Cranford Mom & Dad Release Kids Music Album 'Nature Soup'

CRANFORD, NJ — Almost a decade after her debut soul-pop album, Cranford resident Kat Rees D'Ambola, along with her husband Chris, released a children's music EP that is now streaming on all major platforms.

The EP, called "Nature Soup," is four tracks of nature-themed music for kids that "won't make parents want to punch a unicorn," according to a press release.

The title track kicks the album off with upbeat energy, a jazzy trumpet and hint of folk. This is followed by a ukulele cover of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," originally by Creedence Clearwater, to expose kids to some classic rock.

"Calm Thoughts" is next with soothing harmonies and gentle flute playing. The final track is an audio rendition of D'Ambola's award-winning picture book, “A Firefly’s Journey,” which was published 2021.

The EP was inspired by D'Ambola's two children, who served as co-writers, and whose soggy rain boots grace the album cover. Her husband, Chris, plays guitar and ukulele on the record, as well.

“Nature Soup” was recorded and produced at The Party Farm — a boutique production studio nestled in the Catskill Mountains in New York, the press release states.

D'Ambola grew up originally in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but her passion for music led her to New York City where she honed her singing, songwriting and performing skills, according to her website.

Over the span of a decade, she collaborated with various musicians, performed in "legendary" venues and wrote and co-produced a solo pop-soul album,“Kat Rees," which was released in 2013.

D'Ambola said she and her husband also perform as an acoustic duo called "Jampagne" and have performed at Cranford Porchfest and Couchfest. They will perform at Porchfest once again this year.

You can check out the EP via this link to Spotify.

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