Customer Reviews

Dreams of Johnny Mercer

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

One problem with singers attempting to cover material that is as well covered as that of American songsmith Johnny Mercer is that the songs have usually been done many times before. The only way to circumvent that is to bring such a fresh and unique approach to the music that the songs take on a new life almost as if they are being performed for the first time. This is exactly what Monica Mancini has done here. What makes it even more interesting however is in addition to the Mercer standards, there are seven newly discovered lyrics of Mercer that have been given music by composer Barry Manilow. One in particular is "When October Goes", a song that Manilow himself recorded. This may be the highlight of the CD. The lyric stands among Mercer's best efforts and Manilows haunting melody is the perfect stage for Mancini's powerful interpreation. Among other noteable moments on the CD are the quirky "The Weekend of a Private Secretary" and the Take 6 arranged accapella "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positve" sung entirely by Mancini and a member of Take 6. This entire CD is so well put together that it certainly raises the bar for all to follow. Mancini is to be congratulated on a superior effort. She establishes herself among the great interpreters of Amercian song. Not to be missed. Five Stars.

They say that talent runs in the family, and being the daughter of Henry Mancini - "Our Man In Hollywood", and Ginny Mancini who sang with the Mel-Tones (Mel Torme's group), would give one to believe this isn't just a rumor.

For Monica's Concord Record debut, we hear the distinctive vocal stylings to a dream-themed collection of songs from the pen of another in the elite ranks of the greatest of great American songwriters - Johnny Mercer.

Monica's fresh, eclectic approach and insightful interpretations of the songs penned by the man around whom she grew up reconfirms the timeless-ness of Mercer's songs. She could have chosen all well known tunes, but took the road to find the soul of each song, no matter where it might lead. Barry Manilow was given six sets to compose the music and complete the Mercer gems.

Concord Records and Monica Mancini give this CD a warm and tender insight on every track, with one common thread being the genius of Mercer....gorgeous orchestrations blends with Monica's unforgettable voice, makes them instant standards!

Total Time: 44:25 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD 4937...(2000)

Dreams of Johnny Mercer Monica Mancini has a very good album here. This was the first I had ever heard of her, and her voice reminds me of Dianne Shuur's on her earliest recordings. The stand out songs are the ones that are the "new discoveries" lyrics by Mercer and orchestrated by Manilow. (Actually, every one of those were recorded on Nancy Wilson's CD "With My Lover Beside Me".) The older Mercer songs, standards, are well done, but the newer ones are better. The only weird selection in the bunch is "Weekend of a Private Secretary" which sounds like something Lucy Ricardo would have sung. "It had Better be Tonight" is ok, but Mercer had much better songs than that. I went back and listened to Nancy Wilson's CD just to compare, and thought both interpreted the material originally. If you own Wilson's CD, you should get this one too. Highlights are "When October Goes" (recorded in the past by Manilow, and Wilson), and the last two selections, "At Last" and "Just Remember." "Just Remember" should be a wedding standard. I wonder why it hasn't become one? This CD will not get lots of radio play, and you probably won't see Mancini on "Late Night" or the Tonight Show. That shouldn't stop you from getting this excellent effort. Great voice. Put it in your car CD player on your way home in heavy traffic. It will make the ride through the rush hour much more enjoyable.

My favorite easy listening station played Monica's "Slow Hot Wind" from her first album and I was so blown away, I bought all 3 of her albums at once. Good grief, what a discovery! Why are we not hearing more about this incredible talent? This album is haunting, unusual, brilliant and dreamy. If I could give it 10 stars I would. I can't be more enthralled with a singer than I am with Monica. Bravo!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Monica and of purchasing this cd and all I can say is WOW!!! The entire Mancini family is an American treasure. The post office has issued a commemorative Henry Mancini postage stamp and pin, so if you're a collector, grab one. And, if you get the chance to see Monica do her Multi-media show live... TAKE IT! She injects new life into classic songs in a way no other singer could do because of her family and her own special vocal talents. Monica has a way of bringing a pure love back to the classics. It's genuine, it's honest, and it's by birthright. I love this cd because it is music that we all should own. The tunes were composed by Barry Manilow and the lyrics by Mercer, discovered by his widow. Also, the drumming work of Monica's husband Gregg Field is awesome. He's worked with such talent as Streisand and others and he sure knows how to put on a live show with the Henry Mancini Alumni Orchestra from the Henry Mancini Institute through UCLA. He is also the band director and more. You will hear some of this world's greatest young musicians on this tour and you will enjoy the show, there won't be a dry eye in the house!

