Album Review: Join the Band – Emily Who

Emily Who is a well-established figure in the world of family music. Not only does she share a stage name with one of my all-time favourite British bands, she is also widely regarded as an internationally acclaimed artist. She writes all her material with long-time collaborators Robin Gist and Peter Bailey, performs live tirelessly, and has amassed a prolific output of songs over the years. With five albums to her name, each showcasing her distinctive songwriting voice and warm, versatile vocals, her latest release, Join the Band, is an absolute classic. Spanning seventeen tracks, the album is rich in melody, imagination, and lyrical precision. Its themes range from road safety to interactive sing-alongs and everything in between. I know it sounds like a bit of a cliche these days, but there is genuinely something here for everyone.

The opening track of any album is crucial, it sets the tone and, in an age of shrinking attention spans, must make an immediate impression. Here, 'Any Colour Will Do' rises effortlessly to the challenge. Sprightly and full of life, it invites children to express themselves artistically, with  lyrics that place the emphasis squarely on the listener, encouraging them to be bold, trust their instincts, and remember that 'the colours that you choose are up to you'. It’s a charming antidote to hesitation, buoyed by some stirring banjo and delightful double bass, with flashes of harmonica playfully sparring alongside a Hammond organ.

For preschool teachers in search of engaging classroom material, this album is an absolute treasure trove. 'Shaker Party' bursts with energy, urging everyone to 'come to the shaker party' and keep moving  – left, right, low, high – ensuring every child feels included. 'Fly Like a Butterfly' follows a similar path, encouraging children not just to observe but to participate, flapping their wings and soaring 'through the air up there'. Even road safety gets a joyful spin in 'Crossing the Road', which transforms an everyday lesson into an interactive musical experience. 

There’s no shortage of delightful sing-alongs, either. 'Crescendo the Kookaburra' skips along with infectious charm, painting a vivid picture of the Australian bush, complete with unexpected Americana-tinged backing vocals. 'The Magic of Music' carries a nostalgic, almost 1950s feel – you could easily imagine Judy Garland at the helm. Its arrangement is lush yet effortless, with elegant strings and a chorus that radiates warmth. Then there’s 'The Omelette Song', proof that even the simplest idea can become something magical, with tight percussion and an inventive bassline giving the track a playful edge.

My personal highlight is 'Hugo and Cuddles and Boo'. It unfolds like a miniature adventure part story, part song, and rich in both curiosity and imagination. There’s a comforting familiarity to the music, as though it’s always existed just out of reach. As the characters journey on their merry way, children are encouraged to mimic the animals they encounter, turning the track into an interactive storytelling experience that’s impossible not to smile at. My only complaint? I wish it were longer, because I wasn’t quite ready for it to end, and I hazard a guess that I'm not the only one.

At its heart, the album is also a celebration of music itself, and in particular the joy of playing an instrument. Whether it’s the whimsical 'The Magic of the Flute' or the affectionate 'Hello Orchestra', which introduces the sounds and personalities of orchestral instruments, Emily Who captures that sense of wonder beautifully. 'Hello Cello', meanwhile, luxuriates in the instrument’s rich, resonant tones. Throughout, the album succeeds in presenting music as a universal language – 'a magical language that everyone can understand' – and, perhaps with a subtle nod to The Who’s classic 'Join Together', invites listeners to do exactly what the title suggests: join in.

For those drawn to gentler moments, the album also offers plenty of tenderness. 'Hello Cello' drifts along on waves of melody, while 'Dolce the Dragon' tells a sweet, engaging story, inviting children to 'slide and glide' along with its graceful tune. The album closes with 'Ballerina Dance', a soft, hypnotic finale where keyboard, strings, and bass support a vocal that glides and soars with quiet confidence.

All in all, Join the Band is a tremendous achievement from an artist who continues to evolve, despite her impressive back catalogue. There’s a kindness and authenticity in her approach that makes learning feel natural and joyful. She communicates the importance of the arts with effortless clarity, inspiring a genuine love of music along the way. The musicianship throughout is exceptional, matched by thoughtful, polished arrangements. An award-winning artist, she has already managed to take her music to the big stage, presenting orchestral children's shows around the country. She has achieved this in collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Youth Orchestra, and the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra, which is an impressive feat by any standard.

Emily Who – perfect for preschoolers. 

