Artist Spotlight: Cee Bee Teatime

Charlotte Talbot, known professionally as Cee Bee Teatime, is a multilingual artist from the UK who has made New Zealand her home for over thirty years. Charlotte began her songwriting journey back in 2020, when she became inspired to write her own music during the dark days of Covid. This decision came about largely as a result of copyright issues which restricted her online classes. Along with her children, Oscar and Emily, this innovative new project has become something of a family affair, harnessing Charlotte's own particular brand of lyrical dexterity with Oscar's production skills, and Emily's sumptuous vocals.

Cee Bee Teatime's music is fun, engaging and interactive, refusing to pay homage to current musical trends. The artist prefers instead to write music from the heart, creating the intuitive space for her lyrical ingenuity to blossom as the music pours out. This organic approach succeeds in providing a seamless fit to any Early Childhood Programme. Her intention is to educate, entertain and inspire, because, as she so eloquently puts it, 'music feeds our souls and  it's never too early to start enjoying and appreciating it'. 

Since 2020, Cee Bee Teatime has created a substantial catalogue of music. The debut album, Songs to Sing and Talk About, is quite superb, featuring six original songs with additional instrumentals, guaranteed to appeal to parents, children and teachers alike. Here the artist's linguistic gifts and melodic insight have combined to create a compelling sound that is both fun and inspiring. This is fully realised through the potent messages and insights throughout. 

The first track, "I Only Know How to Be Me", emphasises the importance of being yourself and in particular how 'we're perfect just the way that we are'. The music features a lively honky-tonk piano which propels the song forward, providing the necessary foundation for some superb harmonies throughout.

Alternatively, "All Those Funny Feelings" is more of a melancholy ballad which takes a deep dive into an array of emotions which we can surely all relate to. Here the artist encourages the listener to share their feelings with 'someone who cares'. This cathartic approach further engages the listener, enabling even the youngest of minds to fully relate to the song. Such an emotional roller coaster is tackled head on, and yet still manages to end on a positive, where despite everything things will turn out okay.

"Me and My Behaviour" provides a musical narrative as to how a series of unforeseen events may effect our behaviour. The song is lyrically ambitious, as negotiating and regulating behavioural patterns is something of a challenge for every child. Here the song provides opportunities to make sense of a complex world and our role in it. The somewhat whimsical "Hot Air in Your Pants", provides a comic interlude to the more didactic songs on the album, whereas "Grown-Ups Are Funny" observes the world from the mind of a child, and does so with a slight Eartha Kitt vibe. 

My favourite song on the album is without doubt the charming "If You Love Them Let Them Go". The song features a superb melody, delivered alongside an equally impressive vocal. Here the artist presents the idea that at some point in life, we simply have to say goodbye, and move on. The lyrical dexterity is of such ambition that it would surely qualify for a most insightful children's book. I won't give too much away, but you really should check the song out at your earliest opportunity.

With this release, Cee Bee Teatime has crafted a unique collection of songs that are as enjoyable as they are seemingly useful. The subject matter explores a range of compelling themes, beautifully performed, and approached with unmatched freshness. The album also features instrumental versions of each song, providing further opportunities for choirs to singalong with raw abandon. 

Cee Bee Teatime music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and all major streaming platforms. The artist is also on Facebook and Instagram, so feel free to have a listen and let her know your thoughts, I'm sure she would love to hear from you. Also be sure to check out the latest single "Manu Peekaboo" which is definitely worth a listen.

Cee Bee Teatime — a refreshing new approach.

Flash Single Review: Hey! You Are My Person! - JellyBean Queen

Elizabeth Eason aka the JellyBean Queen is a singer-songwriter, music educator and entertainer from Christchurch, New Zealand. An artist of outstanding talent, who combines potent melodies with lyrical dexterity and does so in fine style. Her latest single "You Are My Person" is a joyful song that delivers a message of love, friendship and infectious optimism throughout. With its catchy melody and playful rhythm, it is absolutely guaranteed to have everyone up and moving.

The melody instantly draws the listener in, assisted by the potent lyrics that focus on the special bond between friends, family and loved ones. The repeated use of the phrase "you are my person" is highly effective, reminding the audience of the importance of relationships, whether this involves close family members or old friends, we are all invited here. The arrangement is simple but highly effective, providing a certain immediacy, where the listener is captivated on the very first listen.

The playful instrumentation throughout, includes light percussion and a sparsity of rhythm providing the necessary space for the vocals to really shine. The sublime vocals are both warm and inviting, merging seamlessly with the melody to provide the perfect soundtrack for a lively singalong, whether at home or in the classroom. The song further benefits from an imaginative, and somewhat comedic video where an array of colourful puppets contribute both sound and vision to this delightful display.

Clearly, this is an artist with a considerable songwriting pedigree, and just a quick browse through her discography further reveals the considerable vitality of her music. Every song is a winner, each covering a variety of topics steeped in positive messages throughout. Her music ensures that the children are not just entertained but informed as well, in a fun and engaging way. There is never a dull moment here.

JellyBean Queen is an artist at the very top of her game. Her new single would be a valuable addition to any child's playlist, where hypnotic rhythm, alluring melodies, and inspiring messages are the order of the day. Perhaps most importantly, the song captures the essence of childhood friendships in a way that is both tender and fun, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Whether she is singing about beloved animals, the weather or childhood adventures, the artist has a unique way of sparking curiosity and joy in her very own world of wonder and imagination.

JellyBean Queen — The Queen of Hearts.

Artist Spotlight: Chef Bisous

 

Chef Bisous are a husband and wife duo from Canada, and are relative newcomers to the family music scene.  Their music serves to captivate, educate and inspire young minds through movement and dance. The kitchen is where the main action takes place; temporarily converting into an inclusive educational environment, where simple meal preparations provide copious opportunities for inclusivity and learning. 

Their new album Tasty Tunes Volume 1, is an absolute delight, featuring twelve catchy songs guaranteed to appeal to children and parents alike. The album has considerable strength in depth, with each song providing its own unique appeal. Some of the standouts include the delightfully descriptive "Planets," the quirky "Mix It Up Song," and the somewhat charming "Rainbow Song", where the colours of the rainbow are serenaded by a lively acoustic guitar. 

My absolute favourite song from this eclectic selection is 'Dinosaur Song', which features a wonderful acoustic vibe throughout. Here a variety of dinosaurs are described in some detail, providing further opportunities for interactive movement. The blend of musicality is superb, where bass, acoustic guitar, and accordion, compete for space in this wonderful singalong. Where the children are invited to 'let me hear you roar'. 

Their YouTube channel also deserves a mention, with the band having uploaded a series of compelling videos, and succeeded in creating a visual sound track to accompany the numerous  educational possibilities on display.  With each video providing further learning opportunities, whether through maths, colours, or the planets there's something here for everyone. 

All in all a terrific new act, with tremendous potential, who have already hit the ground running. They have managed to combine their culinary sills and their musical dexterity, to create a brand that is truly unique. A new generation has arrived in town, so watch out Wiggles, Chef Bisous are coming your way.

Chef Bisous — come taste the band.