Johnette Downing and Dickie Knickerbocker's
Never-Before Released Debut Children's Album from 1990
New Moon, Tunes for Little Folks
to be officially released on July 10, 2020
30th Anniversary of this vintage album!
In my June newsletter, I mentioned that during the pandemic self-quarantine, I began archiving old photographs, recordings and career memorabilia. In doing so, I rediscovered my debut children's album I recorded in 1990 with then musical partner Richard "Dickie" Knickerbocker titled New Moon, Tunes for Little Folks. In that newsletter, I shared with you an exclusive free link to listen to my "Love the World" song on that album, mostly because I thought the world could use some love. I then received inquiries about the album.
Recorded at Zymondo Studios in Metairie, Louisiana by George Izquerido on reel to reel analog (with plenty of the chorus reverb that was popular at that time), this “country for kids” album was never released publicly. Only 100 cassettes were printed, most of which were given to friends and family as gifts. In 2010, the album was digitized and remastered by David Farrell of Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans, Louisiana for preservation, but still not released.
2020 marks the 30th anniversary of this sweet little vintage record of twelve original and traditional songs, with a country twang, for children. To celebrate this anniversary, we are officially releasing this digital album for the first time, and hope you download and enjoy it a week ahead of the commercial release!
Image 1 - Original Cassette J-card
Image 2 - Original Cassette tape
Image 3 - Cover story for the Times-Picayune's Lagniappe Magazine, August 10, 1990
Image 4 - Band Photograph 1990
Dickie and I performed concerts for children between 1989 and early 1991 in Louisiana at schools, libraries, festivals, and venues, including a concert for the grand opening of the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Dickie, a former member of the Copas Brothers, and I also performed in the country/folk trio Pale Moon together with guitarist Chris Carpenter during that same time frame. Pale Moon performed at Tipitinas, Carrollton Station, Ruby's Roadhouse, and regularly at the Penny Post, among others.
Thank you for taking this trip down memory lane with me. I suppose the moral of the story is twofold; 1) Gems appear when one takes the time to look, and 2) Gems appear sooner when one is a better housekeeper. - Johnette
I will announce on July 10, 2020 that the album is available on the following streaming services, but YOU can stream it now! - Spotify, HearNow, Amazon, AppleMusic/iTunes, Deezer, YouTube, and johnettedowning.com.
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