Various Artists - Too Marvelous for Words: The Johnny Mercer Songbook Instrumentals (CD)

All Music Guide

Verve's Too Marvelous for Words: The Johnny Mercer Songbook is a thoroughly enjoyable 16track collection that contains many of Mercer's most memorable songs, all culled from the label's enormous jazz vaults. The artist roster is impressive, boasting such names as Bill Evans, Erroll Garner, Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Ben Webster, Oscar Peterson, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins and Charlie Parker. All the selections find the musicians in fine form, and while this isn't the place to turn if you're looking for straight, strict interpretations, it's nevertheless an excellent showcase for jazz readings of Mercer standards. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide