Bubble Ride

PreS-K—Boston-based Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys have captured the energy found in their live concerts on their third album of 14 original tunes and one cover (the classic, "Free to Be You and Me"). Trien's lovely soprano lead voice is strong, uncomplicated, and joyful. Her backup band of Dave Jamrog, Adam Rothberg, Julie Rama Windslow, and Paul Kochanski are pitch-perfect in their play and vocals. The topics of the lyrics are primarily of interest to preschoolers and range from the joys of spinning in circles ("Spinning Around," featuring the mandolin) to playing tickle games ("Tickle Monster," changing from mysterious-sounding to upbeat) to a call-response song about jungle animals ("Deep in the Jungle") and another number about farm animals ("Moomooheehawbaabaaneigh"). Windslow contributes the experience of riding on Boston's "T" on "Train Song." An enjoyable collection of simple, fun songs for the car or naptime.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH