Kind words about Riffin' Griffin
“…Don’t let the ‘for kids’ label fool you. Led by the irrepressible founder Jesse Norell, a music teacher with a bona fide rock pedigree, this is a group that plays with a conviction most adult acts would envy. Their sound fuses the raw, unfiltered energy of rock with lyrics sharp enough to resonate across generations, landing somewhere between playground anthem and a proper gig-worthy setlist.”
Dez Staunton - Teacher/Blogger/Musician - Electric Kids Music
“Drawing the Silver Lining has (and meets!) big, beautiful goals, tackling themes such as growth mindset, allyship, inclusion, self-acceptance, and emotional regulation. At the same time, reaching for melodies that stick with the listener and give a sense of that particular brand of energy and empowerment you feel when listening to rock and roll.”
Sarah Morris - Musician, Blogger - About That Song, Adventures in Americana
“There is a richness to the guitar sound but a lightness as well in attitude. Riffin' Griffin is a lot of fun to listen to!”
Kathy O' Connell - Radio Host - Kids Corner (WXPN-FM)
"Drawing the Silver Lining is kid-forward and adult friendly. It is more rock than the debut album and should appeal to young and middle school kids. (Teens might dig it too – but they won’t let you know!)"
Ann Tracey - Mostly Minnesota Music
"This isn’t music made from the usual tropes and gimmicks that children’s music suffers from; this is adult music, an accessible, pop-infused rock that is every bit as deftly done and well-built as anything in the adult market – imagine Weezer doing a guest appearance on Sesame Street!”
Dave Franklin - The Big Takeover Magazine
“Riffin Griffin is the best new kids band on the scene! Get your family together, grab your air guitar, and get to their show. It rocks!”
Bryan Atchison - Singer - Koo Koo
"Recording quality is great, songs are clever and fun to listen to!"
Chris Ballew - Singer - Caspar Babypants, Presidents of the United States of America
“Riffin Griffin is continuing to produce anthemic slices of positivity, shying away from neither heart-on-your-sleeve emotions nor from bringing the rock.”
Bill Childs - Host and Producer, Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, KUTX-Austin
"With hooky vocal melodies, powerful guitar lines, and quirky yet thoughtful lyrics, Riffin' Griffin's world domination is imminent. Kids of all ages will love this band recorded or live and their parents will happily come along for the ride.”
Eriq "The Dude" Nelson - Star Studio Talent/Producer, Children's Hospital MN
"It was such a treat to have Riffin' Griffin perform at our school. The concert was fun, engaging, and full of energy. It is absolutely an experience our students won't forget!"
Andrea Johnson - Sunnyside Elementary Principal
"I had Jesse perform at my library and he was highly energetic, enthusiastic, and really got the kids involved in the performance. Everyone had a great time and many of the families shared how much they enjoyed seeing Jesse’s music!"
Mary Wetterlin - Mounds View Public Library, MN
"Our third grade class absolutely loved the concert by Jesse from Riffin' Griffin! They danced, marched, sang along, and were totally engaged the entire time. Jesse performed a variety of songs that encouraged the children to get wild and have fun, all while maintaining complete control. Students keep asking when he can come back to do a concert for the whole school - we can't wait!"
Cindy Lundeen, Third Grade Teacher
"Jesse brought so much fun and energy to my first grade class. He got the kids moving, grooving, and singing along while maintaining a very controlled environment. Jesse is a natural at engaging the kids through original songs, call and responses, movement activities, different voices, dance moves, and even singing the students' names. I appreciated how he calmed the kids at the end with a lullaby to get them ready to learn. Thank you for sharing your talents with us, Jesse! It was a wonderful opportunity for my students. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves!"
Abigail Blader - First Grade Teacher