This past year, Fred Rogers has had a wonderful documentary as well as a feature film with Tom Hanks rekindling not only his memory, but his impact on our culture. Here we have four albums with him singing-reassuring us with his uplifting messages backed by a sublime team of pianist/director Johnny Costa, bassist Carl 
McVicker and percussionist Bobby Rawsthorne. Mr. Rogers composed everything on these four discs, with each one opening with a different version of his signature “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and then snuggling up to you with various messages that affirm life here this side of heaven.
You Are Special includes a lovely waltzing title pieces, a teachable moment on “The Truth Will Make Me Free” as well as a comforting “It’s You I Like”. His avuncular approach is like listening to a picture book on “We Are Elephants” and “I Can Moo Like A Cow”.
Coming and Going has Rogers in a Tin Pan Alley mood on the easy swinger “This Is Just One Day” and “I Like Someone Who Looks Like You”. He has a chat with puppets on “This Is My Home” and waltzes with grace on “Perfectly Beautiful Day” while he is sing-songy on ”I Like To Take My Time”. He’s perfectly sincere and cozy as he let’s you know “I’m Proud Of You” and “You Are Pretty”. A warm glowing mood ring.
You’re Growing features an avuncular title tune, a real fun “Days of the Week” as well as a child’s eye view of the world in “Going To Marry Mom” complete with youthful innocence. He shows he could bop on the bouncy “What Do You Do” and he prepares kids for siblings on “When The Baby Comes”.
Mr. Rogers finally tucks us in on Bedtime, with a dozen tunes ready for pillow talk in the best sense. He’s assured on “Just For Once” and as comfy as flannel pajamas on “I’m Taking Care Of You” and “Then Your Heart Is Full Of Love”. This music is the modern version of a Frank Capra movie-it gives you a hope that you somehow lost along the way, and you’re glad to get it back.