Book Review: Molly's First Festival - Katherine O'Shea

Katherine O'Shea is both the author and illustrator of the delightful book, Molly's First Festival, which tells the story of the ups and downs families may experience whilst attending a music festival.  The story also provides insight into what you might expect if you are unfamiliar with a festival-type experience.

The story unfolds like a guide for parents who may be taking children to a music festival for the very first time. It also provides parents with useful tips regarding motivating their children about this exciting adventure. 

However, the book doesn't pull any punches or seek to hide the truth as to what can go wrong at any given moment. I'm sure if you've ever been to a music festival, you'll know exactly what I'm referring to. The story provides a very realistic account, warts and all, including how inclement weather can sometimes put a dampener on proceedings. 

The book reads like a trip down memory lane for me, having experienced many festivals from Glastonbury to Roskilde, where negotiating a muddy terrain was part and parcel of this type of experience. In this sense the author captures the very essence of such fun-filled adventure, but this time for the little ones to share.

The book is beautifully illustrated and is crammed with the most superb artwork which really brings the tale to life. After reading it, I almost felt like I had attended the festival myself, such is the inventive realism on display.

The story is sure to delight both young and old, whether you are a parent reminiscing on lost youth, a teacher looking for an engaging book to use in the classroom, or a child delighting in this wonderful tale, there is something for everyone here.

In an age where parents are increasingly attending music concerts with their children, this author clearly has her finger on the pulse, and succeeds in providing a heartwarming glimpse into family life in the twenty-first century. I sure wish I'd had similar experiences as a child.

I won't give away too much about the story, I'll leave that to you dear reader, but be sure to grab a copy of this book, I am sure it will be a big hit with children and families everywhere.

Katherine O' Shea - let the children boogie.

Flash Album Review: Let's Play - Yeah Nah

Let's Play is the latest album release from Yeah Nah aka Liam McAlary, an Australian artist from Port Macquarie, NSW. His music is witty acerbic and describes comical everyday experiences in true Seinfeld style. The album features twelve original songs, which are both punchy and melodic and guaranteed to hit the target.

The album opens with the delightful "Lets Scrub" a real foot stomper, where the imagination of the child is revealed through a somewhat detailed description of all the adventures that take place whilst 'having fun in the bath'. The music features brass instrumentation, alongside bass, drums and a lively piano hovering away in the background.

"Travel the World" does exactly what the title suggests, referencing some exotic destinations, where the artist takes us on an adventure of 'amazing beauty across many countries'. The chorus joyfully exclaims how 'when you travel the world there is so much to see'. A true celebration of different cultural sights from the Grand Canyon to the Northern Lights and everything in-between. The bridge describes the different methods of transportation you may require to get there, with a drum flourish that pays homage to Keith Moon.

The title track "Let's Play" is another interesting song, featuring a shuffle beat and some sparse instrumentation as the artist describes a typical day in the life of a kid. Whether this involves breakfast, watching TV or walking the dog, it is all described in great detail. There is a noticeable emphasis on play activities here as you would expect. I'm sure all you teachers and parents out there have experience of a child's infinite desire to 'play all day'. As the song progresses the instrumentation becomes more complex with the introduction of a brass section adding further texture to the overall sound. 

My absolute favourite track on the album is the haunting "Australia", which reminded me a little of non other than, Oasis, as the artist describes a host of exotic landscapes where 'there's so much to see'. The song bobs along in fine style, as the vocal melody soars and swoops along in melodic delight. The bridge breaks up the rhythm in staccato fashion, as the song builds to a climax before returning for one final chorus. Marvellous!

"Sunday Arvo" really is the sound of the suburbs, with a lively description of weekend family life in Australia. A positive reflection on simple family activities where 'the steaks don't take long', and where we get to 'play cricket in the yard'. You can almost visualise the picket fence and quarter acre block, as family life is celebrated throughout because amongst other things 'my family's fun'.  The song finishes with a delightful guitar refrain, which sprinkles a little magic towards the end.

"The Recorder" celebrates the many benefits of this much underrated instrument. Here, 'recorders are fun to play' because 'they make a lovely sound'. Amongst the other benefits 'they take away your stress',  they are 'easy to play and may even 'brighten up your day'. Maybe the artist is singing from experience here, although I would add portability, great value and the fact that you don't have to tune it to the equation.

