“1 2 3 4, who are you for/ 5 6 7 8, who do you appreciate” – lyrics from the song “1 2 3 4” by Jessica Harper
Awesome live recording of the song "It's a Wonderful Life" which Jessica Harper broadcasted on her Youtube account.
Those who only know Jessica Harper as the actress playing “Phoenix” in “Phantom of the Paradise” will be quite surprised and pleased with this album. Indeed, they shall discover through it another artistic talent from this actress. That is as the writer and singer of children songs.
Starting with this marvellous album, “A Wonderful Life”, Jessica Harper displays to parents, children and fans of music a great range of upbeat songs to listen together; titles like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Back Door Open”, “1 2 3 4”, and “Train” among others. Fourteen tracks that contain wonderful lyrics and music rhythms. With instruments ranging from the guitar, bass guitar, synthesizers, maracas, castanets, spoons, keyboards, drums, and saxophone. Therefore, a rainbow of musical instruments that introduces children to different instruments and along with Jessica Harper’s smooth and skillful vocals she accompanies with excellent back chorus ‘ to genres like soul, music hall, and jazz. And what’s even better is that the lyrics are not condescendant or infantile; which is refreshing as sometimes some artists try to dumb down their work; making their work less accessible for older listeners. Therefore, Jessica’s songs like “Back Door Open”, “1 2 3 4” become easily listenable for adult listeners. Why, I even read that Bette Midler recorded her own version of “One More Round”. A nice tribute to Harper’s musical talent and a proof that her songs can reach an audience beyond children and their parents.
Regarding the album’s recording on CD, it is crisp, with no clicks and hiss or pops, the instruments don’t overdrown the voices or the back choruses, and the track change between each tune is subtle and doesn’t interrupt or harm the music’s listening.
In conclusion, a great album for parents and their children, and a nice introduction to Jessica Harper’s musical career as a singer.
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