Daryl Sherman can lay claim to not only exuding the Great American Songbook, but being that heralded songbook. A skilled pianist and perfect vocal interpreter in a league by herself, Ms. Sherman has often showed an affinity for Johnny Mercer in the past, albeit in personal appearances or on disc. Here, she is as fluent and precise as ever and, in so many ways, is the heiress apparent to Blossom Dearie whose influence shines through her gentle, playful readings.

From the albums’s first cut, “I’m Shadowing You,” a lively collab-oration between Mercer and Dearie herself, with superior guitar work by Howard Alden, Sherman sets the tone for what is to follow. And what follows amounts to perfection by a jazz stylist who has honed her craft with great skill and knowledge. Always an easy listen, Sherman projects a light, innate jazz sensibility and imaginative instinct that is fluent and tender throughout.

Particular standouts include “Little Ingenue,” which had Mercer collaborate with Jimmy Rowles, a subtle beauty, supported by Jerry Dodgion on alto saxophone, recorded by greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett under the original title “Baby, Don’t You Quit Now.” Rarely has this treasure been given such a compelling reading.

A riotous 1934 ditty called “The Bathtub Ran Over Again,” is a deceptively fun love song written with Michael Cleary. It’s listed as Mercer’s first recording under his own name. Here it is sung as a daffy duet with Louis Armstrong sound-alike Wycliffe Gordon.

The disc contains too many greats to list, with consummate musicians, and includes Sherman pairing with special guests Barbara Carroll and Marian McPartland. It’s definitive Daryl Sherman. It’s even more definitive Johnny Mercer.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
October 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org