The Dreams of Johnny Mercer

by Paula EdelsteinVocalist Monica Mancini follows up her chart-topping self-titled debut with an outstanding collection of 12 songs written by one of America's greatest songwriters, Johnny Mercer. The Dreams of Johnny Mercer features the stunning vocalist performing seven songs with previously unpublished lyrics written by Mercer with great new music by Barry Manilow. Great American Songbook standards like an Italian version of "It Had Better Be Tonight," one of many Mercer and Henry Mancini collaborations, and the guest appearance of Alvin Chea, the bass singer of Take 6, on an excellent a cappella arrangement of "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive" adds to the beauty of this insightful and intimate collection of songs. The lush orchestral arrangements by Patrick Williams, Randy Waldman, and David Torres on "Just Remember," "At Last," and "Love Is Where You Find It" unfold to provide a layer of musical precision that expand the lovely, warm, and supple vocals of Mancini. Her voice is irresistible and her mastery of these melodies is a sure sign that she feels what she is singing. The Dreams of Johnny Mercer are sung with tender passion in a voice that tells their innermost stories.