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Star Struck

I got to talk to Jack Pearson today! For those of you have never heard of him, he's Mr. Song-Strummin' Story-man, a folk singer who visits schools to sing and tell stories (his website is here). I had called the phone number on his website to order some CDs for presents. Can you imagine how tickled I was to hear a very familiar voice on the other end of the line saying "Hello, this is Jack."

I was very surprised, to say the least. We have had his CDs in our car for months. I think I've probably heard them more than he has! The thing I like best about them is that they do not get old. There are many types of songs, from new compositions to folk songs, stories and instrumentals. The favorite is probably "Eekebee", a retelling of the fable of the lion and the mouse. As the lion says, "Even a mouse can do great things, if he is brave." My favorite is probably the story "Freedom Bird" from a Thai folk tale.

I got to tell him the story of how Eleanor wanted to hear his music when she had a sprained arm on the way to the urgent care center. I told him how Amanda at 2 loved to yell out "Eekebee!" when that part came around on the song. I didn't get to tell him that when Amanda hears the part of the song "We're all like this old guitar," she responds "But I'm like a violin!"

I also didn't tell him the story of when I decided that I wanted to listen to Prairie Home Companion one day, and I had a virtual rebellion on my hands with Eleanor and Amanda chanting in the back seat, "Jack Pearson music! Jack Pearson music!" Sorry, Mr. Keillor.

I really like how he dramatizes the stories with different voices and sounds from his guitar. I remember in particular the story of the dog, Blue, where he makes the sound of a horn echoing through the mountains. Sometimes I forget that he is only one person! I really wonder what other career choices he could have made: it seems like song-strumming storyman is the perfect career for him. In addition to the presents, I got the CD "Fax yourself to Jesus" for myself---what a great title!

It was very gratifying to tell someone I admire how much of a difference he has made in our lives. I hope some day he comes down to North Carolina. I also hope that more people get interested in his music, because he deserves to be heard. I think the best starter disc is Tooth Fairy and other Kidbits, since it has both songs and stories. We also like Possible Bag, since it has "faith songs" with more content and less annoyingness than many recordings I've heard.
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