Album Review: Nutmegger - Steve Elci and Friends

Steve Elci is a singer-songwriter who slots perfectly into the genre known as edutainment, or in other words learning through music. He is also something of a prolific songwriter who writes thoughtful songs with educational messages that provide appeal to both children and parents alike. He has released four albums to date, and his most recent offering Nutmegger is an absolute stormer. Featuring nine original and thought-provoking songs; the music both educates and entertains throughout.

The album opens with the charming "Daffodil Girl", where the artist describes the simple joy of running through the daffodils, with the kind of laughter that 'is contagious for hours'. The music is slightly reminiscent of one of my favourite bands the Byrds, with its alluring harmonies and highly melodic guitar work. It's also worth mentioning the delicious guitar break towards the end which finishes the song off superbly. I must say I had the melody swirling round my head all day.

Other standout tracks include the reggae inspired "Yellow and Green", the whimsical "Silly Words", and the alluring "Crayons in the Sun". My absolute favourite track is the "4th of July', with its jaunty singalong groove and delicious melody, where the kites are 'high in the sky', and we can all enjoy ice cream as we celebrate the stars and stripe. A song that will surely appeal to all you patriots out there.

"Tugboat" has a vibe slightly reminiscent of The Cars if anyone remembers them. Here, the drums power away in the background before the arrival of a delightful reciprocal vocal which takes the song to a whole new level. The song also includes a superb melodic twist during the bridge, creating a delightful cacophony of sound for the eager listener.

"Spin Around" features an tight and punchy rhythm pattern, where a wandering bass line interlocks perfectly with the drums adding additionally melody to the track. This song is really cool, for want of a better word, and would probably be superb live, offering opportunities for the kids to 'spin around', whether this involves 'a merry go round at the centre of town', it doesn't really matter, we're all in. 

The album finishes with the fabulous "I Won't Say Goodbye", where a nimble acoustic guitar takes centre stage, as the artist tries to imagine 'a world without you'. As the music progresses, additional instruments join the party, including a restless honky tonk piano which adds a slight jazzy feel to the proceedings. The middle eight introduces a kind of hypnotic marching vibe to the song, as the lyrics wistfully reflect on days gone by in 'a world without you'. Marvellous!

This album features a selection of fine songs, delivered with both style and substance. Here, potent lyrics, inspired arrangements and magnificent melody are the order of the day. There's really is something for everyone here, whatever your musical persuasion, so make sure you check out the music at your earliest opportunity; we're all invited.

Steve Elci and Friends - get into the groove.

Album Review: Good Times - Ashley Mills Monaghan

Ashleigh Mills Monaghan is an award-winning children's author and musician. I first discovered her music back in 2020, when I reviewed the innovative single "Wiggles". The track is also included on her latest album Good Times. A superb collection of songs guaranteed to brighten up the darkest of days.

The album actually opens with the title track "Good Times"; a gentle ballad, which gradually builds in intensity, assisted by some breathtaking harmonies throughout. The band eventually join in, and really 'let the good times roll', courtesy of a shuffle beat, and a sparse bass competing for space. The song also includes some tasteful acoustic guitar work which floats around the track adding both melody and atmosphere.

"Let's Make Cookies" is more upbeat, with lyrics that describe the fun we might experience when we get together to bake cookies. The recipe and the process is described in considerable detail, with helpful suggestions enthusiastically exclaimed in the background. The song has a lively groove and a catchy refrain, but its main strength lies in its raw simplicity, where minimalism is the order of the day.

"Our Garden Grows" has a noticeable reggae feel, and reminded me a little of Jason Mraz, where a percussive guitar and a wistful vocal dominate the sound. The song ultimately celebrates nature, and the astonishing way our garden grows from the tiniest seed to the most spectacular scene.  The song also boasts a superb vocal melody, with a real singalong chorus where we are encouraged to watch this magical transformation take place. 

"All of You" has more of a swing feel, and is lively 'infectious and contagious'. The song describes the many attributes of a young child, with rapturous praise, revelling in delight at this beautiful soul. The shuffle drum beat creates the space for a wandering bass line to brighten up the track, which further benefits from a quite ethereal electric guitar bringing up the rear.