Single Review: Rainbow Weather – Nicci Rea of Sunshine

Nicci Rea is a French immersion teacher and Kingston-based performer who has drawn on a rich array of musical influences to create a sound that is distinctly her own. Performing as Nicci Rea of Sunshine, she is at her core, a seasoned singer-songwriter, with extensive experience both on stage and in the studio, where she has spent years bringing her stories to life through a deep passion for creative expression. Her bilingual songs blend seamlessly with her background in musical theatre, placing heartfelt storytelling front and centre. A considerable talent, Nicci brings warmth, playfulness, and majestic melodies to children and families around the world. 

I have to say, I absolutely love this single, 'Rainbow Weather'. It’s a mesmerising piece of perfect pop, where melodic intrigue meets captivating vocals. It brought to mind shades of Kate and Anna McGarrigle, for anyone out there who may remember them. The arrangement is beautifully crafted: harpsichord, shimmering harmonies, and what sounds like a mandolin gently serenade the listener over a simple backbeat that allows the melody to truly shine.

Here, imagination runs free. This is pop music with purpose; a song that carries you into a world of colour and wonder. Sprightly and upbeat, it embraces melodic simplicity while delivering a vivid lyrical message. The song paints the colours of the rainbow with warmth and clarity, inviting us to “look up whenever there’s rainbow weather.” Each colour is described with such conviction that you feel part of this magical moment, gently reminding us of life’s simple joys.

All in all, this is a fabulous track from a superb artist who sings in full colour, with a generosity of spirit that is second to none. Sung in both French and English, the music speaks volumes, whether you connect through its lyrical meaning or simply its sense of mystery. It’s a true “brighten your day” song, one that leaves you wanting more, drawn in by its irresistible charm. Clocking in at around four minutes in length the song captivates your attention throughout, and does so with both flair and imagination. As far as I’m aware, this is her only solo release to date, so I look forward with great anticipation to hearing more from this inspirational artist in the future.

Nicci Rea of Sunshine – living colour.

Book Review: Big – Kim Noller

Kim Noller is an elementary music teacher and relatively new voice in children’s recording, bringing a wealth of musical experience into a fresh creative chapter. After years as a performer and songwriter, she released her first children’s album in 2023, quickly followed by a second in 2024. Her work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that music is a universal language capable of lifting spirits and helping young people make sense of the world around them.

At the heart of Noller’s work is a belief in the emotional power of music, and in particular its ability to shift moods and act as something of a lifeline when times are tough. Helping children navigate a complex world through music and literature seems to be her life’s mission, and one she embarks on with considerable energy.

Big is a new children’s book, which was adapted from the single and title track from her 2024 album Big, but more on that shortly. This inspirational picture book immediately establishes its tone through a series of rhyming couplets that speak directly to a child’s inner world. Its optimism is infectious, with lines that suggest we are 'bigger than my body can hold', with hearts that feel 'like they just might explode'.

The poetic imagery is rich and evocative throughout. The protagonist is likened to 'ocean waves crashing on the shore' and 'a beautiful sunrise ready to light the sky'. The accompanying artwork complements this lyrical message perfectly, enhancing both the emotional depth and sense of wonder. As the story unfolds, imagination takes flight, we soar 'like a giant pegasus' and even 'touch the moon' in passing.

Eventually, the narrative gently returns to earth. The child sees their reflection and realises, 'it’s just me'. Yet the message is clear: whatever we see in ourselves, we are always loved, safe, and protected. It’s a reassuring conclusion that grounds the book’s expansive emotional journey.

This is a charming, beautifully illustrated story that explores imagination, self-doubt, fear, and dreams of adventure, all while encouraging positive self-perception. There’s a subtle sense of escapism—almost Joycean in its emotional scope, but also encompassing a strong thread of belonging. It reminds us that while we are free to dream big, we are always loved exactly as we are.

The accompanying music is gentle and reflective, built on sparse piano and strings that add emotional resonance. The vocal delivery carries a hint of Bonnie Tyler, gradually building in intensity as the arrangement unfolds, mirroring the growing imagination of the child. There are even shades of Frozen in its cinematic progression. Translating such lyrical sophistication into music is no easy feat, yet Noller meets the challenge with considerable flair.

Beneath the poetic surface lies a clear and meaningful message. This is, at its core, a story about overwhelm, about learning to manage big feelings and understanding that such emotions are a natural part of being human. Through its resonant words and striking imagery, the book gives children space to explore their emotions and develop healthy ways of coping. Ideally, it leaves them feeling reassured, ready to let go of worry and simply enjoy life.

