Groovy Ruby - Strong, Lovin', and Fun

Strong, Lovin', and Fun is the second CD from Groovy Ruby, an all-girl singing group from northern New Jersey. Band leader Dean Laterra describes the group best when he says, "The Monkees and The Beach Boys collide with The Go-Gos...in middle school!"

Groovy Ruby is a kids' music project headed up by Dean Laterra, who writes all the songs and produces the albums. Laterra also plays piano for Groovy Ruby, along with Ryan Ball on bass and guitar, Cesare Pontoriero on guitar, and Ken Straub on drums. The singers are a rotating roster of talented tweens, and on Strong, Lovin', and Fun they include Sydney Censullo, Kendall Cornwell, Jenn O'Hagan, Carly Weinstein, and Michelle Zink.

Laterra really has an ear for classic pop arangements: besides the Monkees, Beatles, Go-Gos, and Beach Boys influences, he throws in a little Brill Building pop, some girl group sounds of the early '60s, and even takes a few musical cues from The Romantics and Poison! Combine that musical foundation with Laterra's positive, uplifting lyrics and you've got an absolutely sunny, fun, and rockin' CD.

Highlights include "Quite Alright," an ode to self-confidence that sounds like a combo of Grease-like doo-wop and Poison's "Cry Tough;" and "Right Now," a Mersey Beat rocker that promotes the exponential power of positive influence. "It's OK" is a chunky guitar tune that implores listeners to stop worrying about what might happen and just give it their best, while the punky pop of "Too Cool for School" praises a friend who goes out of her way to help anyone in need.

If you're looking for rock and roll for your young kids that's upbeat, uplifting, and full of positive messages, Groovy Ruby's Strong, Lovin', and Fun is the one to pick. Besides boasting a group of singers that are the same age as their intended audience, Groovy Ruby rocks with a combination of power pop, doo-wop, and catchy choruses, courtesy of Dean Laterra.

Released August 2008; Dean Laterra