The Sunny Side of the Street (by John Lithgow, Children's Music)

Adults hearing John Lithgow's THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET might ask, "Is that kids' music?" Indeed it is, but these kid-friendly tunes -- actually originally written to entertain adults -- end up delighting both audiences. Lithgow amasses an impressive array of talent to enhance his already considerable skills. Cabaret singer Maude Maggart sings with him on "Baby!" a song that alternates between being wryly sentimental and hysterically funny. Wayne Knight (of Seinfeld fame) banters with Lithgow on the Jimmy Durante classic "Inka Dinka Doo." The sweet and gentle "Lullaby in Ragtime" is a duet with Sherie Rene Scott. The Children's Choir of the United Nations International School is adorable in "Getting to Know You" (but tends to be intrusive on other tracks).

John Lithgow is able to ham it up with accents and voice inflection to bring personality to each song without going over the top. One minute he's faking a New York City accent on "Song of the Sewer," next he's "whoo-ing" and "oh yeah-ing" on "Ya Gotta Have Pep," and then he's giving us such a belly laugh on "The Laughing Policeman." The diverse selection of songs from The Great American Songbook delivers an initial impression of levity and silliness, but there are valuable lessons contained within. The title track is about facing challenges with joy, and "Pick Yourself Up" is a peppy song about perseverance. The messages, the talent, and the song choices ensure that this CD has definite staying power.

Released on: August 29, 2006
Label: Razor & Tie
Genre: Children's Music