A Castle For All

The Age

Friday January 9, 2009

John Shand

A Castle For All

Andrea Keller (Hush) 3/5

THIS latest instalment in the Hush Collection, a CD series designed to soften hospital environments for children, is a delight. As Paul Grabowsky did with the preceding Ten Healing Songs, composer-pianist Andrea Keller has assembled music and players crossing over between jazz and classical. As well as presenting soothing and comforting sounds, she unlocks a smile or two on Oh Charming Harlequin, while the melody for Flying Horse has Genevieve Lacey's recorder evoking something of the surreal playfulness of a toyshop coming to life after hours. The Freedman Foundation commissioned the compositions, and all participants have appeared in the foundation's annual fellowship. Keller, saxophonist Julien Wilson, pianist Matt McMahon and trumpeter Phil Slater have won the jazz category (guitarist Stephen Magnusson being a repeated runner-up) while Lacey and percussionist Claire Edwardes have won the classical category. Soothe the little ones, or gain immense listening pleasure yourself, with part of the proceeds going to children's wards throughout the country. -- JOHN SHAND

© 2009 The Age

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