E7
This various-artists collection of specially recorded songs in
small-band arrangements does not pretend to feature Johnny Mercer's best
or best-known songs, instead combining the well-known ("You Must Have
Been a Beautiful Baby," "Blues in the Night") with many interesting
obscurities. Nor, as the title indicates, is the album given over
entirely to Mercer. There are two ringers, both debut recordings: "Ask
Me Again," a George and Ira Gershwin song discovered by Michael
Feinstein, who accompanies Rosemary Clooney in performing it, and "Time
You Old Gypsy Man," lyricist E.Y. Harburg's final song. Other performers
include Eydie Gormé, Jennifer Holliday, and Anita O'Day. Highlights
include "I Wonder What Became of Me" from the musical St. Louis Woman by
Henrietta Valor, "Out of This World" by Judy Garland-imitator Jim
Bailey, and the comic "I Fought Every Step of the Way" by Laura Kenyon,
Armelia McQueen, and Mary Gordon Murray. ~ William Ruhlmann, Rov
Mostly Mercer by Various Artists (CD, 2001) Rosemary clooney, Kaye Ballard & more - Good CD in great condition. NO scratches / Tracked next day shipping.