Banu Gibson - Banu Gibson Sings Johnny Mercer (2004)

Banu Gibson performs 16 songs on this set that have Johnny Mercer lyrics. Gibson is usually heard in the context of her New Orleans jazz band, so this project (which has her backed by a trio/quartet) is a change of pace. Banu's voice is heard at its peak and there is plenty of solo space for the excellent swing pianist John Sheridan. One does miss Gibson's band, which would have uplifted some of these songs, most notably "Jeepers Creepers," "And the Angels Sing" (sung without the fralich section), "Come Rain or Come Shine," and "Pardon My Southern Accent." But that reservation aside, this is an excellent outing for the underrated but top-notch singer and the rhythm section. Mercer would have enjoyed this spirited mixture of standards and obscurities.~Review by Scott Yanow