I have been a Johnny Mercer fan for many years and I have heard many tributes to the great songwriter but none can touch this effort. Mancini brings so much to this recording with her unique arrangements of classics like Skylark (my personal fav). I must say that I agree with the LA Times reviewer, this is a classic.

"I was very fortunate to have known Johnny Mercer from my earliest childhood. He was a sweet and kind man and it was his laugh and smile that I most recall. While making this record, I discovered just how valuable these memories would be." ~ Monica Mancini ~

"I like a guy who writes his way and his way is so high that it starts where the other guys leave off. I've written a few like that." ~ Johnny Mercer ~

Monica Mancini's name is not new to the music world as she is the daughter of Henry Mancini, an Award-winning composer and a dear friend and collaborator of Johnny Mercer as well. The New York Times once described her voice as "the glamorous vocal equivalent to diamonds flashing." Indeed, she sings these Johnny Mercer gems effortlessly with new style, class and elegance so uniquely her own.

This recording is a tribute to Johnny Mercer and a testament that Ms. Mancini can sing even the most obscure songs penned by one of the greatest lyricists of all-time and give justice to the songs as well. This CD features not only some of the best songs by Johnny Mercer but also seven sets of lyrics that Ginger Mercer discovered after the death of the songwriter and handed them over to Barry Manilow who composed the beautiful music and finished the job that Mr. Mercer started.

To me, "Skylark," a collaboration with Hoagy Carmichael, is the créme de la créme from this collection of a dozen of wonderful songs. Her interpretation is simply superb and Michael Lang's piano accompaniment is so beautiful.

One of my favorites is a remarkable song and its music was composed by Barry Manilow, "Something Tells Me," its arrangement by Randy Waldman has a samba-ish flavor with the back-up of an orchestra conducted by Terry Woodson. The use of English and French horns, harp and violins made this track so endearing to my ears.

Some of the highlights include two of Barry Manilow's musical compositions - "Love Is Where You Find It" and "Just Remember." And likewise, one song which he collaborated with Henry Mancini, "It Had Better Be Tonight" (Meglio Stasera), sung in Italian/English lyrics and arranged by David Torres. The Italian lyric was penned by Franco Migliacci. The addition of maracas, timbales, congas and bongos made it so lively and bubbly.

This is one of the best-ever Johnny Mercer tributes recorded. Very highly recommended.

I can only concur with the other 5-Star reviews of this collection. My initial impression upon hearing the songs was "where has she been hiding?"

I was immediately impressed with the obvious respect paid to the lyrics by Ms. Mancini. That is unfortunately becoming a rare approach to recorded music these days.

I look forward to discovering more of her work and hearing her "live" early next year with Arturo Sandoval. That should be a Hoot!

I grew up in a home full of music, listening to many of these songs recorded by other singers. Polly Bergan, Helen Morgan, Frank Sinatra, Keely Smith, Sarah Vaughan and others. Also a lot of Henry Mancini's TV and movie soundtracks permiated the air waves. So I have been a fan of Monica's since I first heard her on a tribute album to the works of her father. Her voice and these songs recount so many wonderful childhood memories. Having lost both my parents in the last twenty years, these memories mean so much. I would consider sacrificing body parts to be able to play some of these songs for my folks. I was fortunate to be able to turn my Mother on to Monica Mancini back in 1996, of course that just put tears in her eyes remembering my Dad.
The one drawback to our music world today is that there is no source for discovery. The local radio scene is so sparce for decent music. There are no easy listening or adult music stations. No good jazz or classical either. You can find old rock, new rock, rap, gospel, and country. So where can you turn to hear anything new worth listening to.

I never thought I'd hear a more beautiful version of "When October Goes" but I was pleasantly surprised to hear a most spectacular arrangement. The intro to the song alone is awesome.