This Spring, Grammy Award-winning Americana adventurers, The Okee Dokee Brothers, invite families on a woodland musical escapade as they wander deep inside the forest of imagination to Brambletown. The album is a 17-song collection that celebrates a fantastical place where “critters can talk, trees can walk and nothing’s as it seems.”

Listeners will be introduced to the forest’s wild residents: Junkyard Raccoon, Doctor Mole, Fox and Hare, Possum, and Old Badger who lead a journey full of mysterious dreams, rowdy celebrations, tempting distractions, and ancient wisdom. The inviting and mystical setting encourages listeners to take a look around to see how we are truly all connected. Brambletown provides an honest look at life’s challenges through  lightheartedness and optimism.

Through their welcoming and joyous music, The Okee Dokee Brothers hope the approachable collection will encourage families to have meaningful conversations about the important topics and universal messages raised in their songs. Themes include environmental concerns, interconnection, plant and animal wisdom, and how taking care of ourselves and our relationships is part of taking care of the world. The Brothers aim to inspire a sense of gratefulness, humility, wonder, and respect for the life forces that connect all things.

The Brothers’ trusted melodies and unfussy lyrics act as a guide through the woods of Brambletown. Like on previous albums, the Brothers draw heavily from the sounds and instrumentation of traditional folk songs that have been passed down for generations. Blends of banjo, trombone, harmonica, cello, pedal steel, accordion, and more echo throughout the forest.

The eclectic mix of music includes upbeat songs like the call and response “In The Bramble”, the raucous “Night on the Town”, female empowerment in the fiddle driven “Run, Little Rabbit, Run” and campfire sing-alongs like “Child of Nature”. Humorous songs like “Weasel & Weasel’s Convenience Store”, the Fur Metal jam “The Varmints” and “Critter Jitter Brew” bring out the giggles, while softer soothing tunes like “Little Bird”, “Trouble In Paradise” and “The Mycelium Underground News” all touch on the state of our planet. Certain songs address challenging topics that act as conversation starters for families. “The Fox and the Hare” touches on domestic separation, and “Old Badger” confronts dependency and recovery - all with heart and compassion. More mellow tracks include “The Life That’s In You” an anthem about interconnection, and “Little Dipper and Big Dipper” a lullaby which contemplates our place in the cosmos.

The band recorded the album at No Parking Studios nestled in the woods of New York’s Hudson Valley where Grammy winner Dean Jones produced, mixed and engineered. Huntley Miller at HM Mastering mastered the tracks, and the enchanting album art and design is by well-known board game artist, Andrew Bosley.

Brambletown releases March 31 on CD, vinyl, and digital everywhere your adventures may take you. The Okee Dokee Brothers are currently working with paper stop-motion animator Eric Power to create a Brambletown short musical film/visual album that will be released within the next year. To learn more, visit okeedokee.org and stay tuned for news on the upcoming film.

ABOUT THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS
As childhood friends growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. Now, as the GRAMMY® Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they have put this passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music. Joe and Justin record and perform family music hoping to inspire children and their parents to step outside and get creative. They believe this can motivate kids to gain a greater respect for the natural world, their communities, and themselves. The five-time Parents’ Choice Award winners have garnered praise from the likes of NPR’s All Things Considered and USA Today, and have been called “two of family music’s best songwriters.”

BRAMBLETOWN TRACKLISTING

1. In the Bramble
2. Child of Nature
3. Junkyard Raccoon
4. Doctor Mole’s Apothecary
5. Night on the Town
6. Weasel & Weasel’s Convenience Store
7. Little Bird
8. The Varmints
9. Run, Little Rabbit, Run
10. Critter Jitter Brew
11. Old Badger
12. The Fox and the Hare
13. The Mycelium Underground News
14. Trouble in Paradise
15. Possum’s Point of View
16. The Life That’s in You
17. Little Dipper and Big Dipper

On September 9, 2023, Symphony Space in New York City will be celebrating the life and art of the late 2x Grammy nominee Morgan Taylor. The special event will feature friends of Taylor’s, world-class musicians and artists who will gather to celebrate the immense creativity of the Gustafer Yellowgold catalog.

