Up Here (The Orchestral Album)

“Mum! Dad! Bingo!... BLUEY!” Loved by preschool children and parents alike, the hit animated series Bluey, about a close-knit family of Blue Heeler dogs, explores themes of sibling rivalry, parenting, emotional growth, trust, and friendship. Each short episode is an inspired package of wit, wisdom, and fun, underpinned by a sharp script and a joyful instrumental and orchestral score that often weaves in allusions to, and arranged excerpts from, famous pieces of classical music. Up Here brings Joff Bush’s brilliance to the foreground, allowing us to appreciate his playful and inventive approaches to the inspired animations. We begin with a fully orchestrated version of the Bluey theme tune that morphs into a guide to the orchestra, whisking us past snippets Mozart, Vivaldi, Gershwin, and the joyful sound of a group of young children who shout out the names of each orchestral section. From Track 2 onwards, you’ll hear performances of pieces from various Bluey episodes and scenarios, accompanied by fragments of script to place them in context. Holst’s “Jupiter” (from The Planets) forms the basis of “Sleepytime,” and a lovely arrangement of the “Waltz of the Flowers” from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker accompanies Bingo and Bluey as they share—and squabble over—ice cream. “Stumpfest,” meanwhile, features bits of Bach (an intended pun?). Away from composer influences, Joff’s music glows from within and beautifully reflects the gentle chaos of this now iconic creation.