Bright Spaces
Raffiseems to be the driving force behindBright Spaces, a benefit album whose proceeds will be distributed by the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children for homeless kids living in shelters. Out of the 16 tracks here, the ubiquitous children's music superstar contributes four, including one of his most memorable, "All I Really Need." And in an inspired moment,Arlo Guthriejoins his late famous father,Woody, for a father-son duet of "This Land Is Your Land," the other American national anthem. With songs bySweet Honey in the Rock, the delightfulJessica Harper,John McCutcheon, singer-activistSi Kahn,David Mallett,Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, and others,Bright Spacesgenerates its own special brightness and sheltering warmth. Along with the theme song fromArthur and FriendsbyZiggy Marley and the Melody Makers,Bright Spacesfeatures a funky and unforgettable call-and-response gospel version of "Old MacDonald" by Jane Sapp's Dream Project. From Sapp's greatWe've All Got Stories, this cut alone is worth having for kids and adults.--Martin Keller