Mabel Mercer--where to start

[ghost of miles]

I've long known of this singer and came across her name again in James Gavin's INTIMATE NIGHTS: THE GOLDEN AGE OF NEW YORK CABARET. Any fans here who might be able to point me in a good direction regarding her recordings?

[Pete C]

I'm the furthest thing from a fan, however, I once saw a video of a late performance of hers and it was pretty impressive how she could tell a story with a song very simply, and with economical but significant gestures.

Still, very few cabaret performers interest me. Only the ones who teeter on jazz.

[LAL]

I've not heard her singing but this Cole Porter album gets a fair number of good reviews.

There's also a CD released on the Audiophile label (GHB Jazz), "Echoes of My Life", with the Loonis McGlohan Trio. The recording was made in the late 70s/early 80s.

You may want to check these out.

[Bill Nelson]

Check the Discography at the end of Gavin's book. There's six recordings

which he recommends -- two of them highly.

I don't believe there's much we could possibly add.

(Were you hoping for some rare bootlegs from Bricktop's?)