

Pockets Full of Joy
Spring 2015 MusicHere is a fun, well-crafted and jazzy little debut album of children's music from New York-based singer/songwriter Lucy Kalantari. Those familiar with Kalantari's songs for adults about love lost will find a delightfully different approach here; you can just about touch the joy she sings about. Kalantari sings and plays ukulele to elegantly sparse arrangements, with clarinet provided by Linus Wyrsc, bass by Jay Foote, and drums from Rich Kulsar. Her laid-back vocals are reminiscent of jazz divas such as Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux, or even Jackie Allen. There is a nice, 1920's Ragtime flair to the album; from the joyful title track, to the sweet song of gratitude "The Only Thing," and the Sinatra-like "Way With Me." There's a sassy little song about aural fixation and teething in "Betta," and a nice tune about growing up in "Wait and See," before ending with the sweet and forward thinking "A Fresh Start." The only complaint this reviewer has, is that this lovely CD is too short. At just over 15 minutes, this is a wonderful introduction EP.