Johnny Mathis

2LPs ON 1 CD Plus 1 BONUS TRACK

This essential release presents two of Johnny Mathis’ finest albums: the masterpiece "Open Fire, Two Guitars" (1959), and the equally splendid "Swing Softly" (1958). Originally issued by Columbia Records, both LPs contain some of Mathis’ more soulful moments during his most inspired years. On the former album, Johnny’s voice would be showcased in a highly intimate setting – no lush orchestral backdrop, just bass and guitar (played by such greats as Milt Hinton and Al Caiola) to provide the bare wisp of melodic support. On the latter album, the Percy Faith arrangements accent Johnny’s unique voice while creating a swinging and distinctive mood. This remastered collector’s edition also includes 1 bonus track from the same period (“Day In, Day Out”).

JOHNNY MATHIS, vocals, plus:

[1-12]: OPEN FIRE, TWO GUITARS (Columbia CS-8056, 1959)
        AL CAIOLA, TONY MOTTOLA, guitar: MILT HINTON, FRANK CARROLL, bass

[13-25]: SWING SOFTLY (Columbia CL-1165, 1958)
         THE PERCY HEATH ORCHESTRA

INCLUDES 16-PAGE BOOKLET

TRACKS:

01 AN OPEN FIRE
02 BYE BYE BLACKBIRD
03 IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT
04 EMBRACEABLE YOU
05 I’LL BE SEEING YOU
06 TENDERLY
07 WHEN I FALL IN LOVE
08 I CONCENTRATE ON YOU
09 PLEASE BE KIND
10 YOU’LL NEVER KNOW
11 I’M JUST A BOY IN LOVE
12 MY FUNNY VALENTINE
13 YOU HIT THE SPOT
14 IT’S DE-LOVELY
15 GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME
16 LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE
17 YOU’D BE SO NICE TO COME HOME TO
18 LOVE WALKED IN
19 THIS HEART OF MINE
20 TO BE IN LOVE
21 SWEET LORRAINE
22 CAN’T GET OUT OF THIS MOOD
23 I’VE GOT THE WORLD ON A STRING
24 EASY TO SAY
25 DAY IN, DAY OUT (*)

(*) BONUS TRACK

TOTAL TIME: 76:29 MIN.