With My Lover Beside Me

Read About This Recording

When it comes to female vocalists, Nancy Wilson is a diva sharing the same small pond as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae. Like her predecessors, she is a singers' singer, a unique stylist who turns each song into a beautiful portrait that touches the heart.

Here we have a treasure chest of gems by the legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer. His songbook includes such classics as "Come Rain or Come Shine," "Laura," "Skylark" and "Moon River," among others. What makes this CD so outstanding is that the lyrics of these 11 songs were never put to music. Ironically, Ginger Mercer, the widow of Johnny Mercer, discovered these lyrics in 1983. Ms. Mercer called on composer and vocalist Barry Manilow to write the music for these newfound lyrics. This CD is a collector's item that marks the collaboration of Manilow and Wilson, debuting a new page in Mercer's great American songbook. Every songwriter knows that when Wilson sings, their song is in good hands. Her reputation precedes her as she interprets each song with the style and sophistication that has made her one of the greatest female vocalists in jazz.

Shhhhhh, don't talk — just listen to this vocal stylist at work.

—Ron Scott

Contents

With My Lover Beside Me; Look at You/Something Tells Me I'm Falling in Love; When October Goes; Love is Where You Find It/At Last; I Can't Teach My Old Heart New Tricks; When the Meadow Was Bloomin'; Heart of Mine, Cry On; Just Remember; The Last Dream Home; With My Lover Beside Me (Reprise); Epilogue (Duet w/Barry Manilow).

Nancy Wilson, Vocals; Randy Kerber, Piano/Synthesizers; Harvey Mason, Drums; Abraham Laboriel, Brian Bromberg, Neil Stubenhaus, Basses; Paul Jackson, Jr, Eddie Arkin, Guitars; Gene Estes, Vibes; Tommy Morgan, Harmonica; Kirk Whalum, Sax; Jerry Hey, Trumpet; Paulinho Da Costa, Percussion; Barry Manilow, Arranger/Vocals.