Search - Lee Lessack :: Too Marvelous for Words: Songs of Johnny Mercer

Lee Lessack Score Again With the Songs of Johnny Mercer

Michael Shayne | Boca Raton, FL United States | 11/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since the untimely passing of the late cabaret chanteuse Nancy LaMott there has not been a singer as accomplished as Lee Lessack. This is Lee Lessack's third solo recording (fourth overall) and first live recording. Lessack grows in stature and maturity as an artist with each new CD release. He has previously recorded Mercer songs on his earlier two releases ("I Know You By Heart" and "Lee Lessack".) Beyond Lessack's astonishing voice, his lyric interpretation has always been one of his strongest characteristics. He does not just croon a song he intertwines a story through the music and lyrics. We often identify a singer with a particular songwriter; Lessack should forever be associated with Johnny Mercer. His comprehension of Mercer's lyrics is fresh and Lessack makes the listener believe that you are hearing them for the first time. The principal reason for this is Lessack's musical director and arranger, John Boswell, who once again stands out in his masterful position. Boswell's beautiful and soaring arrangements allow the songs to bear repeated listening. His excellent piano playing stands out and at the same time complements Lessack voice. Lessack's diversity of songs range from the familiar ("Moon River", "Days of Wine and Roses") to the less familiar (I'm an "Old Cowhand", "I Wanna Be Around", "I Wanna Be a Around") On the song "Pineapple Pete", Lessack accompanies himself on the Fluke (An ukulele type instrument) and flawlessly sings the original French lyrics of "Autumn Leaves". The crown jewel in this collection is the underrated "Whistling Away the Dark" The song was nominated for an Academy Award from the underrated film "Darling Lili" If Julie Andrews was the best female singer of this song then Lee Lessack is the best male singer of this song. Lessack recorded the album, Too Marvelous for Words: The Songs of Johnny Mercer, live at the Cinegrill in Los Angeles. Engineer Eric Fahlborg has produced one of the best live cabaret performances I have ever heard. The audience does not overwhelm the recording with their reaction that often detracts from the artist's performance. On this recording it is Lee Lessack front and center. If you are a fan of the late singer Nancy LaMott then you must purchase not only his Mercer CD, but his other two albums as well."

Transcendental Classic American Music and Performance

Scott Parsons | Sidney, OH United States | 11/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc made several powerful impressions on me. First, more than any Johnny Mercer collections that have gone before (and there have been quite a few), it impressed upon me Mercer's genius and versatility as a lyricist. Following close next to that impression was the thought that Lee Lessack has to be one of the best kept secrets in contemporary music. What a voice! What feeling! And the man knows how to pick songs to perform! Without that talent, the voice and the emotion could have been squandered. Finally I marvelled at the fact that this was one of the most perfect vocal recordings I've ever heard - and it was recorded LIVE! It's about time you caught on to Lee Lessack, and this is his best recording so far!"

Just Beautiful!

Rosanne C. Simunovic | Timmins Ontario Canada | 06/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just received this excellent CD from Amazon and I have to say I was so impressed with the excellence...in all aspects..of this CD recording. Lee Lessack, a supreme artist and musician, has a voice that is communicative, expressive and, more important, genuine. As a musician, I really appreciate hearing this superior level of artistry. Each track is a winner!Special mention as well to all the musicians that accompanied Lee Lessack on this CD...it doesn't get much better than this!"