Anyone who glances at my social media platforms will quickly realize that my niece Dahlia is the center of my universe. As such, when I am home, every element of my life is at her beck and call, particularly television and music. Though a lover of opera and orchestral works (isn’t every five year old obsessed with the oboe and conducts along to Bruckner?) she has a known fascination with the soundtrack of the recent Disney hit Coco and it is the first selection on every road trip. A glorious celebration of the Mexican/Latinx culture, Coco follows the young protagonist Miguel as he embarks upon an accidental adventure to the tierra de la muerte where he discovers his musical past and destiny. The soundtrack has lush orchestrations, awe inspiring guitar skills, and is full of vibrant references to the Mexican heritage and traditions. Often times lively and dance inspiring, surprisingly the most memorable moment of the show comes in the simple father-daughter duet Remember Me/Recuerdame Me. Accompanied by a sparse guitar lick, this song is Hector’s promise to his toddler daughter, Coco, that no matter how far away he must travel to make his dreams come true, he will always hold her in his heart and sing this lullaby in each night of his absence. As a performer on the road, apart from their young love 90% of the year, this brief song often brings me to tears but also gives me hope that through music Dahlia and I can continue to grow together whether near or far. Well done, Disney. Well done.

Remember me, though I have to say goodbye
Remember me, don’t let it make you cry
For even if I’m far away, I hold you in my heart
I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart
Remember me, though I have to travel far
Remember me, each time you hear a sad guitar
Know that I’m with you the only way that I can be
Until you’re in my arms again, remember me