Chicago-based children's musician Laura Doherty's warm, sunny, friendly voice, is reminiscent of Dar Williams, Shawn Colvin and The Waifs. She mixes bluegrass and folk with hints of jazz and rock into a very pleasing hybrid. Kids in the City is a collection of original tunes with two unique exceptions; a wistfully and jazzy rendition of the Bacharach/David classic "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," and a swinging, kid chorus abetted version of Robert Johnson's tribute to her hometown "Sweet Home Chicago." Though many of her songs contain Chicago-based imagery and references, the album can be enjoyed by kids from any state, and her fine mix of city images and country charm is irresistible to both children and parents. Highlights include the bluegrass fueled "Uncle Ukulele's Band," which introduces the little listener to a host of different instruments and their unique sounds; the playful sing-a-long "Kitty Cat," and "Hot Dog" which serves as an ode to Chicago's favorite food. Other gems are the gentle "Farmer's Market," the Paul Simon-esque "Hello Hippopotamus," and the percussion propelled, sound finding song "Wheels in the City." Doherty also offers up a Spanish language counting song "Uno Dos Tres," and a wonderfully tipsy tune called "Elevator Escalator." A beautiful lullaby called "Firefly," completes this cycle of songs that make up this utterly lovely album.