Justin Roberts Explores Childhood Roots with Robbie Fulks

There’s a secret to making music for kids. It, too often, is a well-kept secret. But some children’s artists know about this. Here it is: It helps if grown-ups can get behind the music as well as the kids.

Former alt-rocker, Justin Roberts seems to know this secret well and he has hit the motherlode as he appeals to kids of all ages with his series of family-friendly albums. His songwriting is inventive and often inspired. He speaks from the child’s perspective; while his multi-track, intricately arranged Grammy nominated albums Jungle Gym and Recess, can be compared to a child’s version of Pet Sounds. His studio work is just that deceptively complex. 

However, this time out with an album titled simply, Lemonade, he took a new approach: He threw out his former blue-print and simplified the sound. He describes this experience in a recent interview.

“I had been hearing this kind of production around. So, rather than doing a power pop record, we went live in the studio,” he says. “I found it difficult to write simple stuff. It made the process slower.  So, we went into the studio live and we did the song “Dodgeball” with an upright bass and a basic drum kit. Once I saw what the musicians could do I got really excited.” 

Indeed, the results are just as infectious as his past albums. When it comes down to it, music cannot be masked  production. It has to be good in the first place.  And Justin’s work has always, at its core, been filled with appealing melodies, insightful lyrics, and skilled music, regardless of studio magic. 

But, this album fulfills a desire that Roberts has long carried.

“I always wanted to write an album where I don’t need a band to put the song across. You know, I can just pick up a guitar and play the song and nothing is missing,” he explained.

The overall sound of this album is not only adult friendly, it is also specifically hospitable to Americana and roots music fans. And for those who listen through to this album, two songs, “If I Were,” and “As Long As I Got You,” are pop-fused folk- blues tunes that are far closer to Peter Case or Dave Alvin than they are to Sesame Street.

To add to the adult pleasure, Roberts has struck up a friendship with roots singer-songwriter,  Robbie Fulks, through producer, Liam Davis.

“He was living in New York City when I was playing. He brought his family to a show. I went to see him and he was doing these shows based on requests from the audience. Like one night I went and he was making up songs that had to do with Thelonious Monk and The Monkees and it came out great. So, when we were looking for musicians Gerald (Dowd-the producer and drummer) suggested Robbie. I thought, why not?”  He continued, “I knew this record would be in his wheel house. He does this incredible guitar solo on “Rolling Down the Hill.” 

As it turns out the chemistry between Robbie Fulks and Justin Roberts is tangible on this record. And, yes, it is worth the price of this album to hear Robbie Fulks’ acoustic flat-picking solo on “Rolling Down the Hill.”    

Not to over sell this album for adults, it’s remains a great record for kids-target audience would average in the five to ten-year-old range-but the album can easily be enjoyed by all. The songs are not patronizing or too cute for words, rather they are down-to-earth and explore daily pleasures in a creative and imaginative way that should attract even the hardest-to-please kid.

The title track, “Lemonade,” is a memory of the writer’s father and brother creating a lemonade stand on a hot day. There is a subtle nod to Paul Simon’s Graceland on this song. “Must Be This Tall,” describes the frustration a younger child feels when he’s not tall enough to go amusement park rides. “Me and My Kangaroo,” tells us about an imaginary Kangaroo a child createzs when she is bored.

So, adults! This is a safe record to have around the house and you may even find yourselves singing along. And kids!  You’re going to love every song on this album and they will get you dancing, singing, and having fun. Perhaps, also, for Justin Roberts the third time being nominated for a Grammy will be a charm-let’s hope so when 2017’s nominees are announced.