Carmen McRae & Friends

1. Body and Soul

2. Bowling Green

3. Rock Rhythm

4. Bye Bye Blackbird

5. End of a Beautiful Friendship

6. 'Tis Autumn

7. Suivez the Chef

8. Back Bone

9. Them There Eyes

10. For Jammers Only

Carmen McRae & Friends,Various Artists,Spotlite Records,Bop,Jazz,Pop,Traditional Pop

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: Magic Essential Search for the vinyl lp version Thank You, Carmen! Wow

The Great American Songbook Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Carmen McRae Sings Great American Songwriters Carmen Sings Monk Bittersweet Sings Lover Man and Other Billie Holiday Classics Ballad Essentials ASIN: B000002I3X Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Satin Doll
2. At Long Last Love
3. If The Moon Turns Green
4. Day By Day
5. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
6. I Only Have Eyes For You
7. Easy Living/The Days Of Wine And Roses/It's Impossible
8. Sunday
9. A Song For You
10. I Cried For You
11. Behind The Face
12. The Ballad Of Thelonious Monk
13. There's No Such Thing As Love
14. They Long To Be Close To You
15. Three Little Words
16. Mr. Ugly
17. It's Like Reaching For The Moon
18. I Thought About You

Amazon.com

Perhaps the title is a bit off the mark: This set, recorded at Donte's in Los Angeles in 1972, isn't some sort of comprehensive catalog of the greatest American songs. After all, it's possible to find more enduring standards than "Close to You" (Bacharach/David) or "A Song for You" (Leon Russell) or "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" (Legrand/Bergman/Bergman). And while Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Johnny Mercer are represented (by "Satin Doll," "At Long Last Love," and "I Thought About You," respectively), there's no Gershwin or Berlin or Kern. But that's not really the point, is it? The great McRae make's 'em all sound like classic American songs in a recording that's as close as you'll ever get to seeing her in the intimacy of a small club. The laughter, sighs, and applause of the audience, tinkling cocktail glasses and spoken intros (most of which have been cut for the CD release) put you right there with McRae and the four-piece band, including Joe Pass on guitar and Jimmy Rowles on piano. Maybe it should just have been called Great American Singing. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Magic.......2007-03-08

This woman used magic to sing. Nothing else can describe the unbelievable way Carmen McRae interprets this music. All of her recordings are a trip down memory lane. This one puts you in a chair next to the stage in the club.

Essential.......2006-06-23

Perfect lounge music. McRae one of the best. Live recording accounts for some audio quality issues but overall excellent for library for a vocalist enthusiast.

Search for the vinyl lp version.......2003-02-27

Listening to this live outing on CD, with most of Carmen's spoken introductions cut out, is a frustrating experience. I had bought the CD a while back, but couldn't really get into it. Then I ran across the old vinyl double album in a used-record store, so I bought it to find out what I had been missing. And let me tell you, Carmen's witty and brash banter makes all the difference in establishing this album as a true listening experience. She cuts up for two and a half minutes alone before launching into "The Ballad of Thelonious Monk." Hearing Carmen speak to the audience does a lot to establish a sense of the room in which she was performing, the jovial mood she was in, and the spirit of that night in Donte's. And you know what, the sound even seems a bit richer on the old vinyl.

Thank You, Carmen!.......2002-11-01

It is a simple and disappointing fact that Carmen McRae spent much of her career in the collective shadow of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. However, unlike many vocalists who would (and did) throw in the towel, she carved out and developed a style all her own; while leaving us some wonderful music in the process.
This collection is a perfect example of that. She took these songs and interpreted them in ways that Ms. Vaughan and Ms. Fitzgerald couldn't touch. This collection proves that over most of her career she successfully resisted the temptation to try and sound more like Sarah or Ella. For that, we should be very thankful!

Wow.......2002-08-21

I'm lucky to have a great jazz station in my area (KCSM 91.9), and when they played a few of the tracks from the "At Ratso's" CD, I was intrigued. I found this CD at the local library, strangely enough.

Carmen McRae is an excellent vocalist, and she shines in this live, intimate setting, backed by a great rhythym section. She can really put inflection and attitude, not to mention emotion, into her voice.

