Album Notes

I Remember You, Johnny Mercer is a very special project. The lyrics, of course, were penned by the fabulous Johnny Mercer and the music was written by such great composers as Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Henry Mancini and many others. This recording was made in late 1986 but not released until now due to financial constraints, but the project was purchased by Dewey Erney this year, and much to the delight of all the artists involved in this project, it is being presented here for the very first time.

Dewey Erney has always enhanced a song’s melody and words (isn’t that what a singer is supposed to do?) and he’s in top form here, showing his large range, wonderful intonation, amazing breath-control, intelligent reading of the brilliant lyrics, always swinging and emoting in a most engaging and emotion-filled manner. And remember with Dewey, the song is always the star.

The extremely inventive arrangements were conceived by two of the greats in jazz music---Ron Escheté and Tom Ranier. The musicianship on display during these 71+ minutes is truly remarkable. Ron Eschete is on guitar; Tom Ranier is on piano, synthesizers, alto, tenor and soprano saxophones, flute, alto flute, and clarinet (WOW !); Luther Hughes is on bass: John Perett is on drums and percussion. Boy, can all of these guys swing!

It seems that many of these songs are receiving their definitive treatments here, and that’s saying a lot because most of these songs are among the most famous in The Great American Songbook.

Do yourself a favor and purchase this recording and feel the passion permeating throughout these 71 minutes.