Full of June moons and crooned tunes, this three-disc set is an excellent introduction to one of the most prolific songwriters and lyricists of the twentieth century. Here are standards that everybody loves to swing to and sing along to, from Billie and Ella to Bing and Bird. The first disc, Blues in the Night, highlights Mercer's melancholy side, Trav'lin' Light takes a more upbeat path (don't miss Sarah Vaughan's luscious "Moon River"), and, finally, Too Marvelous for Words offers joyous instrumental confections that seem to melt in your mouth.

Havi Hoffman