Since age 18, Melissa Errico has starred in Broadway musicals such as Les Miserables and My Fair Lady, but she traded costume changes for diaper changes when she became a mom in 2006. Her daughter, Victoria, inspired her to found the Manhattan moms’ group Bowery Babes. When we spoke to the Tony nominated wondermom, she had just wrapped a new CD and was preparing for twins who are due in November. Melissa’s latest album, Lullabies and Wildflowers (Velour Recordings, 2008), is a smooth, jazzy tribute to new mothers. On it, she sings classics from The Beatles and Judy Collins, as well as her own song, “Gentle Child.” Here, Melissa takes you from morning through night with family- friendly music.

“Toby Lightman’s new album is a wonderful collection of energetic acoustic soul music to get your day started with pep. Tracks like ‘Let Go’ and ‘So Natural To Love’ are especially invigorating. I’ve performed with her a few times—Toby inspires listeners as she creates music from her heart.”

“Even driving to the grocery store can be a rocking good time with this album. Lee’s voice is funky and craggy; he makes you think about travel, change and being true to yourself. Tracks like ‘Listen’ let you rock out a bit, and ‘What’s Been Going On’ and ‘Ease Back’ help you relax with mellow guitar- and banjo-inflected grooves.”

“This CD is wonderful music for a playdate or brunch. It’s a fresh folk album with beautiful, familiar family songs like ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Scarborough Fair,’ as well as many originals. This is my favorite Carly Simon album; she sounds relaxed and spreads joy with this music.”

“No home should be without Shirley Horn’s disc. This is one of the most elegant, sensual collections ever made, like being sung to by a wise, kind, older woman who shares everything she knows with you.”

“As the day winds down, I like this album. From the moment I hear ‘More Than You Know,’ I’m in a trance. Previn plays the piano with grace, simplicity and deep emotion. It’s music for quiet times at home, as the sun is setting, when children are still fiddling with toys or books, having their dessert or a bottle of milk. André’s music lets you unwind.”