Karen Potje

Karen Potje delighted young and old at the Atwater Library on May 24 at the launch of her CD of children’s music, Can't Help But Love You, Baby. Potje started writing songs [16] years ago after her child was born when she wrote a song about him. She continued from there, writing ‘a collection of songs in my head,’ said Potje.

A resident of Burton, ‘‘the kids on Burton got me going again,’’ said Potje. It was then, three and a half years ago, that she approached her producer and decided to make her first album of children’s music.

Potje and her ensemble of Montreal musicians performed songs from the album at the launch. The songs, with their clever, fun lyrics based on Potje’s real life, got everyone’s feet tapping. Toddlers and children in the audience were encouraged to participate with instruments provided by Potje.

After the performance, the audience called for an encore, which Potje performed. ‘‘I am really happy with the result,’’ Potje said of her album, ‘‘and I got to work with such great musicians.’’ For information or to purchase a copy of Potje’s CD, contact her at karen@karenpotje.com


- Westmount Independent May 27, 2008

June 17, 2008
Written by Jennifer

Kyle (who just turned 4) and I have been road-testing a few CDs.….
If you’d like to introduce some new music to your family’s playlist, read on. These have passed the Mom-test, the preschooler test, and are generally approved by the nine-year-old big sister as well:
Can’t Help But Love You, Baby–
Karen Potje grew up hating country music. When she moved to Texas (where she sang with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra), she just couldn’t resist any longer. She came to love the music and even wrote some of her own. When her first child was born, she couldn’t stop writing about the relationship between moms and kids. She wanted to write songs that would appeal equally to kids and the adults that care for them.
She succeeded! Kyle calls this CD “your CD.” As in, “Can we listen to your new CD?” which he does ask regularly. Among the kid-picks, it’s definitely Amanda’s favorite. Kyle recognizes the quality of grown up music–nice vocals and background music without silliness. Wait–there is silliness, but it’s refined silliness. The song, “Better Keep Your Shoes On” warns children what might happen if your toes aren’t contained within your socks and shoes. Our favorite song, “Bunnies on my PJs” is a toddler’s lament about being stuck in cutesy PJs when he really likes his jammies tough.
Stylistically the music on Can’t Help But Love You Baby is varied–a little Spanish “ai-yai-yai” in one song, some jazzy tunes, folksy country and more. It’s all pretty laid back, and it’s pretty appealing to all ages, which is a great way to keep the energy level and arguing down, which is sometimes just what the Mommy ordered.
- 5 minutes for Mom, www.5minutesformom.com/?s=potje

Ontario native Karen Potje performs her jazzy pop with a sprinkle of sophisticated country. No surprise, because Potje's background includes a stint in Texas digging local country & western music while performing with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Potje's lyrical, witty tunes for and about children are inspired by her own kids, and backed by an all star collection of Montreal musicians, including Rob Fahie, Philip Hornsey, Joshua Lebofsky, and Jordan Officer.
- Kids music that rocks http://kidsmusicthatrocks.blogspot.com/2008/07/friday-free-for-all-15.html Fri