You’d think a CD with a collection of 13 lullabies and songs would just be for babies and children. But the recent Slumberland release is just as enjoyable for mums and dads too. Songs like Edelweiss, Moon River and Dream A Little Dream especially conjure up fabulous memories from my childhood. Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel), an old Billy Joel classic, is another favourite.
Humphrey Berney started to sing at a young age and had lead roles in musical productions through to his teens when he became the youngest ever member of the National Youth Chamber Choir. Following a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, he worked as a concert soloist and recording artist, recording with Hayley Westenra, before joining vocal group Blake (Humphrey is still a member today). The classical Brit Award winning group now has five chart topping albums and recently released a Christmas album.
Humphrey has the most beautiful and touching voice so it’s impossible not to relax when you listen to this CD. He wanted to keep the album simple and that really does have a profound effect on how Slumberland sounds. It’s just Humphrey on vocal accompanied by classic pianist James Sherlock and guitarist Matt Isaac – a superb blend of talent. The illustrations are wonderful too, thanks to Charlotte Berney (Humphrey’s wife).
Expectations were a little high when the Slumberland CD arrived. We rather liked the idea that it would send POD to sleep immediately although I suspect I might have dreamt that! She will be five on Christmas Day and really isn’t a fan of going to sleep when she’s supposed to. Although baths should quieten children down, they seem to have the reverse effect on her despite a full school day and after school club until 6pm! She’s up and downstairs like a yoyo and regularly wide awake until 9pm or 10pm. Thankfully when she nods off she normally stays asleep but getting her to that point can be a challenge.
Quiet time has to be exactly that with activities such as colouring and looking at books having a calm effect. She does still jump out of bed to attend to her dollies, re-organise her bags or stick her new artwork up but we have seen an improvement. The Slumberland lullabies and songs CD hasn’t sent our non-sleeping child off to the land of nod just yet but it’s certainly having a positive impact on our new routine. POD is an exception to the rule but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before those eyes close while she’s listening to it.
We love the new interpretations of the lullabies and songs on the Slumberland CD, it’s hugely relaxing and perfect for during the day or the evening when little ones need to be snoozing. With songs like Wish Upon a Star, I can envisage it being played a lot over the festive period as well! You can purchase the Slumberland collection of lullabies and songs from the Slumberland website either as a CD or MP3 download.
Disclaimer: We were sent a copy of the CD for the purpose of this review. Opinions are as always our own.
