'Out Of The Door Of The Ark', is a collection of original songs and stories by Nico Brown, accompanied by Martin Brunsden and Kate Powell.
Why this title? It's a line from one of the songs. Also, we've all worked at The Ark, Europe's first children's cultural centre in Dublin, and owe it a debt of gratitude which we gratefully acknowledge.

Thank you to everyone we play the songs for; the audiences of children and families in theatres, halls, schools and art centres. Martin recorded us at The Glens Centre, Cluainín uí Ruairc, Contae Liatroma and at Kate's house near Kilkenny - grateful thanks to all. Also to singers Teige and Abbey who had no rehearsal, only knew the songs a bit, and to James, Fan and Dee, who looked after everybody at a busy time.

We'd like to dedicate the album to Andrew Dickson, the most brilliant musician we know, with love and thanks.

Our songs and stories come from many years of playing with children and families, who like music as an activity they can join in with, as well as a performance. Teachers like songs that highlight elements of rhythm and pitch, pulse and dynamics. Some of these songs were developed to be educationally useful and are popular in schools. All were made to engage children, to give a chance to participate and to listen simultaneously. Most of them originated in theatre shows at the Ark, Dublin which were experiments towards finding a participatory style: 'The Croons', 'The Christmas Cafe', 'All Aboard', 'Christmas Island'.

Music as an activity happens best in a circle, which is how we always arrange the seats. It's a pity we can't have a fire in the middle too.