GSU student pays tribute to Johnny Mercer with new arrangements of unpublished works | Atlanta Music Scene - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Melissa Ruggieri, staff writer at Atlanta Journal-Constitution summarizes, The songs of Johnny Mercer are as familiar as air.

Marco Maritz, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Georgia State University Library Special Collections and Archives, has crafted new arrangements for some of Johnny Mercer s unpublished songs...
Photo: Daniel Rutland Manners

“Moon River.” “Hooray for Hollywood.” “Summer Wind.” “Autumn Leaves.” “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

The Savannah-born lyricist and singer’s legacy doesn’t need any amplifying, but when his timeless work is presented on Friday by the Georgia State University Jazz Band with guest trumpeter Joe Gransden and vocalist Tierney Sutton, there will be a few surprises in the setlist.

Marco Maritz, a South African trumpet player who has worked as a graduate research 
assistant in the GSU Library Special Collections and Archives, crafted new arrangements for four of Mercer’s unpublished works...

In a recent conversation, Maritz explained his interest in Mercer’s work and his process in writing the new arrangements. He also repeatedly expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this “learning curve” and said he hopes to return to his native country to share his knowledge.

“My goal in life was to see how I could leave a footprint behind for other people, and the Mercer Foundation uplifted me to do that,” Maritz said. “I can say I’m not the same man from three years ago to now.”
Read more...

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution