RECORD REVIEW: JJ Heller "I Dream of You"

In stores and at digital outlets April 29, 2014.

JJ HELLER

I Dream of You

(New Day Distribution)

Acclaimed singer

and songwriter

JJ Heller returns

with an engaging

new record —

just in time for
Mother's Day.

________________________

The latest from JJ Heller delivers exactly what longtime fans have come to expect, love and crave. Although she has woven family-friendly material into the fabric of her albums throughout her ten-year recording career, the singer / songwriter, wife and mother has made family — particularly the unique relationship between parent and child, THE focus of her new 12-song collection, I Dream Of You. However, if the notion of an album consisting only of lullabies merely conjures up images of purple dinosaurs, you're in for a very pleasant surprise.

Comprised of six brand spankin' new tunes, updated versions of five longtime favorites and one cover song, I Dream of You is as sharp, smart and infectious as any of Heller's previous nine records.

Written by JJ and her collaborator / husband, David, the title track is a bona fide gem and kicks off the record quite nicely. The delicate sing-along offers an engaging vocal, accompanied by piano, acoustic guitar, Dylan-flavored harmonica, subtle kick drum and authentic hand claps. Wherever you go, I want you to know — When I dream — I dream of you.

Another Heller & Heller highlight is "When I'm with You." Sweet and simple, it's an honest and heartfelt love song. I could never count all the ways that you change me, baby. Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue — when I'm with you.

“So many fans have told me they listen to my

music when they’re trying to find peace and rest.”

- JJ Heller

“This project was created to not just calm the hearts

of children, but the child inside every adult as well.”

- JJ Heller

The lone cover tune, "Take it With Me" (Tom Waits / Kathleen Brennan) is one of the record's most compelling offerings. A bit darker than the traditional-type lullaby, it's absolutely beautiful and  brilliant, nonetheless. In a land there's a town. And in that town there's a house. And in that house there's a baby. And in that baby there's a heart I love. I'm gonna take it with me when I go. I'm gonna take it with me when I go.

Magical and poetic, "Sailing the Sugar Sea" is as delicious as a bowlful of aural Skittles — possibly the set's crowning jewel:

I will miss you — when you're sleeping

Will you find me in your dreams

Will you look for me in rainbows

I'll be sailing the sugar sea.  

Snappy and happy, the piano / vocal "Boat Song" also is a captivating delight. Oh, do you know we belong together? Oh, do you know my heart is yours?

As a parent, and a diehard JJ Heller fan, I Dream of You speaks to me on a very personal level and it ranks among 2014's best and brightest new releases. (www.jjheller.com)

-Christopher Long

(April 2014)

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