'Flying Kitten' Music, (don't you just love that name?) and writers John Maellaro and Charles Hardman, are the producers of American based kids' music outfit Billy Gorilly. Maellaro and Hardman have a background in education, songwriting for TV, and music therapy. Billy Gorilly's Candyapple Tree Family is a rag-tag bunch of animals and birds who come together under the pretext of a kind of 'open mike' cabaret night at the Candyapple Tree. Billy Gorilly, a soulful and funky Gorilla, acts as MC while each animal shares a favourite story, told in song. The songs draw upon Aesop's fables for much of their content and the retelling of these classic tales- such as The Rabbit and the Turtle, is imaginative and entertaining. Betty Bat, a former musicals star, with recollections of her youth in the 'Batmeister Follies' is particularly hilarious, (reminiscent of

the Muppet Show's egocentric Miss Piggy.) Her rendition of nursery rhyme Who will Bell the Cat? accompanied by a squeaking chorus of mice is a real showstopper. Old Mr Hootly Owl, trying to break out of his 'nerdy' image and get 'groovy and cool' is another highlight, singing Mrs Opossum, with some delightful asides as he marvels at Mrs Oppossum's ability to raise thirteen babies. An illustrated lyric book allows kids to follow the animals and sing along. This album is available through www.billygorilly.com you can listen to track samples on the website. These delightful characters are sure to appeal to pre-schoolers. The jazz trio and skilled piano accompaniment make for some nice arrangements to the songs.