Imagination

PreS-Gr 3—Massachusetts-area performer Sulinha Boucher, who is originally from Brazil, employs a wide range of musical styles on her latest recording of 14 songs. Opening with the Caribbean beat, soul-filled "Imagination," the versatile singer uses a light, floating quality in the ballad "Outer Space," a country beat to the arrangement of "I've Been Working on My Homework" (piggy-backing on a traditional tune), a soft-shoe in "Crackers and Crumbs," a samba beat in the pet tribute "My Dog Joni," and blues in "Summer Blues." She sprinkles several familiar activity songs throughout, including "Down by the Bay," "Open Shut," and "Fish." With a jazzy, mature sound to her vocals, Sulinha is cool, composed, and never forced when singing. Arrangements are spare, with just the right mix of acoustic guitar, percussion, and occasional electric guitar or bass.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH