If someone asked me what a smile sounds like, I would turn on Jazzy Ash.

Perhaps it’s because I have a small obsession with New Orleans Jazz and I believe any task is made infinitely more enjoyable when you’re listening to it. Like when I catch myself glaring angrily at a pile of handwash-only dishes in my sink, I throw on some NOLA Jazz bands, and tap tap twiddly tap tap those sippy cups clean.

So you can imagine my joyous discovery of Jazzy Ash, who performs upbeat jazz music for kids! Finally, I can listen to jazz instrumentation that I love while the lyrics encourage my kids to clean up the toys they strategically place on every square inch of their playroom (“Pick up Something”).

My introduction to Jazzy Ash was through her rendition of “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear”. I remember listening to it with both kids in the room, and by the end we were all aggressively dancing our zoomies out. Dance parties are a regular thing in our house, especially after Covid hit. We have a nice open area in our kitchen that allows for big, expressive dance moves and sometimes mild injuries. Like the time I salsa danced too hard into our kitchen counter…

“Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear” is now a regular request from my 5-year-old, and probably my 17-month-old judging by his reaction. Any song that takes some of the endless energy out of my children is a winner, but this one is just plain fun for the whole family.

We also get a chuckle from “The Sauce”, which has a great Motown feel. This is literally a song about food being too dry and bland, and it’s an utter delight. I feel like this is a perfect example of why I’m doing this blog. Such quality musicianship and vocals, telling its listeners to “put some sauce” on that dry meatloaf. Add it to your “cooking” playlist even if the kids aren’t around! Her music is a good reminder to not take things so seriously.

Jazzy Ash typically tours the US and I cannot wait to take my kids to a show when life gets back to normal. I’m adding a Jazzy Ash show to my post-Covid bucket list for sure. In New Orleans. While drinking Hurricanes and eating beignets. Who’s with me?!

In the meantime, kitchen dance parties are where it’s at. Just be mindful of countertops and flailing limbs.

Thanks for reading!