Songs Across the Pond

Songs Across the Pond. Performed by Brady Rymer and David Gibb. CD. Approx. 41 min. Little Seeds Music and Bumblin’ Bee Records. 2020. Digital: $9.49.

Ages K and up

Multi-award winning Brady Rymer joins his Brit buddy David Gibb to perform on this delightful, musically retro album of 12 songs. Taking a time machine back to the 60s, 70s and 80s, the duo pay homage to the Beatles, the Stones, David Bowie and Madness in these rock, pop, and soul songs. The duo and their instrumental mates give masterful performances on guitar, violin, keys, banjo, flute, bass, harmonica, drums, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and accordion; while the vocals soar with fantastic harmonies. Along with the original songs, they perform a rousing rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Twisting the Night Away,” and a lively arrangement of Cat Stevens’ “If You Want to Sing Out.” Drifting on over the waves “Across the Pond” there’s a friend you’ve not made yet. Brady and David compare their “Two Towns,” one on the beach and the other surrounded by country. When it is not easy to talk to someone you don’t know, smile and say, “Hey There,” and ask how they’re doing today. Brady and David celebrate Eleanor Rigby, Lovely Rita, Penny Lane, Lucy and much more in “Living in a Beatles Song.” The sky is blue, the grass is green, and I was born with a “Summertime Soul.” Blowing through just like the wind, “Traveling David,” greets every morning with a brand new song. More and more “Roundabouts”  are popping up in my city. Comparing US and UK vocabulary is fun in “You Say This, I Say That” from trunk/boot to sneakers/trainers. Take my hand across the floor and “Get Up with Me and Dance.” Curled up in the car on the back seat, I’m “Happy to Be Going Home.” This wonderful album will not only appeal to children, but those who grew up in the 60s and 70s will also love it. A slam-dunk.

Websites: www.bradyrymer.com and www.davidgibb.com