By Sruly Meyer – COLlive
Jewish music star Avraham Fried recently released a new children’s book and album entitled “Ani Shar,” and it has already become a huge hit. He shared some fascinating tidbits about it in a conversation with COLLive Magazine.
“I had no real plan to ever release a children’s book or album,” Fried says. “It was actually my producer, Yuval Stupel, who approached me about a year and a half ago with the idea. Yuval wanted to reach kids today who have never heard some of the classic songs, and this felt like the perfect way to introduce them.
“The book features 14 songs that are each about one minute in length. We had the songs rearranged to fit that one-minute mark by taking out intros and interludes, and we remade all the music and vocals for it. We intentionally chose faster, more upbeat songs to keep the pace moving and for kids to dance along.
“It’s been out for about 2 months – it was released around Chanukah time – and the response has been overwhelming, leading us to start mapping out the second book already. In addition, we plan to put out an “Ani Shar” concert series for kids!
“The production has two versions, one in English and another in Hebrew. The English one has the title “I Sing” on the cover, and the translated lyrics have really helped the kids connect to the songs. The Hebrew one has the original words “Ani Shar” on the cover.
“We have also been getting a lot of requests for additional languages, and we are currently looking into translating it into French and Russian, the top two most requested languages right now.”
“Although I didn’t think I’d ever do this, I can’t imagine not doing it after seeing my own grandchildren dancing and singing along to these songs. It especially brings me joy to see them singing the old classic, Tanya.
“I see this project as a means to bridge generations together. We have been blessed with some incredible Jewish music that today’s kids haven’t really been exposed to. This new production enables them to experience it in a fun, light way.”
There has been a lot of buzz around the new album, so it’s exciting to hear that there is more in store!
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Adorable
But it’s a shtikel tayer
Worth every penny. Our kids listen to them nonstop. Immensely enjoy that they are listening to songs I listened to when I was a kid.
I’m not a child and I don’t have children but I still want it. Next hey teves maybe?
Wow!! Want to buy this for my kids!