UPTOWN

In this picture-book-and-CD program, Collier offers a simple celebration of Harlem. "Uptown is a row of brownstones . . . weekend shopping on 125th Street . . . the orange sunset over the Hudson River . . . uptown is jazz." This collection of impressions is matched by Collier's vibrant collages. The young narrator, Ricky Smith, acts as a kind of tour guide, proudly introducing us to his uptown home. Smith does a remarkably good job with phrasing, pacing, and emphasis. He also offers sweetness and enthusiasm to this production. Listeners will feel UPTOWN unfold as they hear trains go by, jazz riffs, voices from the Boy's Choir of Harlem, and quiet, dreamy piano music accompanying Collier's description of a Harlem sunset. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2008]