Monica Mancini comes from class—musical legendary class—being the daughter of Henry Mancini, winner of four Oscars and twenty Grammys. Growing up with musical royalty and surrounded by composers, arrangers and musicians, it seemed natural for Monica to fall into the biz. Singing some of the songs of her father, many with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, (“Moon River,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” “Charade”) as well as other period pieces (“The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”), Mancini possesses a likable stage persona and had the wisdom to back herself with some sterling musicians (pianist Shelly Berg, local bassist Terry Miller and studio session guitarist extraordinaire Dean Parks).

The set was comprised mostly of soft romantic ballads and a few swing, bossa numbers (“Slow Hot Wind” and “It Had Better Be Tonight”). A duo of songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s included the Young Rascals/Dusty Springfield hit “How Can I Be Sure” and Jackson Browne’s “These Days.” Mancini’s musical direction comes from drummer and husband Greg Fields, who understands her vocal abilities and style and arranges appropriately with simple, straightforward presentations. This style works well with her mature audiences, who remember her father’s time with nostalgia and appreciate Monica’s continuing the legacy.

(Photo by Pat Johnson)

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
August 5, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org