News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)


May 17, 2004

Musical dad creates smart songs for children

Author: Robin DeMerell NEWS-TIMES CORRESPONDENT

Section: Local

Estimated printed pages:  3

Article Text:

John Douglas Hurbon wants to change the world - one happy song at a time.

A father of two with several nieces and nephews, Hurbon was tired of the music that was available for children.

"All I kept finding was music devoid of instruments. It's all processed computer sounds - like 200 kids screaming out the words," said the part-time musician.

That's why the Danbury resident recently recorded his own children's CD, "Puppy Song Party."

Hurbon, who is a direct care worker for the state Department of Mental Retardation, said he embarked on the musical project "because I was looking for a CD for kids that wouldn't insult children's and their parents' intelligence.

"I wanted to make children's music interesting and inspire children to want to use instruments," Hurbon said. "I'm really playing the harmonica. I'm really playing the piano and the bass and acoustic guitar."

Most of the music on the CD is from traditional children's music books, such as "Hickory Dickory Dock" and "Five Little Monkeys." Four original songs include "Exercise," "Great Dream Giver," "Going Down the Track," and the "Puppy Song."

Although he labeled the genre "children's folk music," the recording has various influences. Some songs have a Caribbean sound that stems from his reggae days. "Little Green Frog" has a disco beat. And, there's a little Mr. Rogers in "Eensy Weensy Spider" as Hurbon explains how different instruments sound and then guides the children through the songs.

"I wanted to be there with the children in the room while they're listening to the songs," Hurbon said. "When they leave one of my concerts, they still get that personal interaction. I hope they have a heightened interest in music."

The musician and his wife Shalini have lived in Danbury since 1990 and have two daughters, Audriana, 13 and Helena, 7.

Although his first CD has been recorded, Hurbon is not ready to hang up his guitar. His second CD "Painting My Garden" is due out in July. The CD will contain mostly songs written by Hurbon and will address racial diversity and friendship building.

"I'd also like to have a television show that asks a lot of questions," said Hurbon, who wants to showcase the inquisitive nature of young children.

Hurbon's musical career started as a 3-year-old tapping milk bottles with his father's golf clubs to make different sounds. After he was given a harmonica at age 5, Hurbon taught himself to play along with the Beatles and Bob Dylan.

When he's not working or spending time with his family, Hurbon can be found singing locally for children - complete with his quilted crescent moon pillow

Children are welcome to help out with the music by playing percussion or shouting out answers to riddles.

"I ask a lot of questions," Hurbon said. "Like how many years can a snail sleep and the answer to that is three years. How does a butterfly taste? With his feet. These are questions that get kids to respond, to verbalize their opinions. And we make up songs on the spot like the beach day song, DJs and PJs and Mommy's going to pick me up."

Hurbon will be playing for children regularly at Choice Pet Supply store in Danbury's Wal-Mart plaza on Newtown Road.

"He's going to be part of our events schedule," said manager Joe Fiore. "Most of his songs are about pets and it's good for family shoppers - it gets the attention of the kids."

Hurbon will be playing at Choice Pet Supply Saturday and May 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Wal-Mart plaza. He said sometimes up to 40 children show up at his shows and it's quite a party.

"I love to see the kids laughing and happy. Children are growing up through traumatic events - divorce, sibling struggles, the family is being attacked from different angles," Hurbon said. "For me to bring a light of happiness through music: That's what my purpose is."

Hurbon's CD is available locally at The Music Guild on Main Street for $7.99 or online for $10.99 at www.cdbaby.com under children's storytelling.

Caption:






The News-Times/Michael Duffy

Copyright, 2004, The News-Times (Danbury, CT)

Record Number:
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