Detroit is home to countless genres of music, from the depths of gritty punk and garage-rock, to the steadfast rhythms of the city’s hip hop community – Motown creates it all. Surprisingly, Detroit listeners can now add one more genre to the list: lullabies.
Detroit-area pastor and musician Jacob Sciacchitano has released an elegant, yet updated, collection of bedtime story-accompanying songs and lullabies, titled Bella Luna. The 11-track compilation includes renditions of faithful bedtime classics, as well as original compositions that are perfect for prompting relaxation.
Written in dedication to his two young nieces, Sciacchitano introduces listeners to an array of guitar-driven instrumentals, self-harmonies and timeless melodies to be enjoyed by young and old listeners alike. Bella Luna or “Beautiful moon” (Italian) is a well-constructed bridge between the worlds of true musicianship and introductory sounds for elementary music lovers.
“You Are My Sunshine,” the album’s first track, begins with an intro adapted from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Cello Suite No.1 i-Prelude” – the ultimate lullaby – played by Katie Barton. Following Barton’s cello intro, Sciacchitano’s restrained vocals meet a vibrant acoustic guitar melody, and some of bedtime’s most quotable stanzas.
Bella Luna‘s third track, “Dancing in the Rain,” gives young listeners the familiarity and repetition they crave, while supplying older audiences an enjoyable alternative to “Wheels on the Bus.” The soft, but bright, finger-picking guitar is broken-up by Sciacchitano’s repeating lyrical commentary.
Sciacchitano demonstrates his instrumental versatility with the rhythm-driven, guitar-knocking of “Carpe Diem.” The album’s eighth song is a fitting soundtrack for awakening after a lullaby-induced sleep, or celebrating the endless possibilities of a new day.
Bella Luna is a well-executed testament to elementary sounds, classic melodies and identifiable instrumentation. Finally, children and adults of Detroit may finally agree on low-intensity musical accompaniment for car rides, bedtime and family relaxation. Sciacchitano’s latest release is an enjoyable addition to lighthearted, yet highly-skilled, music for developing ears.
Purchase Bella Luna here.