Search - Johnny Mathis, Henry Mancini :: Hollywood Musicals

Quintessential Mathis

Dennis Brislen | Omaha, Ne USA | 11/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Take a seasoned pro...no, take two seasoned pros like Johnny Mathis and Henry Mancini, great movie musical standards and the result is near perfection.Mathis is at his best on this cd vocally and interpretively. An added bonus features a couple of piano solos by Mancini along with his excellent arranging and use of choral background.Mathis' version of WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR is almost the equal of Cliff Edwards soundtrack Oscar nominated PINOCCHIO version. He is the only singer I've heard do justice to the song besides Edwards. There is not a bad track on this effort...you will listen to it over and over again."

Fine music and ballads from Johnny Mathis and Henry Mancini

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 02/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hollywood Musicals features the two top talents of Henry Mancini and Johnny Mathis. These two artists make words and music come to life on this album; and this is perfect music for lounging or slow dancing with your sweetheart.



"You Stepped Out Of A Dream" features Mathis at his best; Johnny sings this with all his heart and the music of Henry Mancini stuns me with its beauty. Johnny and Henry complement each other perfectly on this number; it's all very impressive. "Taking A Chance On Love" gets the royal treatment from Mancini and Johnny Mathis performs this without a superfluous note. Johnny sings so sweetly that you can't help but like this number! I predict you'll enjoy "Taking A Chance On Love."



"When You Wish Upon A Star" is easily a highlight of this album; Johnny sings this with great sensitivity and Mancini's orchestration lacks nothing--it's THAT good. "When You Wish Upon A Star" has an excellent arrangement for the strings. In addition, "Whistling Away The Dark" is another soulful, passionate love ballad that Johnny's voice caresses as he sings this. I have never heard "Whistling In The Dark" before; but it's quite a romantic number full of emotion and Johnny delivers this wonderfully. It's also a huge credit to Henry Mancini that the music sounds so good.



"Time After Time" shines like pure gold when Johnny and Henry do this up right! "Time After Time" moves me with its beauty. This tune always tugs at my heartstrings and it's very special. "It Might As Well Be Spring" showcases Johnny's vocals and Henry Mancini's musical arrangement is very lush and charming.



"Crazy World" has a great sound to it when Johnny and Henry Mancini perform this beyond perfection; and there's some extra music on this CD to allow Henry Mancini to show off his abilities to orchestrate, arrange and use a chorus in the background to embellish his lovely music even more.



It baffles me that this is out of print as I write this; it is such a strong album. I highly recommend this for "mood music" fans; and of course fans of Johnny Mathis, Henry Mancini and Hollywood musicals will love this one forever.



Thank you so much, Henry and Johnny!

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