Other standout tracks include the country inspired "City & Country", the lively "Being A Kid" and the inspiring "When I Am Big". Clearly, there is something for everyone here, whether you are into pop, country or just trying to find something interesting for the kids, you are absolutely sure to find it on this album. 

The album finishes superbly with the haunting "Sleepy Head", featuring a melancholy vocal courtesy of Danielle Lamb. The song describes this familiar bedtime ritual, where we ultimately get to 'dream the night away sleepy head'. About midway through the track a seductive keyboard is introduced which sounds like something taken from an Eno album. The melody is quite superb here, as are the vocals which radiate both warmth and richness.

A very promising album from an emerging artist who manages to incorporate a whole range of influences into one compelling and unified piece of work. The music is sprightly, engaging and highly melodic, and the lyrics draw the listener in with increasing intrigue. Some of the melodies on display here are truly magical, where Blur meet the Wiggles and hire Jerry Seinfeld to write the lyrics. The album has only just been released, so give it some love on its way, you'll feel all the better for it.

Yeah Nah - the sound of the suburbs.

Flash Single Review: Music In My Head - Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats

"Music In My Head" is the latest single from Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats, who specialise in bilingual jazz-age music for families. The song is essentially about the magic of making music, where the tunes that reside in the songwriter's head are unleashed and 'come out to play'. The music begins quite dramatically with a hypnotic piano giving the listener a slight taste of what's to come. There is certainly a lot going on here in this musical mix which includes harpsicord, cello, clarinet, trumpet, double bass and drums.

The melody is both infectious and alluring, as the song bobs and weaves with delicacy and finesse throughout the track. The vocals are as clear as crystal, and despite the complexity of the arrangement the song remains easy on the ear, and should provide broad appeal to both young and old alike.

The lyrics cleverly describe the instruments that the artist hears on this musical journey, and as each instrument is introduced, there is a musical flourish which returns the favour. The song also incorporates some highly melodic scatting, providing further textural overtones to the sound. Towards the end, the song gradually builds into an operatic climax, creating the platform for a final chorus which serenades the listener before sweetly drifting away. The song also has an accompanying lyric video with superb graphics on display throughout.

A charming song, which despite its complex arrangement is fun and easy to sing along to. The band has managed to incorporate an array of instrumentation in this cathartic release of musical sensibilities. The musicians also sound like they are having heaps of fun in the process. Already a double Grammy Award winning sensation, on this form, I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from this band in the future.

Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats - I can't get you out of my head.

Album Review: What Does Love Look Like? - Strawbitty Yops

Strawbitty Yops is a family music project from Austin, Texas, USA. The band consists of two lifelong friends (Cindy and Woody) along with Cindy's daughter Autumn. Although they are relative newcomers to the kindie music scene, they have already released their second album What Does Love Look Like? A fabulous poetic statement, which expresses amongst other things, the importance of community, and the power of love to overcome any obstacle. 

This is a good album, strikingly original, and executed with the type of warmth often missing in the digital age. The band are a pretty formidable live act too, which you will no doubt see if you check out their YouTube channel, which features a number of exciting live performances.

"Intro Dialogue" provides a brief introduction to the band's ethos, before expanding this idea further with the title track "What Does Love Look Like?" A song which portrays how 'love can show itself in many different ways'. The music is quite dreamy, and percussive with different layers of vocals scanning over a haunting melody which sustains the music throughout. Fabulous!

"Level Up" is essentially a song about ambition, perseverance and personal achievement. The song is highly percussive with a combination of vocals merging into one profound statement. The lyrics offer encouragement throughout, where we get to 'learn as we grow' as long as we 'keep on trying'. The major strength of the song lies in its raw simplicity, where the vocals express the message with little distraction. The song also features an interesting arrangement; gradually building in intensity, with a fusion of voices culminating in an exotic chant, slightly reminiscent of Bowie's "Chant Of The Ever Circling Skeletal Family". 

"Collaboration Nation" incorporates a rhythm slightly reminiscent of Public Image's "Flowers of Romance". Although here, the cynicism is cast aside, as the lyrics express a desire to 'live in harmony' in order to build a world we want to see'. The use of steady handclaps further cement the rhythm, as the music utilises a rumbling bass, a lively harmonica, and what sounds like a mandolin adding further zest to the track. 

