Projects such as Curious Dreamers boast deservedly one-of-a-kind status.
The list of talented composers/performers focusing on children’s material isn’t especially lengthy, but it has significance. Recent decades have certainly opened doors for daring forays that aspire higher than the lowest common denominator sing-a-longs with purely instructive value. Curious Dreamers, the result of Sacha Kyle and Giles Lamb’s pairing, sets a new modern standard for such material.
It goes further.
The songs on Hushabye Lullabye (Music from the Original TV Series) will appeal to adults. I confess that adult admirers of these songs will possess relatively unique sensibilities. However, an open imagination is one key demand for understanding and enjoying this album. The underpinning artistry and creativity powering songs such as opener “Goodnight Dreams” sets the tone. Bare bones arrangements hewn with great delicacy distinguish songs such as this, and the accompanying vocals will beguile listeners young and old alike. It’s a dream-like, near-crystalline start for this release.
Evidence of Lamb’s extensive background writing music for TV, film, games, and other media manifests in assorted ways. A strong sense of structure pervades Hushabye Lullabye. It’s especially evident in songs such as “Chumble Bumble” as the intertwining of vocal melody with musical backing has unerring consistency. We’re talking about more than the album’s sound. It’s how songs such as “Chumble Bumble”, however nonsensical its lyrics, unfold with skillful artistry. It will definitely appeal to children, but its charms hit close enough to home to seduce older listeners.
I noticed the recurring motif of songs about the seasons when I saw Hushabye Lullabye’s track listing for the first time. It’s a songwriting device that Kelly and Lamb carefully guide. There’s nothing overbearing about these songs; far from it. “Spring Showers” lulls you into its web and stands out for its well-measured uplift. Songs like this may be centerpieces in the collection, but an overall design governs Hushabye Lullabye, and Curious Dreamers is clearly orchestrating one song with the next. This collection, judged as a whole, has outstanding balance.
“Summer Sunshine” heightens the intensity of “Spring Showers”. The arrangements are far from carbon copies, but I hear a definite variation on a theme. Curious Dreamers means for us to draw connections between the songs, and realizing their storytelling ambitions is an important part of the project’s success. The vocals are a consistent highlight as well, but each of these four “seasonal” songs builds around showstopper singing that stands out from the pack.
An artful twist of mood and direction driving “Autumn Leaves” makes it one of the collection’s best moments. Understated nuances are a major part of what makes Hushabye Lullabye such a memorable release for me. I am sure its appeal will differ for others. The true close of the album for me comes with the cut “Winter Snow”. Curious Dreamers’ release offers one of its contenders for a truly perfect musical moment with this recording, as it sparkles with evocative musical power. Melody remains the keystone of what makes it work so well and helps distinguish Curious Dreamers’ Hushabye Lullabye (Music from the Original TV Series) as one of 2024’s most unexpectedly memorable releases.
Mindy McCall
