New Release, “Jumpiinjazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale” feat Dee Dee Bridgewater, Hubert Laws & Al Jarreau coming Sept. 25th, 2012

Los Angeles, CA. “JumpinJazz
Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale” celebrates the rich history of Jazz and
Popular music by paying tribute to its legendary pioneers through story,
song and a variety of musical styles. This unique blend of classic
storytelling and fun, original jazz/pop songs are performed by
world-renowned jazz artist’s Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau and Hubert
Laws and backed by an energetic jazz quartet, full symphony orchestra
and narration and voice characterizations by James Murray. “JumpinJazz
Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale” introduces children to the imaginative
worlds of jazz, the spoken word and the Symphony in a fun yet
educational, engaging and unique way. Produced and created by music
industry veterans Steve Barta and Mark Oblinger, “JumpinJazz Kids – A
Swinging Jungle Tale” is set for release September 25th.

Said
Barta and Oblinger, “Our main goal is to provide quality children’s
entertainment that fully engages the listener’s imagination. “A Swinging
Jungle Tale” supports this idea through our “Imagination Is Me!”
concept that requires the listener to actively visualize the story and
imitate the animal dance movements in each song to become a “real” part
of the tale. We believe that with the quality of the music, the magnetic
performances of the artists involved and the imaginative nature of the
story, “JumpinJazz Kids” has something “wonderful” to offer all ages.”

All three artists – Bridgewater, Jarreau and Laws – were equally
enthralled with the project and offered their support immediately when
approached to participate and their performances from the downbeat let
you know that this is no ordinary children’s CD. Bridgewater’s
unparalleled chops are featured on “This Elephant’s Gerald,” while
Jarreau’s playful vocals highlight “Do The Monkey Swing” and “Hubert
Hummingbird.” Laws adds flute to both a song named in his honor, “Hubert
Hummingbird” and “Her Name Is Little Growl.”

“JumpinJazz Kids”
is a unique line of children’s music that combines classic narrative
storytelling with fun, pop-influenced jazz songs backed by a Symphony
Orchestra. The stories follow the imaginative adventures of a seven
year-old girl named Claire and her stuffed animal friends. The first
title in the series, “A Swinging Jungle Tale,” finds Claire in her
Grandpa’s backyard jungle looking for a “lost story” and powered by her
imagination alone, Claire’s stuffed animal friends begin to magically
come to life and she learns all about their world … and a little bit
about herself along the way.

With the story for “A Swinging
Jungle Tale” already translated and recorded in French, Japanese and
Spanish, it is the vision of “JumpinJazz Kids” to develop a series of
interactive CDs, books, apps, concerts and educational events nationally
and worldwide with the premise being to teach jazz and symphonic
history, provide music education, promote children’s physical activity
through dance and movement, enlighten their understanding of the animal
world and most importantly, to allow their imaginations to flow.
Concerts have already taken place with full orchestra/jazz quartet in
Colorado and Milwaukee and were met with widespread critical acclaim.
JumpinJazz Kids – “A Swinging Jungle Tale” – a celebration of story,
song and swing . . . where Imagination is King!

About the JumpinJazz Creators:

Mark Oblinger

Songwriter, Composer, Producer and Performer

Mark Oblinger is the writer, co/writer of the songs and story for “A
Swinging Jungle Tale.” He is a former member of Atlantic Recording
Artist “Firefall” and has a long history of award winning work as a
songwriter, composer, producer and performer. He created and produced
two national award winning Jazz CDs for children, “Jungle Jazz Joint
Jam” and “Jazz Joint Jump” and has won 5 Heartland Emmy Awards for his
work as a composer/producer for the PBS Children’s Show, “The Big Green
Rabbit,” “Yesterday’s Zoo and “The Sea I See”. Mark has arranged,
produced and performed on dozens of CDs for numerous national and
Colorado artists including vocal work on CDs by Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame member Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco) and the Grammy
nominated “The Spark” by Chris Daniels. Mark has composed music for
short films and television including featured pieces for the Oprah
Winfrey Show, Dr. Oz, Gaiam and theme music for Disneyworld’s Dolphin
and Swan Resorts. Mark shares his Boulder, Colorado home with his wife
and co-author of “A Swinging Jungle Tale.” Linda and their two children,
Kyle and (you might have guessed it) . . . Claire.

Steve Barta

Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Producer and Educator

Pianist Steve Barta has stayed true to his creative path for over
thirty years as a Composer, Recording Artist, Producer, Author, Educator
and Speaker. He has performed his original works as a solo artist with
jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. His contribution to the world of
music includes fourteen recordings that reflect his many influences,
particularly Brazilian, Jazz and Classical. Steve has released fourteen
recordings to date. He has worked and/or recorded with the likes of Al
Jarreau, Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann, Dori Caymmi, B.B. King, Dee Dee
Bridgewater, Paulinho da Costa, Mike Shapiro and many more. His
recordings are available worldwide via SteveBartaMusic.com, iTunes, Amazon.com,
and CD Baby. Steve has written several works for symphony orchestra
that have been performed worldwide. Mr. Barta is a music educator with
over thirty years of experience teaching intermediate to advanced
students, educators and professional musicians. Special areas of
instruction for private students, clinics and Master Classes are Music
Interpretation, Improvisation, Arranging and Composition.