Taubman still navigating life’s journey

Friday, Feb. 8, 2002 | 10:05 a.m.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane.

Tickets: $15-$50.

Information: 804-1333.

Trying to get a straight answer from the exuberant Craig Taubman isn't always easy, especially when he's having a particularly good day.

But then, he explains in a spirited voice, "Every day is a great day."

Taubman was in rare form during a recent telephone interview from his Las Angeles studio.

Between grabbing his guitar and singing a song that he wrote as a child to playing (just for the fun of it) a CD recording of singer Lyle Lovett's "She's No Lady," Taubman delivered enchanting one-liners and partially made-up stories about his journeys through life and music.

Onstage, the singer/songwriter of children's and Jewish-contemporary music is known for such energy, which makes him popular with audiences.

On Sunday Taubman and his band, Craig 'n Co., perform at Temple Beth Sholom.

"We'll do a selection of kiddish and Yiddish," Taubman said. "I love doing shows. I never do the same thing twice. I come out with a set list and maybe do two songs from the set list."

Taubman is the man behind the "Friday Night Live" services, which are contemporary Friday night Sabbath services for Jewish adults ages 25-40, that combine dancing and folk music with the traditional service, at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.

The services held each month have drawn up to 2,500 people at Sinai Temple. Temples throughout the country have followed suit.

Taubman has released 14 CDs of contemporary Jewish music, as well as secular recordings for Walt Disney (the disc "Rock 'n Toontown") and for Zany Brainy, the national retailer of children's toys, crafts and music. He's also composed music for television and film.

More recently he was commissioned to write four original songs for the CD "Peeps Sing Along: 14 Sweet Tweets." Produced by Peter Pan Records, the CD celebrates the marshmallow Peep candies made by Just Born Inc., in Bethlehem, Pa.

Growing up in Los Angeles Taubman began playing the guitar and singing songs at age 9. When he was 15 a counselor at a youth camp was stricken with laryngitis and asked Taubman to lead his group group of peers in singing a song.

"I found my home," Taubman said, recalling the event. "I definitely feel that moment was a pivotal moment in allowing me to be me."

Then, when he was 17 and "failing at Hebrew school," Taubman said, an administrator told him, " 'Instead of failing brilliantly, why don't you succeed brilliantly?' "

He then gave Taubman money to record his first album.

Inspired by James Taylor, Carole King and by musical theater, Taubman said that he "likes songs that tell stories."

Most of his songs are uplifting pleasant pieces that incorporate traditional Jewish themes with ancient teachings.

"I'm very much into Jewish tradition," he said.

When not performing, Taubman said, he's "trying to be a dad" to his two children.

His concerts, he said, are normally geared toward the entire family.

"I describe a successful concert when a young child is up there with Grandma and Uncle Sidney," dancing and having fun, Taubman said. "The real music is what the audience does."