A charming CD of lullabies from the Scottish tradition sung at a gentle rocking pace. Christina sings mainly unaccompanied, but instrumental arrangements on the recordings are by Bill Taylor, an historical harp expert based in the Highland village of Strathpeffer who tours internationally, performing with Early Music ensembles and at harp festivals.  Bill also teaches privately and at feisean.  Also appearing on the recordings is vocalist Christine McClenaghan.  She and Christina have worked together on many other projects over the years. A very attractive album produced by Bob Pegg.

Lullabies can be beautiful songs. They can be charming songs. More than that though, they are songs with a purpose. The singing of lullabies is a tradition found in cultures across the world. In many countries, academics are lamenting the fact that far fewer parents and carers are singing to children, and those that are, are singing a smaller range of songs. Ironically, it is only in recent years that the extent to which lullabies can benefit a child is being recognised. In addition to promoting restful sleep, singing to a child allows the singer to strengthen their bond with the child, and this can be an important building block in their ability to form meaningful relationships in later life. The nature of songs, with their patterns of repetition, rhythm, rhyme, alliteration and assonance, helps children in their development of speech and language skills in a way in which everyday speech cannot. The very act of listening to one voice, particularly the voice of someone very close to the child, allows them to focus their listening. Focused listening is also a skill which needs to be learned, and one which will help a child take on board information in a classroom setting. Singing a rhythmic song, a baby encourages an instinctive connection between heard and felt rhythm, benefiting coordination. Here is a kist, a chest of treasures, gems of Scottish heritage, with real, practical value in everyday life. You will never have a less critical audience than a young child, so please take these treasures and pass them on to your children.