Mercerful Hearts • More Songs by Johnny Mercer

Clockwise: Brenda Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Doris Day, and Ella Fitzgerald.

As I enjoyed listening to Eva Cassidy's "Autumn Leaves" while writing this morning's post, I decided to take a look at other songs written by the great Johnny Mercer, an amazing lyricist. His catalog of songs are so expansive, I am constantly finding songs that just make me melt a little. As impressive as that list might be, the list of singers who have added his music to their repertoire is downright amazing. So I am more than pleased to have picked out a couple of songs performed by some brilliantly talented ladies. First up, I have picked "Summer Wind", written in 1965 with Henry Mayer. I decided to go with this sweet version of Brenda Lee, recorded for her 1966 album, 'Coming On Strong'. Lee's voice starts off so soft and easy, but we soon hear the power and depth of the voice on this great song. This is Brenda Lee singing "Summerwind".

I remain enchanted by the voice and style of the great Sarah Vaughan. The depth and breadth of her vocals never fail to amaze me, whether it is a studio album, or a live recording. Here Sarah is taking on "Dream (When You're Feeling Blue)", with words and music by Johnny Mercer. The song was written in 1943, and was instantly covered by some of the greats. I just love Sarah's live version of it, and I was lucky enough to find a version on YouTube. This is Sarah Vaughan singing "Dream (When You're Feeling Blue)", recorded for her live album, 'Live at Mister Kelly's', in 1957.

Whenever I hear the delicate phrasing and voice of Miss Doris Day, it instantly brings me back to my youth, watching her films on television with costar Rock Hudson, who was so gorgeous and fun, I would see their movies as often as I could. And I also remember hearing her music playing on the family stereo, especially during the Christmas season. Day was featured on so many of the collections in my Mother's holiday collection, it doesn't seem like the season without her. Day, She was such and iconic movie star, it is easy to forget she began her career as a big band singer, most notably with Les Brown & his Band of Renown. She also had a great solo career, churning out albums and hits for Columbia Records. For her 1956 album 'Day By Day', Doris recorded "I Remember You", a lush and romantic song with lyrics by Mercer and music by Victor Schertzinger. Please enjoy as Doris Day sings "I Remember You".

And, finally, it seems tough to offer any tribute to a great songwriter without including one song by the astounding Ella Fitzgerald. Her vocals was just a joy to listen to, no matter what or who she is singing. In 1947, Lionel Hampton and Sonny Burke wrote an instrumental named "Midnight Sun". The song quickly became a Jazz classic, being played by the best bands out there. As the story goes, Johnny Mercer heard the song playing as he was driving home from the movie studios, and he instantly began mentally writing lyrics for the music, based on the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean. This was in 1954, seven years after Hampton & Burke wrote the music. It took almost no time for the vocalists to line up to sing the song. That list included Ella, who recorded the song for her 1957 album, 'Like Someone in Love'. This is Ella Fitzgerald singing "Midnight Sun".

Have a great weekend!

Steven Taetz • Steven Taetz

I heard about Steven Taetz from my friend JD Doyle at Queer Music Heritage, like many others. JD told me about him, and thought I would like his music. As both my friend and a fellow music lover, I as excited to hear the debut from the handsome Canadian. With a bit of research, I learned the singer/songwriter was based out of Toronto, Canada. I also learned the out and proud musician is inspired to rite music featuring the country in which he lives. He was also inspired by Canadian artists, and asked several if they might be interested in writing with him. He was thrilled with the response, and he collaborated with award-winning artists including Adaline, Emma-Lee, Peter Katz, Leela Gilday, The Wild Strawberries, Tara MacLean, and Geraldine Hollett of The Once. I also could not help but notice Steven is a handsome man, making the search for pictures a bit more fun. But not as much fun as listening to his music, I am thrilled to admit.

At the end of September, he released his debut, the self-titled album 'Steven Taetz'. The 8-song collection contains songs written by Taetz and the artists listed above, an interesting amalgam of Pop and Folk. The production is a beautiful balance between acoustic and lush, never leaving me wishing for more of anything. The first song was written by Taetz and Adaline. "End of the Lonely Road" blends the aforementioned genres, while adding a touch of Country to the mix. I get the delicious taste of life on the road, a restless soul yearning for home. That is followed by "Waiting for Wishes", a ukelele-driven song co-written with Emma-Lee. Light, frothy, and delectable, the songs shows a strong range, with a nostalgic softness in the verse, while allowing his voice to rise and soar in the chorus. There is such a warmth that is burns in this song, I want to listen again and again. The third track is "Unspoken", a wonderful Pop nugget, both classic and timeless. It is a beautiful ballad, as you can hear in the next clip of Steven singing in a live performance.

Taetz wrote the next track, "Midnight Sun", with Leela Gilday. There is a stunning beauty in this lament, a heaviness of heart that never dampens the spirit. "Drive" is the next song, a song he had written a few years ago that achieved much success as an Electropop Dance track. On the album, Taetz peels back the production to a more acoustic feel, keeping the Pop but leaving the high octane for the original version. The song, written by Taetz, The Wild Strawberries and Gavin Bradley. While I couldn't find the album version, here is the radio edit for the Dance remix. This is Kenneth Thomas feat. Roberta Harrison & Steven Taetz on "Drive".

To be truthful, I love both version, and wouldn't want to have just one. "True North" is the next song playing, with a simple beginning, just Taetz and the piano. Soon, the strings come into play, and Steven allows his voice to tell the story with a magnificent honesty that touches my heart so. from the first notes of "Calm Before the Storm", there is a stunning vulnerability, an uncertainty that is nearly palpable in his voice. There is something inherent in the song that makes me think of the some of the great songs which offers more heart than most Pop can dream of. I want more like that. There is an eerie feel to the final track on the album, "The Miner's Hymn". The song, co-written with Geraldine Hollett, maintains a Pop sound while delivering a Folk song, proud of the message it delivers. The song veers between prayer and preaching, the plight of miner's leaving more than enough room for both. The album is a wonderful aural journey, the songs skimming over the musical landscape, while he paints the horizons with a beautiful voice that manages to give lightness and darkness, as well as the many hues of life. This album was such a delightful surprise, an unexpected treat, I am just so very grateful to have someone share this gift. I also found a live performance of the fourth track, "Midnight Sun", to share with you.

To learn more about Steven Taetz, visit his official website. There you can listen to the album, find some great pictures, and check out his touring schedule. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can purchase his eponymous debut from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. It would be a great addition to any music library.