Nature Child- A Dreamer’s Journey
Red Pony, 2022
8/10
Listen to Nature Child- A Dreamer’s Journey
A Grammy nominated country star who had a string of hits in the ‘80s, Sylvia delivers a concept album for children and families here, where she inspires and young and old to follow their dreams.
“Avalon” starts the listen with soothing oboe and gorgeous strings, as a flowing, cinematic approach is met with Sylvia’s pretty, expressive singing, and “Imagination” follows with a warm melody amid the calm drumming, violin and electric bass.
Moving along, “If I Only Had Wings” leads with the sounds of children playing and into a soft, folk friendly climate, while “Nature Child” benefits much from gentle acoustic guitar and Sylvia’s vivid storytelling in a bare, sublime landscape. “My Best Friend” is then more percussion focused, as a breezy, dreamy delivery makes for an absorbing album highlight.
“(Hey Hey Hey) It’s A New Day” arrives at the end, and offers an uplifting and wise tune of light musicianship, and “I Love You For Who You Are” exits the listen pretty, romantic and comforting in her sage like presence.
A listen that’s rich in its wordplay and takes help from the multi-instrumentalist John Mock as well as many others on brass, strings, and winds, Sylvia’s version of Americana is the soundtrack to anyone chasing a dream or who basks in the wonder and awe of life.
Travels well with: Ben Tatar And The Tater Tots- Seconds; The Laurie Berkner Band- Let’s Go!