Search - Rachel Nelson :: "I'm Awesome!" said the Possum

"I?m Awesome!" is a blend of songs and stories for young listeners. With enough repetition and catchy tunes to grab younger ears and enough substance to hold the interest of older children, this CD will delight kids of any age. Rachel Nelson and friends mix fiddle, banjo, washtub bass, and guitar with mandolin, stand-up bass and hand drums to keep the musical combos interesting. You'll hear a capella singing, old-time fiddle and banjo, bluesey swing numbers, and some wonderful hand percussion work. In I?m Awesome!, Nelson blends her original songs, including "Tall Tale," "The Possum Song," "Whoa Back," and "Julia Butterfly," with traditional folk songs like "Walkin? Boss" and "The Cat Came Back." Her rollicking stringband version of "I?m My Own Grandma" will resonate with older listeners who remember the original Latham/Jaffe hit. Most exciting for Nelson are the stories she includes with the music, just as she does in live performance. I?m Awesome! features three stories, two written by Nelson and accompanied by her fiddle. The third is the true story of Julia Butterfly Hill, told with tasteful side effects by Tom Herbers. "My hope is that this CD will inspire young listeners to tell their own stories and write their own songs," says Nelson. A children?s chorus on three numbers invites listeners to sing along, and a rollicking live concert version of "The Cat Came Back" gives a taste of Nelson?s live performances.