The title of this album is rather misleading, and something like "Live at Donte's" would be more appropriate. I'm a bit disappointed that they had to cut the spoken introductions, and I'll keep a lookout for those LPs (even though I have no record player...heh).

Live jazz is like nothing else, pick up this CD.

Average customer rating: Carmen's Monk Monk And McRae - An Unparalleled Twosome! Carmen is the Coolest For Jazz Lovers Only Simply Heavenly

Carmen Sings Monk Carmen McRae Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sings Lover Man and Other Billie Holiday Classics Carmen McRae Sings Great American Songwriters The Great American Songbook Bittersweet The Carmen McRae-Betty Carter Duets (Live at the Great American Music Hall) ASIN: B00005NW8W Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

1. Get It Straight
2. Dear Ruby
3. It's Over Now
4. Monkery's The Blues
5. You Know Who
6. Little Butterfly
7. Listen To Monk
8. How I Wish
9. Man, That Was A Dream
10. 'Round Midnight
11. Still We Dream
12. Suddenly
13. Looking Back
14. Suddenly (Alternate Version)
15. Get It Straight (Alternate Version)
16. 'Round Midnight (Alternate Version)
17. Listen To Monk (Alternate Take)
18. Man, That Was A Dream (Alternate Take)

Customer Reviews:

Carmen's Monk.......2006-07-13

Beautiful!
Very rarely have I heard so distinctive interpretations of Monk's music by other artists. McRae gives her inimitable imprint on the material, at the same time preserving the akward uniqueness that is Monk.
Since her versions of these songs contain lyrics and are slightly less jagged and jumpy than the originals, this beautiful CD may also serve as a very useful introduction to Monk's genius.

Monk And McRae - An Unparalleled Twosome!.......2005-04-28

Carmen McRae's voice is fine. One of my favorite jazz vocalists, she is best known, however, for her witty and frequently ironic interpretations of lyrics, and her unique phrasing. Thelonious Monk, a brilliant pianist and composer, was one of the top jazz improvisers of the 1950's and 60's. Monk and McRae were good friends, and that's a good thing, especially because their friendship led to the making of this album. The combination of his music and her vocals are just dynamite. Pure magic!

Ms McRae sings thirteen of Monk's outstanding compositions on this CD. Two bonus numbers are versions of "Get It Straight," ("Straight No Chaser"), and "Suddenly," ("In Walked Bud"), from live performances. George Mraz's intro and solo on the opener, "Get It Straight," are superb. The other live track is my all time favorite, "Dear Ruby." What a song! And then there's the profound blues of "'Round Midnight" - outrageously outstanding!!! At times quirky, at others relaxed and swinging cool, Carmen captures Monks spirit and his angular melodies beautifully.

Most lyrics are by Jon Hendricks, with Abbey Lincoln, ("Blue Monk"), Bernie Hanighen, Sally Swisher and Mike Ferro contributing their writing talents to the other pieces. Titles have been changed, i.e., "Rhythm-a-ning" becomes "Listen to Monk," "Monk's Dream" becomes "Man, That Was A Dream," because, according to the music publishers, the pure instrumental versions have become part of a separate "Monk literature." Carmen is assisted here by tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Al Foster. Tenor sax Charlie Rouse and pianist Larry Willis provide back-up on the live tracks only. I only wish there had been more live sound.

Carmen McRae movingly states, in the linear notes accompanying the CD, how proud she is of this album and the musicians involved. I thank Ms. McRae for making this wonderful compilation, at age 68, no less! It is one of the best CDs I own. It's must have. ENJOY!
JANA

Carmen is the Coolest.......2005-02-18

This is one of the greatest vocal jazz albums ever made, and here's why:

Thelonious Monk wrote difficult, jagged, dissonant tunes. Beautiful and interesting, yes; but not the kind of songs that anyone can sing note-perfect in the shower. It would take an extraordinary singer even to try to do a set of songs set to tunes like "Well You Needn't", "Ruby My Dear", "Blue Monk", "Ask Me Now" and the like.

