By John Lithgow
John Lithgow not a name you'd connect to children's music? You might want to. Sunny Side of the Street is his third foray into children's recordings, following Singin' in the Bathtub (Sony Wonder, 1999) and Farkle and Friends (Kid Rhino, 2002). After a long and successful career as a stage and big-screen actor, Lithgow showcased his comic creativity on television in Third Rock from the Sun. It's only one small, silly step from Dick Solomon to children's song-and-dance man.
Sunny Side of the Street includes 13 tracks from the days of 1920s and '30s Tin Pan Alley. Most are likely to be familiar to adult listeners. Lithgow infuses the songs with a sense of joy and charm that's irresistible. There are four duets, and on several songs, children's choirs add back-up vocals and kid friendliness. This is a peppy, fun offering for children. Parents will enjoy it, too.
