Vocalist
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The Dreams of Johnny Mercer features the stunning vocalist performing seven songs with previously unpublished lyrics written by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. ~ Paula Edelstein