Imagine That!
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The award-winning Broadway, film and TV actress Rena Strober brings in some unexpected but pleasant company on this family album, where they interpret songs that were sung on Sesame Street and penned by Joe Raposo and Jeff Moss.
“Somebody Come And Play” starts the listen with elegant piano before quickly shifting to a bright pop-rocker where Strober’s soaring pipes guide the timeless melodies, and “Sing” follows with sublime piano balladry as Strober performs vocal acrobatics and kids provide background singing.
Further along, some sitcom TV legends are on hand as French Stewart and Jason Alexander contribute their pipes on the bouncy, comical fun of “I’m Pretty/I’m An Aardvark”, while “I Don’t Want To Live On The Moon” unfolds like a tune in a fairy tale as strings add much to the dreamy setting. “Candy Hearts & Paper Flowers”, an album standout, is then a duet between Strober and Alexander in a waltz like environment that is certainly a feel good tune.
Deep tracks bring us the Americana influenced “Believe In Yourself” and the playful “High Middle Low”, where opera singing from Cristina Jones, a washboard, saw, tuba and banjo and Michael-Leon Wooley are in attendance and welcomed. “One Small Voice” exits the listen with much participation from children as well as guest vocals from Marleena Barber and Deborah Grausman that finish the album as radiant as it started.
Also an advocate for the blind, Strober is donating a portion of the proceeds from this album to the Guide Dogs of America and the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation, who are focused on finding a treatment and cure for blindness. So, not only do you get glorious renditions of songs from childhood, but it also supports an important cause.
Travels well with: Rolie Polie Guacamole- Avocado; Mister G- Fireflies