Lullabies aren’t just for babies; older children also love them (and let’s admit it; so do we adults). They conjure up memories of peacefulness and safety. Simpler times filled with love and comfort. Jessica Risker has composed a most unique lullaby album.
When Jessica contacted me to see if I was interested in doing a review, at first I didn’t think it would work. My children are 6 and 8 and I thought they were getting a little ‘old’ for lullabies.
I thought I’d have a listen to one of the songs anyway.
And in walked Tristan (8).
“That sounds like music from Kallista’s jewellery box!”
“What do you think of it?” I asked him. Surprised he would recognise the style and sound.
“I like it,” he answered, nodding his head,
I asked Tristan if he would like to review it, and he said that he would. So although I thought he was too old for lullabies, he’s not. He’s still my baby boy- for a little longer, anyway.
Let me tell you a little of the background to how Soft Moons: Twenty Lullabies was born. Well, to be honest, it was the birth of Jessica’s brother’s baby that inspired her to write these unique songs. She wrote them all to be played on a hand-cranked music box – what a wonderful gift!
So many people were impressed by Jessica’s talents that she won an artist’s grant from the city of Chicago to produce an album! In these days when winning grants is so very tough to do, this is indeed a great accomplishment.
Now back to the music. This album is reserved for bedtime use only as the children say it puts them to sleep – in good, relaxing way! It certainly doesn’t take them long to doze off to see Mr. Sandman once the music begins. I can attest to that. When they listen to other discs they usually ask for it to be repeated as they’re still awake when it ends. But that hasn’t happened with Soft Moons, the gentle music transports them away on fluffy clouds to dreamland.
And this is why I don’t have any photos of my own to share with you…By the time I let the children settle down and relax, they’re fast asleep and I just can’t find it in my heart to wake them with a camera flash.
And I myself find the day’s tensions ease as I listen to the music play and savour my last cup of tea for the evening.
But don’t just take our word for it; have a listen yourself:
And if you like this, you’ll find another 2 samples on Jessica’s website, which is also where you can purchase this fine album in your choice of a CD or digital download. Put it on your phone and take it on the go to help your baby drift off at nap time in unfamiliar surroundings. If you’re a babysitter/Childminder, this will be a great investment to make to help calm little ones. Music was the one trick we found worked with a toddler we minded.
If you’d like to know more or would like to follow Jessica Risker, you can connect with her through her website or Facebook.
