Mary Stahl Dream A Dream CD

Review: The gorgeous lullabies on this album include many traditional songs from points around the globe as well as 5 originals (by lead singer Mary Stahl in collaboration with other musicians). Among the traditional songs are the lovely "All the Pretty Little Horses," (African-American); the swaying "All Me Rock," (Jamaican); the wistful "Come to Your Mommy," (Canadian); and even a slightly jazzy version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." In all, at least 10 different cultures are represented in 21 songs. Stahl's voice is liquid as a sunset over water and the lovely spare arrangements weave through each song like threads in a nighttime blanket. Instruments include everything from flugelhorn to piccolo and autoharp to accordion, each arrangement reflecting and enriching the mood and words of the songs. This album is a small jewel, an invitation to parents and children alike to unwind at the end of a hectic day. Kristi Jemtegaard ©2003 Parents' Choice Mary Stahl has found an unexplored musical style. Blending the standard with a jazz- cabaret feel, Stahl occupies a unique place. She performs this amalgam in a personal manner that is simultaneously sultry and girlish, swinging and sentimental. On her new recording, "Dream a Dream -A Collection of Lullabies" she adopts a softer and smoother style where she explores a tender and more quiet place. As Mary states, "However, whenever, wherever a little one is cradled in loving arms, the same inexplicable sweetness is born anew. A lullaby embodies an instinctive tenderness because over the ages, every culture has known the same moon and stars, the same salty tears and the same miracle of a love full of wonder and boundless possibility.Lullabies are handed down one generation and one dream at a time and its always alive in one moment- your very own. Sweet dreams