Mabel Mercer

[Teasing the Korean]

Over the years, I've found - and unloaded - copies of the double Atlantic LP collecting tracks from her early 10" Atlantic albums. Considering that I would always find another copy after I unloaded one, I assumed that the universe wanted me to keep a copy, and I eventually tossed in the towel and just kept one.

So I am thinking of finally spinning this.  My earlier impressions of Mabel were that I didn't like her at all.  Frank Sinatra apparently worshipped her, and given that my admiration of Frank at least borders on worship, I can only assume that I am missing something with Mabel.

So I would like to hear what others think of Mabel Mercer.  Maybe elements of her singing would appeal to me more now than they did previously.

Edited July 30, 2023 by Teasing the Korean

[mjzee]

I have some Mercer on that Ertegun's New York Cabaret Music box.  My guess is her singing style is of a time and place, and society, that I was not privy to and so cannot relate.  (There are many artists in that Ertegun box who I would similarly characterize: Greta Keller, Goldie Hawkins, Ted Straeter, Joe Mooney...the appeal simply eludes me.)

Having said that, I find this performance touching; I have no idea what it's about (probably a song from a Broadway show):

 

[jazzbo]

I have the same box (on LP and CD) and I agree. I like Mabel a little. About as much as I like Sinatra, but then I am not a Sinatra fan.

 

Edited July 30, 2023 by jazzbo

[JSngry]

Nope, not for me. 

Sylvia Syms is another one.