Following 13 albums of original songs for children, three-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts presents his latest album, Wild Life, with something for all ages. Joined by an eclectic group of instrumentalists including pianist Lisa Kaplan (Eighth Blackbird) baroque cellist Anna Steinhoff, percussionist Gerald Dowd (Robbie Fulks), and vocalist Nora O’Connor (Flat Five, the Decemberists), this tender and uplifting collection of songs is his most personal project yet.
From our NAPPA Awards Music Judge:
“It is quite an accomplishment when a children’s musician creates an album that parents enjoy listening to. On Wild Life, Justin Roberts has pulled off something even trickier: creating an album for parents that children will enjoy listening to. In 2018, Roberts became a father for the first time, and this album reflects the joys, uncertainties and hopes that come with parenthood. Instead of the playful, witty power pop that he is well-known for, Roberts explores quieter, more contemplative musical terrain here. On lovely, low-key tracks like “Maybe She’ll Have Curly Hair,” “Ain’t No Way,” and “Hide and Seek” are a couple examples), he recalls James Taylor’s genius, gentle ballads, while Wild Life’s most up-tempo number, “Glad You’re Here” shares sympathies with Vampire Weekend for Caribbean rhythms. Roberts’ wonderful new album not only offers families a set of sublime, quiet-time sing-alongs, it also provides songs of reassurance that mothers and fathers can unwind to on those challenging days of parenting.”