello are added to the mix creating a lovely setting for a truly memorable piece of Canadian music. My Love My Love, also written by Donna, is written in the style of an old English ballad. From the haunting opening cello line to the tragic conclusion of the song, this tale of "love lost" will reach into the imagination of the listener. Andy's passionate portrayal of the loyal lover only heightens the sense of loss at the story's conclusion. Shenandoah is an American folk song that has stood the test of time and remains a gem in the vocal repertoire of many singers. It is a perfect vehicle for Andy's warm tenor voice and Donna's multi-tracked harmony vocals. Donna's Aire is a gentle instrumental track that brings the CD to a pleasant close. It is hard to believe that this tune has not been in existence for a hundred years. The violin is given a chance to shine, supported by some of the finest studio musicians Nova Scotia has to offer.
With the variety of vocal ranges offered on this CD, it is difficult to believe there are only two singers on this recording. It is a solid performance from start to finish and a stellar debut album for Andy Duinker as a roots/traditional solo performer. Whether you are a fan of roots/traditional music or someone who enjoys good music, you will enjoy this CD.
Now is the Time revised edition “New recording coming soon”
Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker are past ECMA winners who have been performing together professionally since 1996. Their performing experience shows in their versatile vocals, instrumental accompaniments and variety of musical styles. Their repertoire includes their own original songs as well as traditional folk songs, a computer cat, an invisible dragon, Andy's chicken (something you will never forget!) and audience participation (from penguin line dancing to "The Most Important Person"). In addition to performing and recording, Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker are song writers and composers and co-founded Red Castle Publishing to print and distribute their music to schools and choirs across Canada and in the US. They have published over 50 original songs in a series of four songbooks (with complete piano scores) and 15 individual titles for High School, Community, University and Professional choirs. Donna's songs for children are popular with choirs, elementary teachers, students, and the parents who hear their children singing at home and in concert. Donna Rhodenizer and Andy Duinker are versatile musicians enjoying a multifaceted career of performing, recording, publishing, and composing. Donna's music resources, including children's CDs have been approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Education as Approved Learning Resources (ALR) for use in Elementary Schools. These resources are available from the Nova Scotia School Book Bureau. The Department of Education in Saskatchewan have also approved the Computer Cat Teachers Resource. Buy all Donna & Andy CDs at www.cdbaby.com/all/donnaandandy
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