U GOTTA HEAR THIS ACTORS TURN SINGERS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

A new CD from the Los Angeles Philharmonic brings together a variety of celebrities for vocals on some sleepy-time melodies familiar and new. Maybe they should have called it ``The Lullaby of Broadway ... and Television and Movies.''

No one on ``Unexpected Dreams: Songs From the Stars'' (Rhino Records) is primarily a recording artist; in fact, some might have been dragged into the studio kicking and screaming were it not for the CD's goal, to raise money for the Phil's Music Matters fund.

That effort to maintain or improve music programs in Los Angeles schools attracted several big names. Backed with lush arrangements, Scarlett Johansson takes on George Gershwin's ``Summertime'' from ``Porgy & Bess,'' Eric McCormack performs Elton John's ``The Greatest Discovery,'' John C. Reilly (``Chicago'') swings through Sylvia Fine's standard ``Lullaby in Ragtime,'' and Teri Hatcher wraps it up with Lennon & McCartney's ``Good Night.''

``There's really an incredible array of talent donating their time for this,'' said Charles F. Gayton, a producer on the album. ``It goes to how important people think music education really is.''

Jennifer Garner likely had baby Violet in mind when she recorded ``My Heart Is So Full of You'' from Frank Loesser's musical ``The Most Happy Fella.'' ``She found out that morning that she was pregnant, when she came in to do that take,'' Gayton said.

Ewan McGregor does Sade's ``The Sweetest Gift,'' John Stamos performs Billy Joel's ``Goodnight My Angel,'' and Lucy Lawless sings ``Little Child,'' an Eric Vetro/Alan Rich love song to a newborn. Been wondering about some lyrics to Bob Dylan's ``To Make You Feel My Love''? Jeremy Irons renders it a little gravelly but with all the consonants. The CD also includes Broadway veterans Marissa Janet Winokur (Vetro's ``The Wish Song'') and Victor Garber (Stephen Sondheim's ``No One Is Alone'').

``Unexpected Dreams'' is another title in a growing array of music aimed at soothing a little one and pleasing the parent in the rocking chair at the same time. Babies and young children crave routine at bedtime, and CDs such as the all-instrumental ``Bedtime With the Beatles'' (Sony Wonder), Dave Koz's ``Golden Slumbers: A Father's Lullaby'' (Warner Bros.) and ``Lullaby: A Collection'' (Music for Little People) can satisfy that need while helping moms and dads get out of the ``Rock-a-Bye Baby'' rut.

Recordings such as ``On a Starry Night'' (Windham Hill) and ``The Planet Sleeps'' (Sony) expose young listeners to bedtime melodies from around the world.

``Unexpected Dreams'' is on sale at retailers and through www.amazon.com.

-- Valerie Kuklenski

MUSIC FOR SHARING: Tired of the usual offerings in children's music?

For a rollicking alternative, check out ``Rock Your Socks Off'' (Charity and the Jam Band; $15), the latest offering from the San Francisco-based band of the same name.

Fronted by Charity Kahn, a mother of two, singer, songwriter and mathematician, the band offers danceable tunes that kids and grown-ups can enjoy together. The music combines elements of rock with funk, folk, bluegrass and even jazz to create a set of songs that can liven up a road trip or bring the dance party to your living room.

Although toddlers will take to it, the CD is great for kids 4-7 and beyond. It moves past the realm of nursery rhymes, delving into stories about everything from becoming a superhero, to the necessity of mud and even the pursuit of peace. Now that's something every parent wishes for.

For more information or to purchase, visit www.jamjamjam.com or Amazon.com.

-- Diana McKeon Charkalis

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