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Johnny Mathis has recorded many romantic albums over the past seven decades, but none quite like The Island. Recorded in 1989 but unreleased for decades, The Island transported listeners to Brazil, with all of its mystique and magic. On February 7, this lost classic arrives in a new deluxe edition - its first-ever release on standalone CD - from Second Disc Records and Real Gone Music.
Renowned producer Sergio Mendes of Brasil '66 fame and arranger-guitarist Dori Caymmi joined Mathis to subtly modernize the classic sounds of bossa nova and samba. He delivered some of his most sensual vocals ever for ten smoldering songs by Caymmi, Mendes, Ivan Lins, Brenda Russell, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and others. Featuring a small rhythm section including talents like Robbie Buchanan, Paulinho da Costa, and Toto's Jeff Porcaro, The Island is one of Mathis' most beautiful, intimate, and timeless recordings.
Among its many highlights, Johnny brought his singular style to shimmering interpretations of the all-time Brasil '66 classics "So Many Stars" and "Like a Lover." His longtime friend (and fellow Brazil enthusiast) Dionne Warwick added her own sultry vocals to the duet "Who's Counting Heartaches." (Johnny and Dionne teamed up once again this year for a beautiful "White Christmas" on Dionne Warwick and The Voices of Christmas.)
For this special release, The Second Disc's Joe Marchese has provided new liner notes based on fresh interviews with Johnny Mathis and Dionne Warwick. The package, designed in period Columbia Records style by John Sellards, is decked out with rare photographs by David Vance. Mike Piacentini at Sony's Battery Studios has remastered. With this "lost album" lost no more, The Island's tropical flavor can be savored by all. It's due on February 7, 2020, and you'll find pre-order links (soon to be active) and the track listing below!
Johnny Mathis, The Island (Second Disc Records/Real Gone Music RGM-0965, 2020) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)
- The Island
- Who's in Love Here
- Like a Lover
- So Many Stars
- Photograph
- Who's Counting Heartaches - duet with Dionne Warwick
- Your Smile
- Wanting More
- We Can Try Love Again
- Flower of Bahia
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WOW! This is a last minute Christmas gift/IOU from Santa this season. I knew a bit about this album but have never heard it. Leave it to Second Disc/Real Gone to do it up proud on it's own for us all to share after so many years. Thanks so much for this "present" , Joe and I'm sure you liner notes will be their usual 1001% great!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Thanks, Paul! Hope you enjoy it. A very Happy Holidays to you and yours, as well!
As long as RGM/SDR are continuing standalone discs of Mathis Music... can I put in a request for the "Live in Person" set from 1972? I know it was also part of that ginormous "Voice of Romance" box set, but a stanalone would be nice. (For some reason, I got hooked on "Her Mother Came Too" when I was little... go figure.)
Hey Dave, your request has been duly noted! Rest assured that we're exploring such a release. Watch this space, and keep your fingers crossed! Happy Holidays!
I remember seeing the promotion materials for this album, and having National Record Mart reserving me a copy, only to learn the release was canceled, and replaced with the Legrand and Bergman album. Often wondered why this was. Thanks for doing a stand alone for this.
Sorry. I think I may have my years mixed up. Memory is hell as you get older.