Customer Reviews

Banu Gibson Sings Johnny Mercer

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"Banu Gibson Sings Johnny Mercer," is a bit unusual among her CD's from several point of view: it's dedicated to only one composer-lyricist, Mercer, of course, and made without the backing of her usual band, the New Orleans Hot Jazz. Instead, this time out, she's backed by a trio or quartet, consisting of Hank Mackie on guitar, Bill Huntington on bass, and Jeff Hamilton on drums. In addition, she has on piano John Sheridan, an excellent jazz stride practitioner, and gives him lots of solo space. Furthermore, she has stayed in her usual groove, attacking American classics with freshness and wit.

Banu's superior and swinging jazz voice is in excellent form as she explores some of Mercer's repertory that reflects his unusually wide emotional range from the child-like "Jeepers Creepers," to the 2 A.M. misery of "One for My Baby;" or the anthemic "Come Rain or Come Shine." Funny, we've a pier around here called the Johnny Mercer: like everyone else, I always thought it was built by The Johnny Mercer, with his earnings. But I've now been told it was built by some other gentleman, just an anonymous businessman. Oh well.

I was lucky enough to catch Banu around here live, backed by local players rather than her usual. Believe me, she's still a powerful presence on stage, with her voice, her obvious pleasure in her material, her just plain showmanship. You might want to check her out.

I have this CD in my car, and enjoy it every time I play it, which is often.