MaryLee
as "Mother Goose"

*Photo copyrighted 2003 by
Kathryn Kittinger

Reviews of Mother Goose Melodies

"An ideal introduction to these enduring classics."

"Sunseri's clear voice and medieval-sounding instruments
breathe new life into these classic tunes."

"A must-have for every librarian who performs programs for
young children."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - Multi-media Review, Audio,
Music, March 2004: Mother Goose Melodies CD (PreS-Gr3)

MaryLee Sunseri explains in her informative liner notes, the origin of
Mother Goose is a mystery; she is likely "a composite of many women
singing for children down through the ages, passing along folk songs and clapping rhymes, generation to generation." Sunseri, an ideal
ambassador of this tradition, not only sings but also plays guitar,
recorders, banjo and percussion on this album. From familiar favorites
like "This Little Pig" and "Humpty Dumpty" to lesser known songs like "The Fox" and "White Coral Bells," Sunseri's clear voice and appropriately medieval-sounding instrumentals breathe new life into classic tunes. Many of the arrangements incorporate more than one Mother Goose rhyme, and most are set to familiar tunes, encouraging family sing-alongs. The wide variety of tunes will appeal to young and old alike. After listening to "Five Wild Dragons," even seven-year old boys will realize that Mother Goose is not only for

babies. An ideal introduction to these enduring classics, whether for babies or older children and grownups who never had the pleasure of experiencing them before, and a must-have for every librarian who presents programs for young children. - Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia



"Very creative arrangements that make them stand out from
other versions of Mother Goose"

"MaryLee's voice is clear as a bell"

BAY NEWS - Media Watch, January 2004

Many Bay Area librarians know MaryLee Sunseri, from her many
successful library concerts. She has also performed at the Monterey
Bay Aquarium and the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. This new recording
of Mother Goose songs evolved out of her performances at the
Renaissance Faire, as the music originated at that time in history. She
has adapted the songs for modern children, but uses authentic
(non-electric) instruments.

The 24 songs included on this CD are accompanied by guitar,
recorders, banjo, and percussion instruments, all played by MaryLee.
Many of the songs will be familiar: "Old King Cole," "Humpty
Dumpty," "Mockingbird," "Bobby Shafto," and many others.
Many are done in harmony with very creative arrangements that make
them stand out from other versions of "Mother Goose."

A few were new to me: "Singing School" and "Five Wild
Dragons." "Hayride Road," a variant of "Turkey In The Straw," had a wonderful Andrew Sisters-like harmony. "The Farmer's Apple
Tree" sounds like a madrigal, and is a counting song. "Little Brown
Dog" is a story song that is quite engaging.

MaryLee's strong soprano voice is clear as a bell, and will engage
babies, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as their parents. MaryLee
has received numerous awards for her recordings, including three
Parents' Choice Awards, and two of her CD's were named to
ALA/ALSC's Notable Children's Recordings lists.

Many of her concerts have themes - ocean songs, Irish or Italian songs, lullabies, etc. She has included a new Mother Goose-themed concert in her repertoire. She can be contacted on her website
www.maryleemusic.com, for both scheduling concerts or ordering
recordings. - Penny Peck, Senior Youth Librarian, San Leandro Public Library