Swingset Serenade
WeeZuzu, 2024
8/10
Melanie Dill and Tom Johnson come together for this diverse affair, where their love of music from their childhoods and the music their parents and grandparents played fuels the 10 playful tracks.
The swingin’ fun of the title track starts the listen with bright brass and a shuffling mood that could soundtrack a dance floor many decades ago, and “Jugo De Naranja” follows with plenty of culture thanks to the expressive singing and rhythmic demeanor.
Further along, the Big Band spirit of “Ruth’s Conscous” uses kid’s voice and flowing vocals via the jazz nods, while the frisky keys of “Come Back Balloon” illuminates the intimate duet.
Arriving close to the end, “Bunk Bed” is drum focused and busy thanks to the animated instrumentation and smooth vocals, and “Bedtime” exits with a lullaby-esque moment of dreamy keys and soft vocals from Mel’s soothing pipes.
A Children’s album of a very different kind, Dill and Johnson’s swingin’ vision embraces Latin flavor and plenty of exciting jazz sensibilities that are nostaglic and festive.
Travels well with: Raffi With Good Lovelies- Penny Penguin; Debi Derryberry- Gotta Go Green