Dan + Claudia Zanes – Pieces of Home (Smithsonian Folkways, 2024)
Pieces of Home is the latest offering from Dan + Claudia Zanes. For nearly a quarter-century, Dan Zanes has been a leading figure of family music, a genre he’s helped shape with his ability to bridge generations and cultures. Now, he is joined by his wife, Claudia Zanes, whose roots in jazz and community music therapy add both depth and soulful elegance to their sound. Together, the pair craft something even more profound. With Pieces of Home, they expand their impressive repertoire, creating a set of songs that inspire unity, uplift spirits, and celebrate togetherness.
Drawing deeply from the wells of American and Haitian folk traditions, this album pulses with the heartbeat of community. It’s an invitation; an open call for listeners to gather, to sing, to dance, to feel the warmth of each other’s presence. The Zanes describe it as a “front porch concert.” Indeed, that image of ease and togetherness feels fitting. Each track hums with the spirit of kinship, inviting listeners to relax into the moment, surrounded by those who matter most. Themes of peace, connection, and celebration of life weave through the album like a comforting thread. Songs like “A Friend in Springtime,” with its tender ode to the bonds of friendship, and “Breathe, I’m Here,” a comfort for troubled souls, exemplify this warm embrace.
Yet, Pieces of Home is not merely an exercise in introspection. It bursts into life with joyful collaborations, each adding its own tone to the album. “Believe,” a gentle ballad for young graduates, is made even richer with the distinctive presence of Father Goose. Meanwhile, “Sweet and Cool” brings a family groove, as Ethiopian-American singer Munit Mesfin and her band, Z Lovebugs, create a joyful and delightful singalong.
Claudia Zanes takes a moment to honor her Haitian heritage with “Se On Tifi,” a song passed from mother to daughter, steeped in the storytelling tradition that crosses oceans and generations. Pieces of Home continues with “Little Pal of Mine,” a playful ode to their beloved dog, Rezi.
The city of Baltimore, their chosen home, is at the heart of this album. It is a city with a rhythm all its own, and the Zanes capture it beautifully. “Walkin’ Talkin’ Baltimore” is a breezy tribute to the city’s streets and its people, while “Fly Like a Raven” bursts with the jubilant energy of a house party, nodding to the city’s American football team.
In a touching act, the Zanes also welcome local talent into their fold. Jazz vocalist Tyree Austin and banjo maestros Brad and Ken Kolodner infuse the old-time tune “Cranberry Rock” with an authenticity.
The album’s closing track, “Guide My Feet,” is a tribute of great significance. As Ella Jenkins, the pioneering “First Lady of Children’s Music,” nears her 100th birthday, the Zanes honor her legacy with a song learned from the Freedom Riders of the Civil Rights Movement. It is a powerful, unflinching reminder of music’s role in the fight for equality.
About Dan + Claudia Zanes
Dan Zanes, a Grammy Award-winning children’s music performer, and Claudia Zanes, a Haitian American jazz vocalist and music therapist, create a unique mix of joyful, spirit-lifting music. The duo skillfully mixes early rock and roll, vocal jazz, and North American folk traditions. Their goal is to inspire people to sing together and find connection through music. Known for their inclusive, community-centered performances, Dan + Claudia Zanes create music that resonates with both children and adults, or “kid sympathizers,” combining the harmonies of the past with a fresh, modern sound.
Dan Zanes first gained prominence as a rock musician before becoming one of the most beloved family music artists of the 21st century. His discography includes over a dozen all-ages albums, and he has toured worldwide, appearing on major children’s television networks. Claudia, before meeting Dan, led one of New England’s largest music therapy programs at the Community Music Center of Boston. She was the first Black woman in Massachusetts to direct such a program. Their musical partnership began in 2016, and they’ve been performing together ever since.
In recent years, the duo has embarked on several notable projects. They created Night Train 57, the United States’ first sensory-friendly comic folk opera, which premiered at the Kennedy Center. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, they launched “The Social Music Song Series,” recording a song a day for 200 consecutive days to foster connection in a time of isolation. Their award-winning songbook House Party was published by The Quarto Group, and their latest album, Pieces of Home, marks their second release with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
Committed to inclusivity, Dan + Claudia Zanes are known for their sensory-friendly performances, designed to accommodate neurodiverse audiences and create a welcoming atmosphere for all. They are also developing a “deep touring” model, which extends beyond the stage to include outreach in classrooms, shelters, eldercare facilities, and hospitals.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.