It’s said that the book was inspired by the experience of living in the shadow of an older sibling, of feeling the need to take up less space. It’s a sentiment many will recognise. Embracing one’s own 'bigness' can take a lifetime, which makes lessons like these all the more valuable when introduced early.

Whether through music or literature, Kim Noller has managed to blend these two distinct art forms into the type of musical storytelling that is both joyful and meaningful. Her work radiates a genuine love of life, combining sound and vision to create art that is engaging, uplifting, and deeply empathetic. Underpinned by a strong child-centred ethos, her work champions kindness, connection and inspiration.

Kim Noller – music, literature and imagination.

Album Review: Together – Heather Feather

Heather Feather has once again delivered a delightful new album, destined to get little feet bopping all around the world. I am referring, of course, to her latest release, Together, a highly infectious piece of perfect pop featuring ten new songs that all hit the mark. The music is put together with deep intelligence and extraordinary imagination, composed for children yet resonating with all ages.

The album opens with the collaborative 'Party', a song which features some of the very best in children's music, including Itty Bitty Beats, Preschool Rockstar and Esther Crow. The track brings to mind Bowie's 'Fame', with an infectious groove providing the framework for a delightful melodic celebration of friendship and fun. The musicianship is superb, and it sounds like the kind of party we would all want to attend, because 'everyone is welcome' here. The focus is on who you are, not what you represent. There is a smooth transition between vocalists, adding a dynamic quality in true Band Aid tradition.

'Fill Your Bucket' does exactly that, a jaunty song that emphasises positivity and celebrates the wonders of life, including the supreme gift of friendship and family. The happiness bucket is explored through acts of kindness, where simple gestures allow 'the happiness to flow'. 'I'm Good Enough' follows in a similar vein, confronting reticence and fear head on, presenting anxiety as a natural part of life, and reminding us that doing 'our best' is enough, because 'I'm good enough'. The music reflects this message with a cool, relaxed vibe, punctuated by superb bass lines and light percussion, creating space for the vocals to take centre stage.

'The Angry Song' shifts up a gear and delivers some good old-fashioned rock and roll, in a Grease-inspired Americana style. A twelve bar blues structure gives way to a gentle, reflective refrain that draws the listener in. 'Nightmare' continues to explore life’s challenges, this time with a shuffle drum beat and a big band feel that would not sound out of place in a 1950s film. The piano has room to flourish, bouncing along and sparring with the vocal, evoking a timeless quality reminiscent of something Doris Day might have recorded back in the day.

'Empathy' is a soulful ballad, with heartwarming lyrics full of sincerity and melodic charm. 'Include Me' is slightly more upbeat, continuing the theme of kindness, with lyrics that emphasise the importance of being seen, having 'someone to share' and 'someone to talk to'. The chorus delivers the message clearly, while a haunting harmony adds an additional layer of musical sophistication.

My favourite track is the wonderful 'Happy For You'. A staccato rhythm pairs with a melodic vocal, with lyrics that continually search for the positives. As a result, the song exudes a generosity of spirit, captured perfectly in the line 'I'm happy for you'. A song for all occasions, guaranteed to hit the spot, even when experiencing the darkest of moods. 

'Sharing (Is Hard to Do)' boasts a title that is self-explanatory. The lyrics explore the challenges children face when learning to share, particularly those who are 'not ready to share yet'. The song bounces along with a honky tonk piano that dazzles throughout with both dexterity and precision. Here, the artist tackles a complex message with a lightness of touch, and manages to thread the needle with confidence and expertise Fortunately, the song ends on a positive note, and finishes with a flourish as children begin to recognise the benefits of sharing while still maintaining their boundaries.

The album closes with 'A Fishy Tale', a song built around a cool bass line in true Robert Smith 'Love Cats' style. The bass carries the track, while the vocal melody does the rest of the work. Jazzy and slightly left of centre, the song shifts key towards the end, adding a touch more intensity. It is a wonderful way to finish an intriguing album from a genuinely inspiring artist, one who continues to create uplifting music with a clear pop sensibility and heartfelt expression.

What can I say? Heather Feather has delivered once more. This is a wonderful addition to her ever-growing catalogue. She has a unique ability to tackle complex subject matter with ease, combining charm with musical sophistication. Blending elements of funk, pop, and jazz, the album explores ambitious themes with a strong focus on inclusion and empowerment. An active presence in the music industry, she has received numerous awards over the years, and deservedly so. She has certainly put her PhD in Music Theory to excellent use, creating engaging and uplifting music for children, not only in her home country of Canada, but across the world.

Heather Feather –  kindness incorporated.