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Raffi seems to be the driving force behind Bright 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 Guthrie joins his late famous father, Woody, for a father-son duet of "This Land Is Your Land," the other American national anthem. With songs by Sweet Honey in the Rock, the delightful Jessica Harper, John McCutcheon, singer-activist Si Kahn, David Mallett, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, and others, Bright Spaces generates its own special brightness and sheltering warmth. Along with the theme song from Arthur and Friends by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Bright Spaces features a funky and unforgettable call-and-response gospel version of "Old MacDonald" by Jane Sapp's Dream Project. From Sapp's great We've All Got Stories, this cut alone is worth having for kids and adults. --Martin Keller