Smörgåsbord

 

Smörgåsbord. Performed by Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band. CD. Approx. 21 min. 2021. CD: $12.00; Digital: $12.00. Ages 8 up

Louis Epstein and Daniel Groll perform 8 original songs in musical styles influenced by hip hop, musical theater, indie rock, country, Tin Pan Alley, and folk. Clarinet, Glockenspiel, and drums are the only instruments credited, but the back-up musicians are excellent. “The New Invisible Band” introduces the band members and the roles they play. “I’m a Turkey” should have been the national bird but lost out to the eagle. “Mind Your Money” tells children how to grow their money by saving, investing, and budgeting (Louis & Dan seem to be in favor of evil socialism). “Happy Day” celebrates different holidays, including graduation, birthday, epiphany, Oktoberfest, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and many others. “Minneapolis the Musical City” extolls the talents of the Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Olive Fremstad (opera soprano), and several other musicians. “What Is a Family” includes a variety of family types, such as nuclear families, single parent families, and families with adoptees. In “Joy to the World,” an adventurous lady travels to many places, including Rome, Stockholm, Morocco, Tijuana, Puerto Rico, Italy, Beijing, Thailand, Peru, Paris, Toronto, Antigua, Norway, and others. “I’ll Take Myself to Bed” says the child wanting to give his parents a break. A humorous and enjoyable album.

Website: https://www.louisdaninvisibleband.com/