MUSIC REVIEW: Dirty Linen  Aug/Sept ’99

By Dan Willging

Paul Trunko Jammy Man [Song Trunk Music (1998)]

As adults, we often tend to overanalyze things. When it comes to children’s music, all the methodical reasoning of what constitutes a good record is meaningless if it doesn’t grab the not-ready-to-vote crowd. Personally, I road tested Jammy Man with my sugar-blooded nephew and nieces. After weeks of continuous listens, it still wears well. Denver’s Paul Trunko and string wizard pal Ernie Martinez approach it all with a folky-bluegrass sensibility that boasts smart songs, pleasant singing, and competent flatpicking on guitar, mandolin, Dobro, and banjo.

       Several tunes, like the conga-crazy “Thumb in the Thumb” that makes getting dressed a game, or the truisms of “Good Nap,” plant carefully seeded messages that sound better than if you said’em. Others extol the virtues of being a kid, like rough-housing (“Rock-A-Doos”) or make-believe (as heard on the infectious title song). There are even a few suitable for lullabies (“Lay Down”), family sing-alongs (“Ain’t No Bugs On Me”), or just plain goofin’ raggae style (“Loopy Doops”). Not only does it appeal on all levels, adults aren’t likely to split the scene while the Jammy Man jams.