WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: John Lithgow- The Sunny Side of the Street

November 07, 2006

 The Sunny Side of the Street is the third release from John Lithgow, the actor best known for his starring role on the NBC sitcom Third Rock from the Sun. In 2005, Lithgow received a Tony for his role in the Broadway musical the Sweet Smell of Success, so it comes as no surprise that this multi-talented man can make an easy transition from actor to singer.

The Sunny Side of the Street features songs from the great American songbook, such as the album’s opener “Getting to Know You” and “Ya Gotta Have Pep.” The other songs on the album echo the sounds of the era from which the classics came. Most notably is the album’s closer “Lullaby In Ragtime.”

Lithgow is joined by friends and other talented singers such as Madeleine Peyroux, Wayne Knight (Seinfeld’s Newman), cabaret star Maude Maggart, and Broadway star Sherie Rene Scott. Each guest performer seems to have the same kind of talent for children’s music possessed by Lithgow.

As would be expected on any children’s album, Lithgow gets the kids in on the act on songs such as “Inka Dinka Doo” and “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” The choir of children provides a fun contrast to the adult vocals.

The most fun song on the album is probably “The Laughing Policeman.” The chorus is simply Lithgow laughing. Thanks to songs like this, The Sunny Side of the Street will give any child hours of amusement.

Children will laugh at the humor in Lithgow’s voice while adults will appreciate his dedication and talent for his craft.

www.johnlithgow.com

Kayley Kravitz