Johnny Mercer: Too Marvelous for Words (A Medley): Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Sophisticated without pretension, this medley sparkles with the warmth and wit that define Johnny Mercer's catalogue. Moving from the playful swagger of "Too Marvelous for Words" through the sultry cool of "Satin Doll," the arrangement captures the intelligence and elegance of midcentury American song. The overall effect is one of effortless charm and genuine fun.

Choirs seeking accessible yet sophisticated pops repertoire will find this medley ideal for mixed-voice ensembles at the high school through community level. Directors building a concert program around American songwriting or jazz standards benefit from material that feels genuine rather than diluted. Singers enjoy the recognition factor and the opportunity to explore a composer's range within one arrangement.

• Lean into the conversational quality of Mercer's lyrics. These songs were written for singers, and clarity of text matters as much as blend.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the rhythmic feel, particularly through the jazz-influenced sections where swing articulation separates polished from pedestrian.
• Balance the medley's tempo changes by maintaining phrase shape across transitions. Let each song breathe without losing momentum between selections.
• Commit fully to the personality of each song rather than treating them as fragments. Each five Mercer tune has its own character, and singers should feel that shift.

Program this as a concert highlight that brings immediate audience recognition and joy, positioning it as a showcase moment in a mixed repertoire concert. The medley format makes it excellent for spring pops shows or programs celebrating American composers. It also works as a bridge piece between classical and contemporary repertoire, demonstrating that artistry and accessibility coexist.

• Singing jazz-influenced articulation and phrasing in a choral context
• Tracking harmonic movement across multiple songs and medley transitions
• Balancing lyrical clarity with ensemble blend in conversational text
• Responding to recorded accompaniment in real time
• Understanding song form and personality across contrasting selections