Featured artists at the concert include Norah Jones, Matt Wilson of Trip Shakespeare, David Poe, The Pop-Ups, Joe Mailander of The Okee Dokee Brothers, Danny Weinkauf of They Might Be Giants, Jesse Harris, Justin Roberts, Frances England and Taylor’s wife, Rachel Loshak, all accompanied by long-time bandmates of Taylor, Rob Jost and Dan Rieser.

Two-time Grammy-nominated musician Morgan Taylor (1969-2022) created Gustafer Yellowgold for everyone. Since the first album was released in 2005, countless children of all-ages have enjoyed the songs that tell the story of Gustafer Yellowgold’s whimsical journey from the sun to earth and how he built a life there with his new-found friends. These songs also reveal the inner soul, thoughts, and emotions of a charming character we can all relate to and love.

For 17 years children and families came, over and over to Gustafer Yellowgold Shows from coast to coast and almost everywhere in between, as well as across the ocean in the UK, and even once in Seoul, South Korea.

Symphony Space’s Director of Performing Arts Darren Critz said “It was deeply meaningful for Symphony Space to be a home to Morgan and Gustafer Yellowgold for so many years, and to revel in the joy he brought to audiences. Many of the musicians paying tribute to him at this event are also longtime members of the Symphony Space family, and though our dear friend Morgan won't be here to guide us, his creative spirit, musical joy, and incredible warmth will be palpable as we join together to honor him.”

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Taylor family, with a portion being donated to the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) Q the Music program in Taylor’s hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Q the Music is an El Sistema inspired daily after-school string orchestra program that supports the musical, academic and social growth of at-promise youth in the Dayton community.

Also, that same weekend brings the release of ‘The Best of Gustafer Yellowgold,’ a limited edition double-yellow-vinyl album. The collection was created to remember and celebrate Taylor, and his rich and creative journey with Gustafer Yellowgold. Out of 100 songs on the nine Gustafer Yellowgold albums released from 2005-2021, fans voted for their favorites, and the top 14 songs were chosen to be included on the vinyl album. For the second half of the album, dear friends of the artist came together to honor his work by recording their own versions of their favorite Gustafer songs. With 17 tracks in all, including a reading by his youngest son, Ridley Loshak-Taylor, these artists captured the humor, beauty, nuance, and pure soft rock genius that Morgan’s songwriting so lovingly encapsulated. The cover art of the album was drawn by Morgan’s eldest son, Harvey Loshak-Taylor.

Gustafer Yellowgold, originally from the sun, is a shining example of the brilliance of Morgan Taylor, and though he may be gone into oblivion, Gustafer Yellowgold will stay with us forever.

ABOUT MORGAN TAYLOR:

The music and ‘moving art’ of Gustafer Yellowgold was created and performed by 2x Grammy™ nominated artist, Morgan Taylor. The Ohio native transplanted to New York City in 1999, melding his artistic passions of cartooning and songwriting in what began as children’s picture books starring the yellow, friendly Sun alien. Acclaim has included The New York Times, which described Gustafer as “A cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” and Entertainment Weekly who praised “…The most infectious original songs. It’s like tapping into some pleasure center in the brain- both adult and kid…absurdly appealing.” 

This spring marks the release of "AnceStars," a family-focused album by Grammy-nominated mother-and-son duo Nnenna and Pierce Freelon. "AnceStars" is a distinctive recording that delves into the wonder and mystery of the ancestral spirit world. It comprises 13 original songs, each thoughtfully crafted to appeal to all ages. These songs foster a healthy curiosity about life, the afterlife, transformation, healing, and legacy.

The Freelons share a deep and thriving connection to their ancestors. Through their music, rooted in their family’s journey and African American folklore and tradition, they aim to ignite a similar authentic connection in others. This artfully produced album presents the concept with a touching, soothing, celebratory, and beautiful softness. The 2019 passing of Pierce's father and Nnenna's husband, Phil Freelon, significantly influenced their lives and creative paths. Phil, renowned as the architect of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, succumbed to ALS. Both Nnenna and Pierce received Grammy nominations in 2021 for their individual album tributes to Phil: Pierce's "Black to the Future" and Nnenna's "Time Traveler." "AnceStars" represents the next step in their deeply spiritual artistic journey.

