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32 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Johnny Mercer, probably the greatest American lyricist of the 20th century, was one of the few songwriters who could sing with the kind of ease and grace we expect from a Bennett, a Sinatra or a Crosby. This magnificent double CD is a testament to his skill as both a writer and a singer. The sessions took place in London in 1974 barely two years before his untimely death from a brain tumour in 1976. A veteran singer whose sessions go back to the 1930s, Mercer never sounded better than he does in these late period recordings. His voice has a wonderful fruity richness and while we expect him to sound great on the jazz numbers, he surprises us with his outstanding ballad renderings of such ballads as "Autumn Leaves," The Midnight Sun " and
"Summer Wind" ( I think his singing on the latter is better than Sinatra's version ).
"Summer Wind" ( I think his singing on the latter is better than Sinatra's version ).
He is backed by two superb instrumental units - The Pete Moore Orchestra and the Harry Roche Constellation - all orchestrated and conducted by Pete Moore. These are without question the finest backings he has ever sung to in a recording career that spanned more than 40 years.
All of the lyrics in this set are by Mercer - and some of the tunes too. They range from the famous - "That Old Black Magic," "Moon River" and "One For My Baby" to such lesser known gems as " It's Great To Be Alive," "The Air Minded Executive" and the hilarious "Pineapple Pete."
This is an outstanding album with great songs, great singing that still sounds stylishly contemporary and sensational arrangements that sound as modern as tomorrow. The sound quality is breathtaking. With 28 pulsating tracks from a master craftsman in the art of both writing and singing, this album - available for just a penny less than a fiver - is not only the best bargain of the year, it's the best album I've heard in many years. It's a winner all the way. Don't miss it
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Up untill a couple of monthes ago I am ashamed to say I had never heard of Johnny Mercer although I did unknowingly enjoy his music through other artists. I happened along a BBC3 show of Mr Mercer in concert recorded during the 1970s and was instantly taken with his easy listening style and his almost non-showman approach, which you can have with confidence when you have such fantastic material to deliver.If you are going to buy a cd of Johnny Mercer you may as well make it this one as it has such a great slice of his lifes work and will have you saying "I remember this by" and " I used to love this when such and such sang it" the hits just keep coming with Moon River, Summer wind, Autumn leaves, That old black magic, Come rain come shine ,Somethings gotta give, Too marvellous for words,The days of wine and roses,I thought about you, You must have been a beautiful baby and One for my baby. Even the songs you may not have heard before are of a high quality and will soon become favorites as they are delivered in the same easy style that is his signature. Frank Sinatra,Andy Williams, Dean Martin, Eva Cassidy and hundreds more artists over the years owe Johnny Merser an enormous debt as he truely put the words into their mouths so they could make them there own.
Format:Audio CD
Johnny Mercer was a great writer of the popular song and worked with many people across the decades. These recordings are from his time in the UK and were produced by Ken Barnes being originally released if I remember correctly on Pye Records. Around the same time he did a 30 minute show for BBC2 with the same orchestra of Harry Roche.
Years later these songs got released by an earlier Sanctuary label and being quickly deleted became a collectors lot. Johnny wrote the words and here he sings them. These are a link with a era long gone but through the clear thinking of Ken Barnes who got Mr Mercer into the studios for 2 LPs now on this set we can hear the joyful results. Classic songbook stuff from a legend of his time. Sound quality excellent but remember the arrangements are from the 1970s.
Years later these songs got released by an earlier Sanctuary label and being quickly deleted became a collectors lot. Johnny wrote the words and here he sings them. These are a link with a era long gone but through the clear thinking of Ken Barnes who got Mr Mercer into the studios for 2 LPs now on this set we can hear the joyful results. Classic songbook stuff from a legend of his time. Sound quality excellent but remember the arrangements are from the 1970s.
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