Concord resident Bob Lawson has created and released a new series of music for kids, called "The Kids Collection of Greatest Classics." Lawson is the owner of Blue Jay Studio in Carlisle, considered the foremost recording facility in New England, where he has recorded some of the top names in the music business. But he had a dream to produce something of his own, and this series fulfills his yearning.

Lawson's aim is to present the best-loved themes and melodies of classical music with traditional -- and unique -- instruments in a beautiful package for families to enjoy. Currently, volumes one and two, featuring Strauss and Beethoven on the front covers, are complete and there are more volumes to come.

Musicians Alfonso Vilallonga, Claudio Ragazzi, Johannes Ammon, Roberto Cassan, and many others helped him realize this dream. Mark Wessel and Mark Tanzer were the engineering team par excellence. Rounding out the "staff" are his wife, Janet, with test marketing done by their three children, Barrett, Julia and Sawyer. The warmth and quality in volumes one and two represent countless hours of work.

The artwork for the collection helps make the music come alive to the listener. It consists of paintings by Kristina Joyce, another Concord resident. To help her create the images, Lawson recalled his musical childhood enhanced by strong artistic images of composers. A statue of Strauss playing a violin she knew from her own schooling in Austria was one he also loved. In addition, details he told about the various instruments brought them to life for her. Joyce translated these wonderful conversations into finished art for people to enjoy as they listen to the music. Look for a charming face on the mandolin, a little bird chirping on Beethoven's shoulder, and the rich color in the French horn.

Musical selections include Strauss' The Blue Danube Waltz, Polonaise and Grande Waltz Brilliante by Chopin, the last movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Debussy's Clair de Lune, and Offenbach's Can Can. "Melody is the language of the soul, and a language that children readily understand" says Lawson. "These pieces were chosen for their irresistible melodies. The music is emotionally comprehensible for children of all ages, and goes straight to the heart."