"The Color Song" is more funky and has a slight Carly Simon vibe, assisted by a slap bass and some minimalist drumming, alongside a clinical guitar rhythm that reminded me a little of Chic. The song transports the listener back to the seventies, and despite the noticeable influences still comes up swimming in originality. 

"Happy Feet" is essentially a freeze song, perfect for a game of musical statues, where the children are encouraged to use their happy feet in a variety of ways. The artist is joined by Music with Michal and Uncle Dox, who add their own inimitable style to the proceedings. The song would no doubt be perfect for teachers looking for a fun activity to do in the classroom. The song exudes warmth and charm throughout, and the vocal blend is quite superb.

"If I Tell Myself I Can" is a song about self-belief and individual empowerment, where everything we attempt is achievable if we tell ourselves ''I can'. The song has a wonderful jaunty vibe which makes it easy to dance to. The bass and drums experiment with a cool vibe, as the sparse keyboards floats in and out adding additional tone and melody. 

"I Belong Mantra" is a somewhat dreamy ballad, featuring empowering lyric, expressed over a compelling arrangement that gradually builds in intensity. The lyrics express a series of positive affirmations, providing a great message to the kids in this uncertain age. Here, amongst other attributes we discover that 'I am patient, I am strong, I am happy, I belong'. A song that deserves to be sung at every school around the world.  

This album contains a terrific selection of songs from an exciting artist who writes inspiring music that is lively, melodic and easy to dance to. Here, empowering lyrics meet scintillating melodies, enabling the listener to dream of a brighter future, where individual and collective empowerment bring a hint of joy to life, creating a better world for all of us. 

Ashley Mills Monaghan - let the good times roll.

Album Review: Adventure Day - Flor Bromley

Adventure Day is the latest album from the very talented Flor Bromley; a tremendous piece of work, which is as easy on the ear as it is to dance to. Kicking off with the aptly titled "Wake Up", here the morning ritual is described in some detail, resonating with a cool salsa vibe encouraging the lucky listener to wake up in 'time to dance'. This is fun, uptempo music at its absolute best, guaranteed to get the kids up and moving in the morning. Maybe a slice of "Kooks" for the modern age if there are any Bowie fans out there who can relate to the comparison.

"Bully" continues with the funky vibe, and despite the somewhat dark subject matter, the song begins with a dreamy wistful vocal expressing wholehearted excitement at the prospect of starting school. As the song progresses the song reveals itself to be a slightly uncomfortable look into the psychology of a bully. The chant 'why are you so mean' is expressed with considerable venom, but the song manages to end on a positive where in the final analysis despite everything 'I like you and I like me'.

"Food" treats the listener to this culinary delightful melody, where love of food is celebrated with tremendous gusto. All our favourite treats are celebrated here, along with the healthy stuff, including salad and fruit which are also included on the menu. The bass bobs up and down serenading this slightly tongue in cheek celebration of all the 'food in my belly', which we all love. The song also features an approiriate twist at the end, where we are reminded to tidy up after ourselves, because we shouldn't leave a mess, however much we all 'like food'.

"Playtime" introduces a brass section, and features imaginative lyrics that explore every opportunity to play, and in particular how everyday objects can be so much fun when it's playtime. Another lively ditty, that bounces along in true salsa style. 'There are no limits here', we can literally be anything through the power of imagination whether that includes a pirate or a princess, anything goes. Perhaps most importantly the song reminds the listener, never to underestimate the power of play in learning.

"No Nap Today" has a great vibe, and perhaps a surprisingly rocky feel, which reminded me a little of the Pixies despite the lyrical content. The mesmerising guitar lick towards the end of the song further emphasises the point. The familiar resistance to taking a nap is further emphasised in the music where the drums seem to represent the struggle going on during this draining ritual. However nonchalant the song title sounds, I'm sure many parents out there are keenly aware that it is no easy feat getting children to sleep

Who doesn't enjoy a "Nature Walk"? Here a whistling melody and a gentle vibe provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the sight of the birds 'flying high in the sky'. The song accompanies the listener on a walk through the woods, where 'butterflies come around in July'. You get the real sense listening to this track that you are enjoying the walk alongside the artist, where the lyrical detail enables the listener to clearly picture 'stepping on the leaves' which makes 'a funny crunching sound', or, feel the sun on your face 'so warm to embrace'.

