Under the Pepper Tree

Under the Pepper Tree. Performed by Sara Watkins. CD. Approx. 36 min. New West Records. 2021. Price: CD: $15.00; Digital: $5.00. Preschool—Grade 2

            Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek and I’m With Her) performs with beautiful vocals on two original songs and 13 covers. The songs, some childhood favorites of hers, were chosen as soothing songs for a child’s nightly bedtime rituals. She is accompanied by an excellent group of musicians on guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, banjo, organ, piano, drums, and percussion. A musical interlude seamlessly segues one song into the next. The covers include “Pure Imagination” (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory); “The Second Star to the Right” (Disney’s Peter Pan); “Blue Shadows on the Trail” (The Three Amigos); “Edelweiss” (The Sound of Music; with Watkins’ three-year-old daughter); “Moon River” (Breakfast at Tiffany’s); “When You Wish Upon a Star” (Disney’s Pinocchio); “La La Lu” (Disney’s Lady and the Tramp); “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” (Tumbling Tumbleweeds with Gene Autry); “Blanket for a Sail” (Harry Nilsson); “Beautiful Dreamer” (Stephen Foster); “Stay Awake” (Disney’s Mary Poppins); “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel); and “Good Night” (Beatles). Sara contributed two original pieces: “Under the Pepper Tree,” a slow country/bluegrass instrumental; and “Night Singing,” a sweet folk-style lullaby. This album deserves a place in every home with young children.

Website: www.sarawatkins.com