Johnathan Lee Iverson Sings MAGIC

A Celebration of Children's Music

Reviewed June, 2003 by Betsy Matthews, Moonbeam2Earth Project

If you're looking for a lushly produced collection of children's songs arranged in the style of a Broadway musical, then this CD is for you. Mr. Iverson's collection combines familiar elements from Disney classics, big Broadway numbers, American Folk favorites, spirituals and yes, even the circus!

The CD is kicked off in the true circus style announcing the music you are about to hear. This unique introduction transforms the CD from a mere production to a musical event that entertains you. The combination of top-flight instrumentals, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Band, the Boys Choir of Harlem and Mr. Iverson's confident, effusive vocals, make for an entertaining listening or sing-a-long experience for any family with young children.

On tracks like "Bo and Bello," the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Band add a playful, enthusiastic "live at the circus" feel. The harmonies on the introspective "Believe in Yourself" are sweet and the song's lyrics are simple enough that even older children can understand them.

Occasionally the vocals are nearly obscured by the instruments and it becomes difficult to distinguish the lyrics at these points. All in all, we would definitely recommend this CD for family listening, singing along in the living room, or while working on a family project at the kitchen table. It's a good way to introduce young children to American classics like "Oh, Susanna!" and "If You're Happy and You Know It."

List of tracks on MAGIC:

• Let Me Entertain You
  
  
• The Candy Man
  
  
• A Medley Of Children’s Favorites (this takes some time to load, even at high speed):
  If you're happy and you know it
  A-tisket-a-tasket
  eensy weensy spider
  Oh! Susanna
  Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
  Down in my heart
  Kum ba yah
  He’s got the whole world in his hands
  
  
  • Somewhere Out There
    
    
  • Pocketful Of Miracles
    
    
  • If You Believe
    
    
  • Talk to the Animals
    
    
  • Magic
    
    
  • Under Angels Wings (a lullaby)
    
    
  • I Don’t Want To Grow Up
    
    

Click here to order MAGIC: A Celebration of Children's Music.

The Moonbeam2earth Project, Inc. develops highly-regarded innovative arts programs that serve children in the Greater Rochester area. You can learn more about them at www.moonbeam2earth.org.