Sunny Day

iTunes Review

Children’s music with its roots in folk and country? That’s what Elizabrth Mitchell, husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey bring to the children’s music genre. Much like Uncle Rock and Dan Zanes, who guests on this release, Mitchell slips in Americana influences so kids don’t suffer a sugar crash and parents can find some inner peace. Sure, a song like “Shoo Lie Loo” might be a bit repetitive for adult ears, but a classic country tune such as the Carter Family’s “Keep On the Sunny Side” and Junior Parker’s and Elvis Presley’s hit “Mystery Train,” along with Chuck Berry’s “School Days” make for a musical program that both adults and children can love together. The guest list is heavy on esteemed musicians: Levon Helm from the Band, Jon Langford of the Mekons and Warren DeFever of His Name Is Alive join the family to make everything that much more festive and authentic. Even a few lullabies, like John Martyn’s “Fairy Tale Lullaby” and “Little Buckaroo,” alongside a traditional tune like the sweet and lulling “Green Green Rocky Road,” make this a special collection.