The Dragonfly Races

Ellis Paul

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 1, 2008)
• Original Release Date: January 22, 2008
• Number of Discs: 10
• Label: Black Wolf Records
• ASIN: B000ZZLL0I
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,382 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Wabi Sabi

2. Because It's There

3. Abiola

4. Road Trip

5. The Dragonfly Races

6. The Bed Song

7. The Little Red Rose

8. I Lost A Day To The Rain

9. I like To Swing

10. Million Chameleon March

11. Pinwheel

12. The Star Inside The Apple

13. Nine Months To Fix The World

Editorial Reviews

Review

"ELLIS PAUL'S"The Dragonfly Races" may look and feel like a children's record, but it sounds like a record for people who have children: It's a collection of songs whose bounciness and subject matter are kid-friendly but whose content is sophisticated enough for adults. Paul's songs seem like fairy tales set to music. "Abiola" is a girl who stands up against a king deceiving his people for his personal gain; "The Million Chameleon March" tells of a lizard-led protest on Washington with a gentleness that evokes Peter, Paul & Mary ("If we could just play like we're on the same team/This troubled world would be all right"). Paul's soft, sweet voice works beautifully with his subject matter. Its unassuming understatedness parallels the underdog dragonfly who wins "The Dragonfly Races," and the stunning harmonies on the a cappella "The Little Red Rose" underscore the song's message about improving the world with small actions. Accompanied by CD liner notes that look like a children's book with Paul's own charming illustrations accompanying his lyrics, it's tough to say who will enjoy "Races" more, children or adults. With Paul's discreetly metaphorical songs, there's enough for listeners of all ages to ponder and appreciate. -- Catherine P. Lewis --The Washington Post

Review

Paul is one of folkdom's most incisive and intimate songwriters. Now a doting father, his first family album, "Dragonfly Races," bubbles with buoyant, hummable songs that appeal to kids and parents - and incite good conversations between them. As simple as the songs are, they don't duck tough issues; a fairy tale, for instance, becomes a timely political allegory about leaders who peddle fear for their own purposes. Paul sings movingly about what really worries new parents and turns lazy dragonflies, gentle monsters, and resilient roses into useful metaphors for world peace, the power of faith, and the delights of a sleepy day. It's nice to see a world-class songwriter focus on kids without lowering either his sights or his standards. -- Scott Alarik --The Boston Globe

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy songs for adults and kids, June 4, 2009

By	Tina J. Bembry "Earnest Artist" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I heard "9 Months to Fix This World" on Acoustic Cafe on the radio, and the song has haunted me. I finally found the album and debated whether to buy it, as it is intended for children. But I did buy it, and I love it. The songmanship (you know what I mean!) is gorgeous, the lyrics are fun and lively, and it brings a smile to my face whenever I listen to the CD. So what if it's meant for kids! I need more simple but eloquent pleasures in my life!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic, May 7, 2008

By	carly - See all my reviews

My father bought this CD for my 1 year-old daughter. We have been fans of Ellis Paul's music for years. When my father heard that Ellis had produced a children's CD, he sent it to us. This is hands down, the best children's CD I have heard. The music is gentle, fun and meaningful. We picked up the lyrics to the songs quickly, and sing along together now. As an adult I appreciate the meanings behind the songs, and love having a CD I can enjoy just as much as my daughter does.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fast favorite in our home!, November 5, 2009

By	John Halloran "JP" (Cambridge, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had the luck to bump into an Ellis Paul children's show on Halloween at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA, and bought this album based on that show. The songs have quickly grown on both our 21 month old daughter and us! Having long been a fan of Ellis and his music, I was still a bit hesitant to purchase the CD, fearing it wouldn't cross over into "toddler world" all that well. Was I mistaken. My daughter loves I Like to Swing, Road Trip, and Million Chameleon March, while in addition I enjoy Pinwheel, A Little Red Rose, and Nine Months to Fix this World, as well as Because it's There (and the whole CD frankly). A few of the songs are simply well crafted Ellis songs, and not necessarily "children's songs". It has led me to dig out my old Ellis CD's even and reacquaint myself with them. If your family is a fan of Raffi, Elizabeth Mitchell, Woody, Dylan, and Seeger, don't hesitate to get this album to enjoy with your little one. Lastly, as opposed to some artists who have put out children's albums, these songs are not rife with 'adult' insider jokes, or unnecessary zany madness (that toddlers won't understand anyway). They are simply beautiful pieces of music, well written, and sung wonderfully by a man with a truly gifted voice. Thanks, Ellis, It is fantastic!!