T. G. Vanini's first book -- a collection of poetry -- is now out! It's published by Post Traumatic Press with beautiful cover and interior illustrations by Carol Zaloom.
"Simply stunning!" --Michael Perkins.
"He can charm you, enthrall you, make you laugh and sing with his audacious inventiveness, and -- like all wizards who understand that the transcendent beauty and wonder of the world is underpinned by a profound sadness -- he can break your heart." -- Mikhail Horowitz.
You can read a poem from the book, and buy the book, at Post Traumatic Press's website.
Coming Soon! YUMPATIDDLY BEE: SILLY SONGS -- the new album by The Princes Of Serendip -- will be released by Jaiya Records in early 2019.
Adults and children enjoy this good-natured collection of acoustic songs. Some tell stories and jokes, some incorporate a serious message, some are pure whimsy. All are fun to sing along with. Voices, piano and strings.
This is the second in a projected series of four Princes of Serendip albums, after "Seed-Maid: Sentimental Songs", each highlighting a mood or feeling. These silly songs are perfect for a pick-me-up to restore good humor, or for a sing-along on a car journey, or with a bracing cup of chai to energize that mid-morning moment. The message is positive and warm throughout. The signature Serendip intertwining voices are accompanied by piano, strings, mandolin, upright bass, and occasional odd noises.
T. G. Vanini's songs explore everything from love to the delights of onions -- from crocodiles, bees and dinosaurs to the usefulness of knees -- from scientific discoveries (did you know that mice sing courting songs just like birds do?) to pure nonsense (what would it feel like to be a bouncy ball?) Be prepared for the world's first climate-change-peace-reggae-sea-shanty and for a celebration of the Fibonacci numbers. What is a silly song? Well, it may be whimsical or funny or amorous, it may have a punch line or it may be about a beautiful view or the joys of reading, it may have a serious message or its only message might be Smile! It won't take itself too seriously and it won't put anybody down. Some are sillier than others but all the songs on this album were specially selected for that elusive ingredient of silliness, so hard to fake or define, with the aid of T. G. Vanini's proprietary Sillyometer.
The Princes of Serendip are joined on this album by George Quinn (mandolin and bass), Mikhail Horowitz (vocals and harmonica), Julie Last and Jude Roberts (vocals), and Lou Pappas (bass). The album was recorded at Coldbrook Productions in Bearsville, NY, by Julie Last.
FUN SERENDIP FACTS!
The song SPOON THROUGH HONEY on our latest album “Seed-Maid” was inspired by a blue heron that T. G. encountered along the Sawkill Creek in Woodstock.
The CD [Seed-Maid:Sentimental Songs] is a beguiling breath of fresh air with not one weak moment. Every song is to be savoured and enjoyed. Do yourself a favour; dim the lights, light the fire, pour yourself a hot chocolate or a goblet of mulled wine, put on the CD and enjoy the passion (and compassion) that the Princes of Serendip bring to their music. You will thank yourself afterwards. John Sillberg, CKOL Radio, 93.7 FM, Campbellford, ON, Canada