In this post, Scott shares his discovery of Renee & Jeremy’s sweet sounds, how our paths crossed with theirs, an overview of their work, a link to a free download for all to enjoy, and a chance to win one of their magical cd’s + a Love All the World bodysuit or tee from Tender Sapling. Have Fun!

I first learned of Renee & Jeremy five years ago in 2008, shortly after they released their first album, It’s a Big World, the year before. That was a magical time in our family. Our second son was still in his first year and his big brother had just turned four. I enjoy making a mixed CD for Emily’s birthday every year, and that fall I was seeking mellow yet upbeat, sweet and pure. I wanted a mix we could play at home, in the car, most anytime, that would be as attractive to the kids as it was to their parents.

I struck gold with Renee & Jeremy.

We listened to It’s a Big World, on repeat, a lot. And that mix with four songs from the album? Still one of our family’s favorites.

   

If you purchase or receive as a gift one of our Love All the World bodysuits, tees, or bags you will notice in the Activity Tag that we recommend R&J’s song “It’s a Big World” as a song that helps children celebrate embracing the world. After we went to print with that we reflected that the song “We Are One” from the same album is even more directly about embracing the world and seeing us all as one. But you can’t go wrong – both are beautiful.

We wrote Renee & Jeremy to let them know that we’re promoting their song, and they were incredibly warm and gracious. In fact, they were thrilled to cross-promote with us. We offered them shirts for their kids and they shared their latest albums with us. Each of their kids loved the Love in Henna style (they are a great musical duo, not a couple — they have their own spouses and kids).

I had seen the video for C’mon when it came out in 2009, but for a number of reasons we weren’t in a music-buying time of life (recent move, baby on the way, etc.), so I hadn’t heard the rest of the album. Turns out we were really missing out. It’s a great second album, in which R&J expand their soulful ballad and lullaby repertoire but also explore more kinetic beats. A Little Love, a collection of covers released in May, is chock full of sweet love brimming with laid back harmony; some of these (like their version of Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” – long a favorite) will rival or maybe even replace the originals as my favorite versions of these songs. There are also a few clever surprises; who would have thought of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” as a delicious child-friendly ditty?

R&J have been busy this year. Following up on A Little Love, they’ve also just released Sunny Christmas, a warm infusion of holiday cheer to any lucky listener. Speaking of luck, R&J generously offered us a few CDs that we will make available as giveaways to our lucky readers!

In this season of gratitude and on the heels of LOVEfest 2012, today we’re launching our first Thankful Thursday – something we hope to offer monthly. It’s one way we can partner with other wonderful folks to support you in raising your kiddos to grow noble – cultivate their inner virtues, world citizenship, and green living. Here are two Thankful Thursday treats for you:

1) We’re giving away one copy of Renee & Jeremy’s It’s a Big World CD, along with one of our Love All the World bodysuits or tees.

All you have to do to enter is answer this question in the comments below:

What are you thankful for?    

(you’re welcome to simply list one thing you’re grateful for today or this month, etc.)

Comment by 11:59 pm EST, Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.) to enter. Winner will be randomly selected and announced here and on Facebook and Twitter on Friday, November 23, and must reply within 3 days or prize goes to the second name drawn. One comment per person, please.

Bonus entries will be provided for those who follow us on Twitter & tweet this giveaway with @tendersapling.

2) Delight your ears with a free download of Renee & Jeremy’s “It’s a Big World” on our Facebook page.

If you haven’t already, go ahead and click “Like” Us while you are there.

Can’t wait to read your thankfulness thoughts! In the meantime, we hope you enjoy discovering Renee & Jeremy’s tunes as much as we have. We’re grateful for them in our lives and are sure you will be too.

NOTE: This Giveaway has ended. The winner of a Renee & Jeremy It’s a Big World CD & a Tender Sapling Love All the World Tee or Bodysuit is Ashley, who has received details via an email from us. Congrats, Ashley! Many thanks to all who entered and shared what they are grateful for. The thoughts in the comments below were very moving to read and we hope everyone enjoyed them as much as we did.