Tumble Bee

Laura Veirs’ music has always had a sweetly melodic, lullaby quality, so gearing an album toward children seems fitting for this singer/songwriter. The younger set won’t be the only ones smitten by this charming collection of mostly traditional American folk songs. Tumble Bee was recorded by Veirs’ husband, esteemed producer and musician Tucker Martine, and it includes guest appearances by Bela Fleck, Brian Blade, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, and Colin Meloy of The Decemberists. The performers are clearly having a good time, and the songs are a delight, featuring inventive arrangements and a fun smattering of instruments (fiddles, percussion, guitars, mouth harps). Several tunes (“Little Lap Dog Lullaby,” “Prairie Lullaby,” and “All the Pretty Horses” among them) are suitable for naptime. But most of the tracks—especially “Jack Can I Ride” and “Jump Down Spin Around”—will have wee ones (and others) dancing in the living room and singing along. Tumble Bee is an endearing and enjoyable album that kids will love and parents won’t mind hearing over and over again.