Sylvia dreams of children’s imagination

Maybe it’s vertigo I’m battling right now, but Sylvia’s new cycle of children’s musical songs, Nature Child: A Dreamer’s Journey, made me dizzy. Known to adult fans of contemporary country music for her ’80s songs, “Nobody”, “Tumbleweed” and “Drifter”, Sylvia Hutton set out to create a fantasy world where all children can live out their dreams, unhindered by things like adults. surveillance, opponents and bullies. The result is a utopian chimera known as Avalon, with 12 songs so light and mind-blowing they practically evaporate after being played.

Showing her range and pitch, Sylvia provides all the vocals and harmonies on Child Nature, while bringing in all sorts of collaborators and contributors to deliver flawless instrumentation and production to the CD. The standout track is the anthem “Don’t Be Afraid To Dream,” which should inspire kids to dive in for their pencils and papers to spark their own vision quests.

Other highlights include “My Best Friend,” a sweet take on one of the most curated children’s music topics. “If only I had wings” gallops with a percussive and kinetic movement. “Imagination” explores a parent’s staring awe as children develop their own sense of wonder and creative abilities:

I am your every move
Your wish my order
No matter what you do
I know where you are
I’m just for the ride
A silent partner by your side

Avalon exists only in the imagination, but perhaps due to its Celtic roots, Sylvia’s trek includes “Dancing Over An Emerald Isle”. Avalon’s journey back to your child’s bedroom includes the “Good Night Sleep Tight My Little One” lullaby, an almost unavoidable conceit given its travel context with an arrival and departure. The songs on Child Nature all come back to a central concept, as referenced on “Home Is”: No matter what you wish for, there is always a lot of joy here at home.

Nature Child: A Dreamer’s Journeyis available on Sylvia’s website, Spotify, Bandcamp and Apple Music.

Here’s the storytelling video for Sylvia’s song, “Avalon”: