A Super Compilation!
Dr. Glenn W. Briggs | KSC, Florida & Chengdu, China | 06/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is truly refreshing that the works of The Johnny Mann Singers are finally being released on CD. It is also a favorable commentary on the producers' customer-oriented awareness of what music lovers are really looking for.
This collection is the most representative yet of the Johnny Mann Singers' contributions to the really "good music' of the sixties. As is always the case, the group provides eminently enjoyable reinterpretations of the popular songs of the era, usually in a somewhat softer mode, but not so "soft" as to lose the original spirit of the songs. It will be interesting to see which of the old LPs are coming next."
The Johnny Mann Singers do not disappoint--terrific !!!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Johnny Mann Singers rank high in my book; and they do not disappoint with this album entitled Sixties Mann. They never sounded better and this album offers up a wonderful twenty-three song set that should please any fan of this fantastic group. The quality of the sound is excellent and I really like that artwork, too.
"Up-Up And Away" starts the CD song set with a lush musical arrangement as the chorus sings this to perfection--and beyond! The music is very pretty; it makes good use of the drums and percussion and these singers never let go of a superfluous note! I love it. "The Girl From Ipanema" shines bright in the capable hands of The Johnny Mann Singers; they do this one up right and with the accompanying music "The Girl From Ipanema" is easily a special number. Similarly, I like "Heartful Of Soul;" Heartful Of Soul" has a fine way of using the male singers alongside the female singers and it all holds its own very well. "Call Me" is extremely well done; this easy listening ballad benefits from the percussion. The singers' excellent diction enhances their performance all the more.
"To Sir With Love" is very pretty; and listen for "Never My Love." "Never My Love" simply hasn't been done any better than The Johnny Mann Singers perform it here; I'm convinced that their rendition of this timeless ballad is THE definitive version of "Never My Love." "Windy" is also done with lots of style and the percussion is again used very well in the music that goes with the singing.
"What The World Needs Now" stuns me with its beauty; The Johnny Mann Singers do this with panache and they never skip a beat, either! "Do You Know the Way To San Jose" is another great tune that benefits from the touch of The Johnny Mann Singers; and they do a sublime job on "Mrs. Robinson" from the film entitled "The Graduate." "Mrs. Robinson" displays their impeccable sense of timing; and that's grand. "My Coloring Book" is also very pretty; what a fine treatment this gets from this singing group!
"Daydream" gets the royal treatment from The Johnny Mann Singers; they handle complex tempo and key changes like the pros they were and still remain! There's yet another gem when they sing "Something Stupid;" this ballad lacks nothing--it's all THAT good. "Goldfinger" also sounds just great when they do this very well.
"Monday, Monday" uses the percussion very well; and "Dedicated To The One I Love" is done with great sensitivity by these singers. The album ends very nicely with The Johnny Mann Singers performing "Taste Of Honey;" it leaves me wanting even more.
I highly recommend this album for fans of The Johnny Mann Singers; and I hope that it comes back into print soon. People who enjoy classic easy listening music would also do well to get this album.
"
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1