Kelli Welli, a rising star in children’s music voted by PDX Parent magazine as one of the top 5 performers in Portland, will release a country-style, humor-filled album called Let’s Go Pistachio on January 29th. The first single, “Kickin’ It with My Chicken,” is available now, and the googly-eyed special edition CD is available for pre-orders via Bandcamp and KelliWelli.com.
The album of 15 original songs starts with “The Hat Song.” This peppy party tune encourages imaginative play and the power of a chapeau to take the wearer practically anywhere. Next up is the bluegrassy tune “The Smilers,” about how to make the best of even the darkest day. Wordplay and whimsy are hallmarks of the title track “Let’s Go Pistachio” (which could be a helpful parenting resources to entice kids to get out the door), and the songs “Peanut Pine Nut” and “Kickin’ It with My Chicken.” Kiddos struggling with toilet training and tooth care will feel proud as they sing the exuberant refrains of “Tinkle Tinkle Toot” and “Tonight I’ll Be Brushing One Less Tooth.” Little ones will be soaring to the Beatles-esque tune “I’ll Be a Butterfly,” and may even forget to complain for a few minutes while singing “I’m Waiting” and “We’re Almost Home.” While the album is mostly silly and fun, Kelli offers moments of tenderness and encouragement with “She’s So Bright” (about female empowerment, starring a girl who shines despite her disability) and “I’m Proud of You,” which Kelli’s mother used to sing to her.
Kelli Welli enlisted the help of producers Timothy James Uecker, Gabe Johnston and Bryan Daste. Several friends contributed their voices to the record, including the Gorman Family singers on “Chicken” and “Can’t Find My Appendix,” both songs written for their kids, and Portland artist Jessa Campbell. And Kelli’s eight-year-old niece Alice Block wrote the chorus of the “Tooth” song, then let Kelli add the rest.
Kelli Welli is also known as Kelli Caldwell, a songwriter and visual artist whose peppy and positive family music has been recognized by critics and radio programmers alike. Her accolades include a 2020 National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Award and the West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest for her last album, Ooh La La Too Doo Nah Nah Boop Oop Bop Ribbit. At her family concerts, Kelli adds funny hats, unique interactive elements, and lots of humor to build an engaging experience for parents and kids alike. In January 2021, she plans to engage her fans virtually with more livestreamed events. She’s also busy recording new music for her next Americana album for grownups. The former clown and magazine publicist was a long-standing board member of the Portland Songwriters Association and is active with the West Coast Songwriters and Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI), as well as the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Like parents everywhere, this Portland mom-musician has also been finding new ways to keep her 7-year-old twins engaged and learning during the pandemic.
“The last few years the world have felt pretty heavy for so many folks, especially getting through the quarantine, and we can teach kids a lot through music. I think that includes healthy ways to cope. Laughter, dancing, a little silliness and letting yourself get caught up in joyful music – those are some healthy ways to channel energy and release stress. I know it’s worked for my family, and I hope these new songs give kids and parents a little bit of that right now.”
Kelli Welli will share full lyrics to these songs, along with coloring pages and other activity ideas this winter at kelliwelli.com. Fans may also connect with her on Instagram and Facebook via @kelliwellikids.
