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.
