Tom Chapin is an old veteran in Folk music, and on his new release, “Give PEAS a Chance,” the three time Grammy winner shows just why he is such a beloved icon. A master of modern folk and children’s music, Chapin has constructed a bright, lively, and fun album that educates as well as entertains.
Tom Chapin is also the younger brother of the famed singer-songwriter, Harry Chapin. Like his brother, Tom is dedicated to preventing world wide hunger. “Give PEAS a Chance” tackles that issue in a way that children can understand.
“Give PEAS a Chance” Teaches Children About Nature and Food
Chapin is not one to back away from issues that he cares about, and that includes hunger prevention and the environment. “Give PEAS a Chance” is subtitled “Whole Grain Music for Free Range Earthlings,” and that is exactly what the album is about.
On this album Chapin sings about food issues such as supporting local farmers, sustainable farming practices, making healthy food choices, and the complex topic of world hunger. One would think that this would be too much for a child to handle, but Chapin makes the medicine go down smooth with his clever lyrics and shimmering guitar, banjo, and piano.
Perhaps the most moving song on “Give PEAS a Chance” is the closing number, “Enough For Everyone.” Chapin is on the board of WhyHunger, which was founded by his brother Harry 35 years ago. “Enough for Everyone” eloquently inspires the listener with its beautiful melody and the achingly sweet fiddle of Jay Ungar, a regular in New York’s Hudson Valley Folk scene, where Tom Chapin lives and plays.
Chapin Creates Upbeat, Lively Kids’ Music Steeped in Traditional Folk
Despite “Give PEAS a Chance” being a kids’ album, there is plenty of meat on the bone for folk music lovers. Chapin mixes different styles, from Piedmont Blues to Mexican to Ragtime. After 22 albums, Chapin is a master of the Folk genre and can play with the best of them.
That being said, this is a children’s album, and may become repetitive to adults after a while. For a better taste of Chapin’s work for adults, try 2009’s “Let the Bad Times Roll.”
Characteristics of Give PEAS a Chance
- Earnest
- Bright
- Lively
- Rootsy
- Clever
- Childlike
- Compelling
Tom Chapin To Play Clearwater Festival With Niece Jen Chapin
This year, Tom Chapin will once again be playing The Great Hudson River Revival, also known as The Clearwater Festival. The Clearwater Festival has been a tradition in the Hudson Valley for over 40 years, taking place every Father’s Day Weekend. This year the festival will be on June 18th and 19th.
Also performing at the Clearwater Festival are:
- Pete Seeger
- Drive-By Truckers
- Arlo Guthrie
- Peter Yarrow
- Janis Ian
- The Low Anthem
- Billy Bragg
- Indigo Girls
- Dar Williams
- Jorma Kaukonen
- Josh Ritter
- The Felice Brothers
Though the stages will be packed with Folk luminaries, Tom Chapin will stand bright among them. “Give PEAS a Chance” reaffirms his ability to make children’s music that has meaning, food for a growing child’s mind.
Grade For “Give PEAS a Chance" -- A-
Craig Sanders - Craig Sanders is happy to be the Suite101 Feature Writer for Folk Music, as writing and music have been his twin loves his whole ...
