Singer-songwriter Scott Dreier has poured his lifelong admiration for the legendary Doris Day into his latest album, “The Doris Day Project.” This album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a deeply personal and sincere musical homage to the iconic singer and actress whose work has resonated with Dreier since his youth. For Dreier, this project has been a decades-in-the-making dream, sparked by the enchantment he experienced watching Doris Day films on television as a teenager.
Dreier is no stranger to celebrating Day’s legacy. He is the creator and star of the acclaimed one-man show, “Doris and Me,” which he has performed to enthusiastic audiences across the nation. This long-running show has served as an extensive and loving preparation for his album, allowing him to perfect his interpretations of Doris Day Songs while also infusing them with his own artistic voice.
“I created my one-man show, Doris and Me, out of my love for and quirky obsession with the incredible Doris Day,” Dreier explains, his passion evident. “I wrote the show simply to celebrate Doris because she deserves to be celebrated! The fact that it has been embraced all over the U.S. is humbling. It proves that Doris is still so beloved. Recording this album of Doris Day songs is a dream come true. One of the greatest aspects of Doris Day’s music is its timeless quality. The material completely holds up today,” he emphasizes, praising the enduring appeal of the songs that have become cornerstones of the American Songbook. “The songs are as wonderful now as when she first recorded them because of the brilliant storytelling in the lyrics and the sheer beauty of the melodies. They stay with you long after the music stops.”
Faced with Doris Day’s extensive and illustrious catalog, Dreier confronted the daunting task of selecting just 16 tracks for “The Doris Day Project.” He readily acknowledges the challenge of choosing from a wealth of exceptional songs, admitting that every Doris Day recording feels essential, leaving no room for filler.
“Naturally, Doris’s biggest hits were essential inclusions for the album, songs like ‘Sentimental Journey,’ ‘Que Sera Sera,’ ‘Secret Love,’ and ‘It’s Magic,'” Dreier states. “These were non-negotiable. I cherish the opportunity to sing each of these exquisite songs. My aim was to explore fresh perspectives on these well-loved songs while always honoring Doris’s definitive versions. With the exception of “Sentimental Journey,” for which we secured permission to use the original Les Brown arrangement, I wanted to bring my own contemporary approach to these iconic Doris Day songs.”
Dreier also felt it was important to include one of Day’s popular novelty hits, “Everybody Loves a Lover.” He envisioned it as a duet from the outset, deciding to release it as a digital single to support animal welfare through The Doris Day Animal Foundation. His ideal duet partner was Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit.
“I consider Jane to be one of the most exceptional artists recording today. Her interpretations are truly artistic masterpieces—simultaneously modern and timeless. It was my dream to record ‘Everybody Loves a Lover’ with her,” Dreier shares.
He meticulously considered the arrangement of the song, wanting to preserve the joyful, carefree, and playful essence of Doris Day’s original rendition. “I kept hearing a New Orleans vibe in my head. I imagined a harmonica and the addition of horns towards the end. My arranger, the incredibly talented Jonny May, perfectly captured what I envisioned, and co-arranger Duane Benjamin added fantastic horns that really brought it all together. The inherent counter melody in Doris’s version made it perfect for a duet. I knew it would be incredibly fun for Jane and me to perform together.”
Dreier and Monheit met at the legendary East West Recording Studios in Hollywood to record their vocals. This studio boasts a rich history, having hosted music icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones. Dreier was deeply aware of the studio’s significance.
“It’s an extraordinary studio,” he enthuses. “Jane and I were both thrilled to learn that Dolly Parton recorded ‘Nine to Five’ there! We also discovered that Doris’s son, Terry Melcher, had recorded with The Beach Boys in that very room. This made recording there even more meaningful. It was palpable; you could feel the artistic energy in that space. And there I was, realizing my dream of recording one of Doris Day’s iconic songs with Jane.”
“We had just one hour to record,” Dreier recalls. He remembers asking Monheit, “Do you prefer to record your vocal first, and I can add mine later, or would you like to sing together?” Without hesitation, she replied, ‘Oh, I think it would be much more fun to sing it together, don’t you?’ And, of course, my immediate response was, ‘Yes—I agree! Together!'”
Upon hearing the final mix, Dreier was delighted with the result. “Jane’s vocal delivery is so effortlessly sexy and relaxed. She brings a wonderful new flirtatiousness and freshness to the song.”
For Dreier, a seasoned performer across television, theater, voiceover work, and recording, the opportunity to record some of Doris Day’s signature songs and collaborate with Jane Monheit represents the fulfillment of a long-held ambition.
He concludes, “My personal mission has been to celebrate and honor Doris Day, and to raise as much money as possible for animals in need.”
Dreier and Monheit are generously donating all proceeds from the digital sales of “Everybody Loves a Lover” to the Doris Day Animal Foundation. “We are all doing this for the animals. One of the greatest gifts in my life has been the opportunity to serve these beloved animals and support their well-being. It doesn’t get any better than that, and to combine it with celebrating the iconic Doris Day – it’s more than I could have ever hoped for,” Dreier expresses.
