Songs for Singin'

Songs for Singin’. Performed by The Okee Dokee Brothers. 2 CDs. Approx. 71 min. Okee Dokee Music. 2020. Price: CD: $14.99; Digital: $9.98.

All ages

Grammy-award winning duo The Okee Dokee Brothers (Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing) perform 27 original songs on two discs, divided into “Day” and “Night.” Vocals soar in beautiful harmonies on several of these tunes performed in bluegrass, folk, sea shanty, calypso, Celtic, and zydeco musical styles. A whole orchestra of excellent musicians make beautiful music on guitar, slide guitar, banjo, violin, fiddle, bass, upright bass, piano, organ, flute, tin whistle, saxophone, trombone, xylophone, accordion, harmonica, bottles, jaw harp, bodhran, and percussion. The “Day” section includes 15 songs: “Hope Machine,” “Early Bird” (waking up early),  “Neighborhood Band,” “One Little Heart” (that’s full of song), “Sally-O” (salty ship with a salty crew), “If You Want a Song,” “Jubilation” (for new baby), “Music Train,” “Sunnyside Up” (silly, nonsense song), “Afternoon Walk,” “Colors,” “Wastin’ Time,” “Grandmaderation” (do everything in moderation), “You Are the One,” and “Language of the Flowers” (exceptionally lovely tune). The “Night” section concludes with twelve songs: “Raise a Ruckus” (before bedtime), “Campin’” (the hazards of camping in the woods), “In My Bones” (feeling weather in one’s bones), “Let’s Throw a Party,” “Jumbo Gumbo” (cooking a Cajun family feast), “Ask Away” (answering “why” and “how” questions), “Church in the Woods” (heaven on earth), “Singin’ for Me Supper,” “Go Slow” (because the years go by fast), “Thank You,” “Seasons in a Day,” and “Hushabye” (lullaby). The oversized, illustrated, accompanying booklet contains an introduction and lyrics and chords for each song. This spectacular rootsy, folksy celebration of life, with homages to Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, will appeal to all ages and will enhance family get togethers. 

Website: www.okeedokee.org