"Bubble Bath' has more of a ska feel, where the song bounces along almost in celebration of the joy of a bubble bath, where fun is the order of the day. It's not the easiest task for parents to get their children to take a bath, maybe this song should be played every evening just before bed time. The drums really cut through, as does the jabbing keyboard which delivers in intensity throughout. The song finishes with a contribution from none other than Uncle Jumbo, who delivers in fine rap style, adding further exuberance to the subject matter.

Last but by no means least "Dreamland" is for me the best track on the album. A haunting atmospheric song, perfect for bedtime where soothing strings, melodic piano and vocal warmth combine in this musical masterpiece which delights and enraptures in turn. Here, the artist really hits top form where melody meets descriptive verse in a perfect match, 'where dreams will be flying through the sky', and 'where nothing can go wrong'. An optimistic melancholy finale which delights and uplifts throughout. 

All in all a superb piece of work from a fascinating artist who manages to engage the listener through the combination of lyrical depth, melodic magic, and exotic rhythm. Whether it's through didactic description or melancholy reflection, all the bases are covered here, and wrapped up in a delightful production. 

Flor Bromley - wake up it's a beautiful day.

Gig Review - The Little Wattlebird Band at the Pirate Playground, Scarborough

Have you ever been to a gig that overlooks the sea? Well, that's exactly what occurred quite recently when Vanessa and I were enjoying a Sunday morning stroll along Scarborough Beach. We were fortunate enough to come across The Little Wattlebird Band, performing live at the Pirate Playground.

This dynamic duo presented their music with dexterous musicianship and superb harmonies throughout. The setup was quite modest with a small PA, an acoustic guitar and a ukulele providing the sound, and two vocals leading the way from the front. The harmonies were particularly effective in that they didn't move in and out of the song but continued throughout, Simon and Garfunkel fashion. Not the easiest thing to do, but highly effective.

The set featured mainly originals with a few covers thrown in for good measure, all performed in the band's own inimitable style. The performance included some real standouts such as the charming "Birds in My Neighbourhood" and the intriguing "Ladybird" which really captured the imagination of the relatively sparse but highly engaged audience. The delightful "Pearly Shells" and the sprightly "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", also hit the target, although there wasn't a cloud in sight. Other standouts include the enticing "Little Magpie-Lark" a gentle ballad, highly descriptive and perfect for such a fine, sunny day.

The sprightly "Octopus's Garden" was delivered with both confidence and expertise, as were some of the other more familiar songs in the set including "Walking on Sunshine" which gently picked up the tempo and had the kids bopping along in delight. Despite the lack of live bass and drums there was plenty to dance to here, but the main strength of the set lies in the way they effortlessly create a delightful atmosphere for the surrounding spectators.

Many of the songs featured lyrics which captured the mood of the day; perfect for a band who write songs about the beauty of nature. Songs such as "Ride in a Cloud" or "Make a Rainbow" aptly suited this wonderful event, as was the somewhat nimble "Blue Banded Bee Buzz" providing additional colour harmony and warmth throughout.

The band finished off with the superb "Nature's You and Me" which really summed up the entire experience. Songs about nature, sung with breathtaking harmonies, and delivered with the kind of warmth and charisma often missing in many live performances. The Little Wattlebird Band are a relatively new act, and like all new artist could really use your support, so be sure to check them out on YouTube and Spotify, where you will find a treasure trove of melody and lyrical inspiration for the whole family to enjoy.

The Little Wattlebird Band - the sound of nature.

EKM - Top 20 Kindie Songs From Around the World

I've listened to so much superb children's music since starting this blog back in 2013. So just for fun I decided to put together my Top 20 favourites (in no particular order). If you haven't done so already I hope you'll take a listen as I've also collated them into a Spotify playlist for ease of listening. Enjoy!

