Available November 19th
"GRAMMY Nominee Justin Roberts releases his first collection of original nighttime songs for families on November 19th. Lullaby is
for those wee small hours just before bedtime. These 10 new songs
present an unusual mix of genres, including elegant moments of chamber
music, snatches of ‘70s soft rock, and sleepy bossa nova and R&B
grooves. The entrancing cover art of Lullaby was created by acclaimed illustrator Alison Jay (Welcome to the Zoo, ABC, Picture This).
In a departure from his usual power-pop, upbeat style, the artist who’s been called “the Paul McCartney of children’s music” (USA Today) and “a natural poet” (New York Times)
has created a host of songs with dreamy, atmospheric lyrics and
instrumentation. Amid the soothing sweetness is a hint of melancholy,
very much in the tradition of “Rockabye Baby.”
Justin Roberts composed and arranged all of the songs on Lullaby. Liam
Davis, the multi-instrumentalist member of Roberts’ Not Ready for
Naptime Players, produced and performed on the recording, which also
features several members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing
strings, harp, English horn, oboe, and French horn. Additional guest
artists are vocalists from the Chicago production of the musical Hairspray, and other members of the Not Ready for Naptime Players.
From the heartbeat-soft harp and keyboard
phrasing of “Count Them As They Go,” to the delicate pizzicato strings
of “Heart of Gold“ and “Lullaby,” these new songs will help set the tone
for the quiet moments of each day. Parental and sibling love shines
through in songs like “What the Stork Sent,” “All for You,” “Polar Bear”
and “Easier To Do.” Van Morrison’s influence is strong in “A Wild
One,” sung from the perspective of a child who’s about to be tucked in
for the night. This song is just one more example of why Entertainment Weekly lauds Roberts as “a master of conjuring up images that resonate with the young ones.”
Justin Roberts is a star
of the indie family music scene. This Chicago based artist logs
thousands of miles on the road each year while performing hundreds of
concerts around North America. With numerous national awards (including
six Parents’ Choice Gold awards), critical recognition from the likes
of the New York Times, People and Time magazines, plus a devoted fan base, Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players
dish out intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their
parents. Roberts won a GRAMMY nomination for his 2010 release Jungle Gym, and
he’s recently authored a new picture book for children, to be published
in 2014. Currently, Justin is writing and recording songs for his next
release, Recess, due for release in 2013.
Lullaby will be available
from retailers nationally on November 19, 2012 (Carpet Square Records,
distributed by MRI/Sony Music, $14.98 SRP)."
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Justin Roberts
and the Not Ready For Naptime Players
Selected Family Concerts
November 17 ~ Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Chicago
November 18 ~ Smithwick Theater, Foothill College, Los Altos, CA
December 15 ~ Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
December 31 ~ Legoland New Year's Eve
February 23 ~ Symphony Space, NYC
Get updates and ticket links at Justin Roberts' TOUR page.
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My Thoughts:
I received a copy of this CD to review last week, and can't tell you how many times we have listened to it at bedtime. Arabella is back to teething, so I am finding that I have to rock her back to sleep, or play soothing music to help her calm down and relax right before bedtime. I had tried a few of my older lullaby CDs, but nothing seemed to work. That was until I played Justin Roberts' upcoming release, lullaby, available on Nov. 19th.
This was the first time I listened to music by Justin Roberts, and I was amazed at his music sounds just like that of James Taylor, one of my mom's favorite artists. I grew up listening to his music, so was pleased when I began playing the tracks on this upcoming release, and began reminiscing about my childhood and musical influences. This is one lullaby album I will enjoy listening to with the girls. And, while it will help lull then to sleep, it will act as a great stress reliever after those busy and hectic days with the kids.
I love how each of the songs tells a story, especially that of "A Wild One" and "Heart of Gold." My oldest daughter is a fan of "Count Them as They Go," while Arabella always falls asleep to "Lullaby." :-) If you are looking for a lullaby CD that actually works, and it great for both parents and children to enjoy listening to together, then why not pick up a copy of "lullaby" by Justin Roberts, when it releases on November 19th? And, make sure you let me know what you think of it, and what your family's favorite song is.
I love how each of the songs tells a story, especially that of "A Wild One" and "Heart of Gold." My oldest daughter is a fan of "Count Them as They Go," while Arabella always falls asleep to "Lullaby." :-) If you are looking for a lullaby CD that actually works, and it great for both parents and children to enjoy listening to together, then why not pick up a copy of "lullaby" by Justin Roberts, when it releases on November 19th? And, make sure you let me know what you think of it, and what your family's favorite song is.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.
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