Music
Press
• “The words catchy and irrepressible just begin to describe the string-band music uncorked by a quintet of gifted instrumentalists." - Downbeat Magazine
• “Ben Rudnick has a conversational singing style that's instantly engaging, an ear for an infectious tune (and beat), and an affinity for fun-to-sing lyrics." - Disney Family Fun Magazine
• “Sophisticated melodies, precise instrumentation and witty lyrics that delight the entire family." - Washington Post
• “Musical twists and jazzy tempos to get the whole family dancing – even Dad.” - Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine
• “Ben’s positive spirit comes across very well… his lyrics and topics are engaging without being cloying or sappy.” - Big Apple Parent
• “Rudnick's songs are clever and appealing, making the most of kids' imaginations.” - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
• “A good dose of fun.” - Boston Herald Online
• “Listening enjoyment for the whole family.” - Publishers Weekly
• “In other words, this is real music.” - Boston Globe
Discography
FULL CDS -
Emily Songs (2000) - Parents’ Choice Approved, John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product Award
Fun and Games (2002) - Parents’ Choice Silver Honor, discovery.com’s Award of Excellence, iParenting Hot Media, Children’s Music Web’s Best Recordings for both Preschoolers and Younger Children
Blast Off! (2004) - Parents’ Choice Recommended, a NAPPA Honors Award and Children’s Music Web’s Best Recordings for both Preschoolers and Younger Children
Live at the Playground WERS 88.9FM (2005)
Grace’s Bell (2007) - Parents’ Choice Award, NAPPA Honors and Independent Music Awards Vox Populi for Best Children's Album.
The Challenger Baseball Song and Other Hits (2007)
A Frog Named Sam - March 2009 - Parents Choice Recommended
BR&F Songs regularly play on family/kids radio stations.
Photos
Bio
Since the release of Emily Songs in 2000, Ben Rudnick and Friends have been playing family friendly music featuring instantly hum-able original songs and fun spins on well-known traditional material.
Boasting a high level of adventurous musicianship, their award winning recordings contain a unique acoustic sound ranging from light folk to bluegrass, calypso, and rock. As Booklist Magazine said in their January 2003 issue, “What comes though is a distinct personality, far from the slick, polished anonymity found on some popular recordings for this age group.”
Their exciting live shows only reinforce that observation. Drawing on the original songs and traditional material from their recordings, Ben Rudnick and Friends seamlessly integrate classic songs such as “Route 66,” “Oh Boy!,” “Jambalaya/Hey Good Looking, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and Beatles’ tunes into their sets. As Buzz McClain of the Washington Post commented “Ben Rudnick refuses to pander by making ‘children’s music,’ with the result being a disc of sophisticated melodies, precise instrumentation and witty lyrics that delight the entire family.”
Since Ben Rudnick and Friends original songs aren’t overtly children’s music, and enthusiastic renditions of well known songs appeal to all, everyone in the audience from the oldest to the youngest become involved in the excitement of the moment. Joy spreads across young faces and years fade from old faces. Performances tend to be “events” and a slice of time where families can relax and enjoy each other’s company. As Betsy Siggins Schmidt of Club Passim said, “Not only did the kids love the show, but the parents (and the grandparents) were singing and dancing as well.”
Links
