Elizabeth Mitchell's light, effortless soprano and natural warmth shine on her latest release Little Seed. On this compilation album, Mitchell's talents match the simplicity of the timeless songs by Woody Guthrie, who spun their melodies, lyrics and wordplay with the first-hand knowledge of a father's heart and a child's wonder. "Rattle rattle rattle/skiddle my skaddle" ("Rattle My Rattle"), "My pony runs to the music and drums/Round and round and round" ("Merry-Go-Round"), "I'm a little baby a few days old/I'm a little snick-snack some days old" ("One Day Old")-the nonsense words have a joyful rubber ball bounce, while the songs overall evoke play and family togetherness in a gentler world without electronic distractions. No museum pieces, Guthrie's songs are alive and thriving in the tender care of Mitchell and her fine cadre of fellow acoustic musicians.