"Let's Get Excited" sounds like it's been recorded live, in front of a rapturous audience happy to let their feelings be known. Essentially it's a song which expresses the numerous reasons to be excited, including 'the beauty that's all around', which ultimately 'puts a smile on your face'. Again, these 'reasons to be cheerful' can consist of something as simple as dancing to create 'these moments of joy'. I became quite inspired listening to the track, such is the endless positivity on display, flowing through each and every note of the song. 

"Get It Right" features a variety of percussion instruments uniquely complementing each other, as the vocals express a need to 'make a difference'. In this sense the song is quite introspective, where the desire is to be the best that we can be, and in order to do this we need to empathise, and look out for each other. The bass bobs away in the background, as a flute finds seizes the opportunity to serenade the listener in the remaining space, despite the compressed intensity of the lyrics. Listening and learning is encouraged here, as is the importance of learning from mistakes, where we are persuaded not to 'hide behind the pain'. The band want to 'get it right', and certainly do with this charming vision of ambition and hope because it's 'time to level up'.

My favourite track is the wonderful "Warm and Cozy", which reminded me of the many winters I used to experience when I lived in the UK. Here, love is expressed through the simple act of spending time with loved ones. The Danish word "hygge" sums up the sentiment on display, where a warm atmosphere surrounded by friends is all we require to be happy. Here we use our 'love to illuminate the dark'. The song could be the new Danish national anthem, or at least the encore if the band ever get to perform there. For me 'there was no greater joy' than listening to the song, which lifts the spirits and focuses on the positives, because as the saying goes 'love is all around us'.

"Rainbow Super Power" shines and sparkles throughout, with its sprightly melodies, luscious harmonies and gentle vibe. The song is briefly broken up in places with a marching beat that slightly throws the listener before returning to a more regular rhythm pattern. The lyrics are potent and instructive, expressing the importance of resilience and courage 'because there's no one like you'. Clearly a song that is fully aware of its value, and expresses itself with both skill and dexterity.

"Good Things Take Time" features an acoustic guitar, and what sounds like a flute carrying the melody throughout. The lyrics emphasise the importance of patience, and how although things take time they eventually come good. The music adopts a slight swing feel about midway through, as the lyrics continue to insist on the reality that life is a marathon and not a sprint. An important lesson for children, in an age where the challenges of life may be perceived as too difficult, and concentration spans are perhaps not what they were. A song to remind us of the importance of the simple things in life, and how a simple nature walk might be all that's required to bring a smile to our face and brighten up our day.

"Music in My Head" has a noticeable jazzy feel, where an imaginative bass spars with an electronic piano, and minimal vocals exploit the sound in-between. The keyboard embarks on a brief solo, alongside a wandering bass that shifts the emphasis of the music, and keeps the listener engaged as we are asked to 'see the beauty all around'. Once again, a song about peace, love and friendship, and the important role of community in creating a better world. A song perhaps also, for all the artists out there, looking for a suitable canvas to express their ideas.

"So Thankful", offers thanks to the listener for staying tuned to the very end. A song about gratitude, and the way in which sufficient gratitude can literally turn your life around. There is a call to action on display here, where where we 'wake up every morning' and get the opportunity to make a difference. Here we are encouraged to 'count our blessings', because there are so many things to be grateful for. The song again is highly percussive with a trumpet thrown in towards the end for good measure. The song reminds us that it's 'great to be alive', because essentially to some of us there is no such thing as a miracle, and to others every day is a miracle.

I love this album, because the lyrics are very much front and centre, and what inspiring lyrics they are. Every line strikes a chord of positivity, where love is the order of the day, and is available to everyone. I was literally blown away by the eccentric beauty of what the band have created. The lyrics, would probably make Billy Bragg green with envy, such is the extent to which this band attempt to 'better human kind'. The music is sparse, but highly effective, in that they have created their own unique sound, which is original, focused and incredibly catchy. I would love to hear more of what this band have to offer, such is the lyrical depth and musical intrigue on display here. I suggest you check them out at your earliest opportunity.

Strawbitty Yops - all you need is love.