It is not often the case that an album's ability to put one to sleep could actually be considered a good thing. To Kate Vikstrom and David Rhys-Johnson's credit, this lovely 14-song collection is perfectly capable of sending someone to the world of dreams. The debut album for Vikstrom, Grown-up Lullabies, is an elegantly simple concept built primarily around Vikstrom's voice and Rhys-Johnson's piano. All of the songs are covers, generally of old show tunes or light jazz standards, and though the arrangements are incredibly simple Vikstrom's voice makes this album such a pleasure.

With the exception of a couple tracks featuring saxophone, penny whistle, accordion, or some sort of synthesized percussion, the only instruments here are vocals and piano/keyboards.  Pianist David Rhys-Johnson is the foundation of these songs.  His playing is essentially that of an accompanist, sacrificing complexity, ornamentation, and soloing to allow his vocalist to stand in the limelight.  This is not to marginalize Rhys-Johnson's role by any means.  A vocalist needs a strong accompanist to succeed, and Vikstrom is in good hands here.

Vikstrom's voice positively soars over the songs that it graces.  Her pitch, tone, and control are all excellent, and there is a wonderful soothing quality to her voice, perfect for the songs she sings.  Her control is very clear on "One Note Samba", which, as the title suggests, revolves around a melody line of one note.  Not only does Vikstrom repeatedly strike the note with authority, but also when the song calls for her to quickly ascend the scale, she does so effortlessly.

To select a stand out performance from amongst the songs is difficult.  Vikstrom sings with such consistency that each song is its own delight ...The closest thing to a mainstream song on here is Tom Waits' "Grapefruit Moon,” which Vikstrom sings beautifully, capturing the emotion, power, and inherent sadness of the lyric.  And of course, Rhys-Johnson plays the gorgeous piano melody excellently ...

The album closes with a unique medley, which is also partially recognizable. The medley begins with "If I Had Words", a song made popular in the UK by Scott Fitzgerald and was also featured in the movie Babe (though that version was performed by James Cromwell and later, a trio of mice). The song then segues into the Henry Mancini classic, "Moon River".  Finally, the medley closes with with "When I Grow Too Old To Dream", a Hammerstein and Sigmund Romberg song, with one of the most notable performances of it being by Linda Ronstadt.  Rhys-Johnson makes the transitions natural, and hearing Vikstrom sing "Moon River" is a delight given her voice.

Kate Vikstrom's voice is nigh impossible to resist whether she's singing "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" from Show Boat or "Never Never Land" from Peter Pan. The simple formula of her vocals soaring over David Rhys-Johnson's exquisitely played piano is magical. The beauty of Grown-up Lullabies is enough to lull one into a sound sleep or at the very least, wind down with after a long day  ...  If you fall asleep to these lullabies it won't be out of boredom, but out of comfort and bliss.
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Kate's CD is so wonderfully lyric, and full of emotion.  Her voice soars on so many songs, but what struck me the most, is  that your low, and very low registers are really, really lovely – rich and deep and warm and colourful in a way that really compliments the lightness and even girliness of your upper register.  I’LL BE SEEING YOU exemplified this to me the most – such a beautiful version.  Her lullabies are so soothing – I’m sure her kids slept sooooo well after falling asleep to her beautiful voice.
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Kate Vikstrom's collection of grown-up "lullabies" is one of those special CDs that you will find yourself coming back to again and again.  Beautifully produced, the CD has a gentle, yet jazzy and playful spirit.  Simple, tasteful piano accompanies strong and warm vocals, highlighted with some special touches -- a pennywhistle here, an accordian there -- that evokes a quiet Sunday morning lounging at a sunny sidewalk cafe with a strong cup of coffee and a special friend.  Lullabies for Grownups is a real treat.  Highly recommended.
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