Eric Herman - Snail's Pace

Eric Herman, one of our favorite kids' musicians, has released a lovely new collection of mellow pop music that is just perfect for getting your kids to wind down at the end of the day. Eric's previous three CDs showed off his goofy sense of humor, but he always reserved a few songs on each disc for a lullaby or ballad. On Snail's Pace, he brings together those tracks, with a few remixed and re-recorded, and gives us four completely new ones.

It's always a tricky thing when an artist re-records a popular song, but Eric's new rendition of his classic "The Elephant Song" out-cutes the original by featuring his two little girls as the helpful audience. The family influence is everywhere on this CD, with wife Roseann writing and producing, and now the kids doing vocals and even designing the cover art.

The new song that really stands out is "Scat Cat," a jazzy, finger-snapping tune about a prowling feline. My kids like just about any song about cats, but this one definitely delivers something out of the ordinary. Other new tracks include "Nightlight," "For The Beauty of the Earth," and a pretty rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

The main appeal of this collection of old and new songs is it's smooth and calming flow. Parents will definitely appreciate having 40 minutes of quiet pop music to get little ones ready for bed.

Snail's Pace gets a huge recommendation from my family. Visit Eric Herman's website to listen to tracks and purchase the CD.

If you're in the Seattle area, Eric is performing all around the Puget Sound over the next three weeks. Check his touring schedule for specific locations. He puts on a great show.