Favorite Icon, Full size
Album Review: Baby Music 1
Doug Hammer
Cover image of the album Baby Music 1 by Doug Hammer
Baby Music 1
Doug Hammer
2008 / Dreamworld Productions
78 minutes
Review by Kathy Parsons
Baby Music 1 is a 78-minute solo piano improvisation composed and recorded in 2003 for the birth of Doug Hammer’s first child, Noah. Hammer released this very personal recording because the music is soothing and relaxing for not only babies, but for everyone. Intended to be background music, this quiet, contemplative stream-of-consciousness music is ideal for meditation, yoga, and reading, as well as a beautiful backdrop for working, studying, a candlelit dinner, daydreaming etc. It is also perfect for nap time for the little ones or settling them down for the night. Various melodies are intertwined in some parts of the recording, and other sections are more ambient and floating. Unlike some of the albums I’ve heard of long improvisations, this music has substance that may occasionally draw your attention and then lets you drift off again - all very gently and quietly. I listened to Baby Music 1 several times while I was working on various projects, and found it to be exceptionally pleasant company - unobtrusive but really nice to have around! Baby Music 1 is available from doughammer.net, amazon.com, and cdbaby.com. Recommended!
November 11, 2008