ELECTRIC KIDS MUSIC - TOP TWENTY

1. Poco Drom - Gee Up! (UK)

2. Splash'N Boots - Go With The Flow (CAN)

3. Tiptoe Giants - Catch a Kiss (AUS)

4. Spikey and Friends - Surfing Dolphins (AUS)

5. Gustafer Yellowgold - New is the New Old (USA)

6. Claudia Robin Gunn - I Love The Rain (NZ)

7. Music With Michal / Tiptoe Giants - Fireworks (NZ/AUS)

8.They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse in Your Soul (USA)

9. The Not-Its! - Haircut (USA)

10. Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band - Thingamajig (USA)

11. The Little Wattlebird Band - Homemade Christmas Tree (AUS)

12. Marsha and the Positrons - Alien in an Ambulance (USA)

13. The Relative Minors - What Goes Around (CAN)

14. Itty Bitty Beats / Claudia Robin Gunn - Start My Day With A Smile (NZ)

15. Kids Imagine Nation - Future Dinosaur (USA) 

16. The Jimmies - Taddy (USA)

17. Twinkle Time - It's Ok 2 Be Me (USA)

18. Kymberly Stewart - I'm a Robot (USA)

19. Woody's World - Good Morning (AUS)

20. Nick Cope - Wobbly Tooth (UK)

Album Review: It's So Sunny - Shawny

The exciting news hot off the press is Shawny, the bright new talent from Montreal in Canada, has just released his debut album It's So Sunny. Short, succinct and to the point, featuring just seven songs, Shawny has released an album that will no doubt brighten up the darkest day. An artist who writes fun, meaningful songs is always in demand, and these songs speak for themselves, with their delightful brand of melodic optimism.

"It's So Sunny" kicks off the album superbly, with what sounds like a mandolin taking centre stage, alongside a singalong chorus that is simply irresistible. The vocals are clear and direct, and the music serves to really hit the spot with its emotionally uplifting chorus. The perfect song for a sunny day, which we get a lot of out here in Queensland.

"Ollie Ollie Octopus" has already had over 7,000 streams on Spotify and deservedly so. A charming ditty, which describes in some detail the life of the octopus, and in particular how he always 'lends a helping hand'. Ollie meets a number of delightful characters on the way as he goes 'swimming with his friends in the ocean sand'. Essentially a song about kindness, and the importance of helping others.

"The Silly Dance" surprisingly announces how 'I don't like to dance', essentially 'because everyone is looking at me'. In this world however, Shawny provides numerous examples of how we can 'do the silly dance', so that any self-consciousness out there can be dispelled.  The artist then goes on to reveal how much fun dancing brings, and how we can miss out on so much fun if we somehow fail to get involved. I'm sure Mick Jagger would agree.

"Hiccups Are Forever" begins with a vibrant piano competing for space with an acoustic guitar, before the drums really kick in. A sprightly song, delivered with an almost country feel. The song also boasts a delightful melody which I had swimming around my head all day.

"The Day the Colours Went Away", is more laid-back, and has a more melancholy feel. The song exudes charm and warmth and carries a sentiment that could sit quite comfortably on a Donovan album.  The vocals sound a bit like the Bee Gees, particularly in their sixties period.

"I Love Me (L.O.V.E)" describes how we deal with adversity, and the importance of loving oneself. Essentially, the artist explains that 'it's not always easy', and 'sometimes I'm too hard on myself'. Nonetheless, the essential idea is that if we love ourselves it doesn't matter what others think, and 'we can sing this song to help us through'. In the age of FOMO where young people are increasingly trying to negotiate their way through a complex world, this song succeeds in expressing a much needed sentiment.

I reviewed the song "Justin Time" on an earlier blog if you would like to check it out; a superb track, catchy, infectious and guaranteed to have you up dancing in time to the groove. I believe most of the songs on the album have already been released as singles, which is a good way to go where Spotify playlists seem to rule the airwaves. Shawny clearly has his fingers on the pulse, not only does he know how to come up with catchy songs for kids, he also understand how to market his music very effectively.

Shawny - here comes the sun.