"Making music with my son has been a dream come true. I never realized how much I needed this healing," Nnenna reflected. "There are moments when you feel your ancestors uplifting you. This recording is one of those moments."

"I've sensed generations of ancestors flowing through me during this project. They are always with me, offering guidance, love, and protection. I am grateful to honor them with our music, celebrating our sacred bond," added Pierce.

The title track, "AnceStars," warmly invites listeners into the album, serving as an ancestral call to the homeland of the spirit world. "The Land of Love," as Queen Mother Frances Pierce (Nnenna’s mother) referred to 'Heaven,' represents the cosmic origin and destination before birth and after death. "ABC You a G" is a loving alphabetical tribute from Pierce to his daughter Stella. "CelebraShine" is an Afrobeat party song that encourages family dance and celebration. "Build an Altar," featuring Las Cafeteras, highlights ancestral veneration in African American, Mexican, and Indigenous traditions. "Sing Me Down," originally from Nnenna’s 1998 jazz album "Maiden Voyage," gains new meaning after the loss of Pierce’s nephew and Nnenna's grandson, Wonderful. This lullaby, accompanied by Grammy-nominated vocalist Jarrett Johnson and 10-time Grammy Award winner Alvin Chea of Take 6, symbolizes both death and transformation.

"Side by Side," an interlude with Nnenna and granddaughter Stella, reflects on perpetual closeness to ancestors, inspired by Pierce's picture book "Daddy & Me: Side by Side." "You Live in My Memories" honors the enduring presence of departed ancestors in our lives. Nnenna's "Cry a Rainbow" embraces the spectrum of emotions, while "Help You Do The Work," again featuring Jarrett Johnson, underscores the importance of support and self-care. "Little Mushroom" expresses gratitude to fungi for their role in life's cycle, and "Everything Comes and Goes" uses seasonal changes as a metaphor for life's transience. "SonShine," a collaboration between Pierce and producer Omari “Hir-O” Hall, honors their fathers' legacies. The album concludes with "Not So Far Away (interlude)," a gentle reminder of the ever-present spirit of our ancestors.

All songs were written and produced in Durham, North Carolina, by Nnenna and Pierce Freelon, mixed by Steve McKie, and mastered by Jason Richmond. "AnceStars" releases everywhere on May 19. Concurrently, Pierce Freelon's new children's book about his late father, "Daddy & Me: Side by Side," and a new PBS documentary on their family’s ALS journey, "Matter of Mind: My ALS," will be released during ALS awareness month. Nnenna's award-winning podcast "Great Grief" has also recently launched its second season.

ABOUT THE FREELONS
Nnenna and Pierce Freelon, a dynamic mother-and-son duo, are national treasures. Nnenna, a multiple Grammy® Award nominee and creator of the award-winning podcast "Great Grief," is celebrated for her compelling storytelling and captivating performances. Pierce, a Grammy®-nominated musician, author, and educator, has gained recognition through appearances on the Today Show, Rolling Stone, and an Emmy award for his PBS web series "Beat Making Lab." In 2022, they made Recording Academy history as the first mother-and-son to be nominated for Grammys in different categories at the same awards: Pierce for Best Children’s Music Album and Nnenna for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Together, they offer a transformative and electrifying live experience, blending story, voice, and music.

Connect with Pierce and Nnenna through their websites and social media platforms.

ANCESTARS TRACKLISTING

    AnceStars
    ABC You a G feat. Stella Freelon
    CelebraShine
    Build an Altar feat. Las Cafeteras
    Sing Me Down feat. Jarrett Johnson & Alvin Chea
    Side by Side (interlude)
    You Live in My Memories
    Cry a Rainbow
    Help You Do The Work feat. Jarrett Johnson
    Little Mushroom
    Everything Comes and Goes
    SonShine feat. DL Zene
    Not So Far Away (interlude)