West University Examiner
December 26, 2001
West University singer-songwriter Anita Kruse has released, If We Can Fly to the Moon, a moving tribute to the Sept. 11 tragedy. Released by Purple Records, the single debuted publicly last Friday at Ovations in Rice Village.
"The events of September 11 have prompted many people to rethink their lives, priorities, and future," said Kruse. "As a pianist and songwriter, I have always been interested in and amazed by the binding, healing force that music can have in our lives, especially in times of pain, uncertainty and crisis. I was inspired to write If We Can Fly to the Moon as a message of hope following the tragedies of September 11."
The single was recorded at SugarHill Recording Studios and features the voices of many of Kruse's music students, some as young as 6 years old. Additional musicians, producers and arrangers donated their time and talent, including producer Robbie Parrish, and Tom Jaber, director of choirs at Rice University, directed the children in background vocals. Funds from the sales of the CD will benefit those communities affected by the events of Sept. 11.
A classically trained pianist, Kruse began writing her own music while completing a Master's degree in piano performance at the University of Michigan. She has worked as a soloist and accompanist for several years, performing throughout the United States. Kruse also worked as a visiting artist at Poe Elementary School where she guided children in developing original music based on their own life experiences.
In addition to performing nationwide, she continues to live and work in Houston as an instructor of piano and songwriing for children and adults.
Lullabies from Home is a compilation of 12 soothing original lullabies featuring Kruse's distinctive voice and piano mastery. Other CDs include All We Have Is Now, Light, Creation Flight, and Christmas Light. She is currently working on her sixth CD Dreaming Out To Sea which will be released this spring.