Along came Carmen McRae, at age 68; and with all of the wisdom and wit that a true old pro like that can muster, she knocked off these tunes as if they are the easiest songs in the world to sing. And because of her professionalism, she drove her sidemen to new heights. The tenor sax here, for example, is the old Monk sideman, Charlie Rouse; he never sounded better than here.

Many of these lyrics are by the James Joyce of Jive, Jon Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks has done some of these songs with these lyrics himself, such as "trinkle Trinkle" and on the Monk album "Underground", "In Walked Bud." Here, Carmen makes "In Walked Bud" (first take, the live one)the highlight of the album. Carmen is able to spit out all the words to the melody as if telling an in-joke that only the hipsters among us can understand. Carmen is just the coolest.

I love jazz singers who push themselves on difficult projects to do something unique. This is just such a project, and an essential for any fan of vocal jazz. RC

For Jazz Lovers Only.......2004-05-28

Quite simply, it doesn't get any better than this! The incomparable Carmen McRae vocalizing these legendary songs accompanied by some of the finest jazz musicians around. Flawlessly recorded at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco in 1988, you will instantly believe that you are there.

Simply Heavenly.......2004-05-20

Monk's tunes are wonderful but are not for amateurs...They make Sondheim look easy to sing. Carmen Mcrae sings these songs like they were written for her. This album is a must for all lovers of vocal jazz.

Average customer rating: CARMEN AT FIRST BLOOM Definitive Mid-career Carmen

Carmen McRae Sings Great American Songwriters Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Verve ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Great American Songbook Here to Stay Carmen Sings Monk Ballad Essentials Torchy/Blue Moon ASIN: B000003N3V Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

1. You Took Advantage Of Me
2. Yesterdays
3. Last Night When We Were Young
4. I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket
5. Blue Moon
6. I Was Doing All Right
7. My Foolish Heart
8. My Funny Valentine
9. Nice Work If You Can Get It
10. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
11. All The Things You Are
12. I Get A Kick Out Of You
13. My Man's Gone Now
14. Summertime
15. He Was Too Good To Me
16. How Long Has This Been Going On?
17. When I Fall In Love
18. My Romance
19. I Concentrate On You
20. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

Customer Reviews:

CARMEN AT FIRST BLOOM.......2002-07-16

These selections show the young and extremely talented Carmen Mcrae surrounded by lush strings and wonderful orchestrations. Her voice here still has that distinctive bite however it is sweeter than the later Mcrae. She shows that she can handle the Great American Songwriters just as well as Ella and Sarah. Standout songs are Yesterdays, Nice Work if You Can Get It and surprisingly Summetime.

Definitive Mid-career Carmen.......2000-01-11

The voice is fresh and incredibly flexible, and although this recording is a compilation it shows Carmen in top form through many different arranging styles. "My Romance" is a small gem. Thouroughly engaging listening from top to finish.

Average customer rating: Carmen McRae--an excellent chanteuse who never truly got the respect she was due

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Carmen McRae Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Verve ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Sarah Vaughan Carmen Sings Monk The Best of Ella Fitzgerald - 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection Torchy/Blue Moon ASIN: B0002M5T52 Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

1. Something To Live For
2. Good Morning, Heartache
3. My Foolish Heart
4. Happy To Make Your Acquaintance
5. My Funny Valentine
6. Exactly Like You
7. Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford
8. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
9. My Romance
10. When I Fall In Love
11. I Only Have Eyes For You
12. Ain't Misbehavin'

Customer Reviews:

Carmen McRae--an excellent chanteuse who never truly got the respect she was due.......2007-02-27

People do not remember Carmen McRae the way she deserves to be remembered. When Carmen sang the beauty of her voice held your attention; and she could lead her audiences wherever she wanted them to go. You can imagine my surprise and disappointment when I saw the low Amazon sales rank of this CD!

The CD starts off marvelously with "Something To Live For." This track begins with its beautiful arrangement for piano and Carmen sings this passionately! The quality of the sound is excellent; you would swear that Carmen is standing right next to you as you listen to this disc. "Good Morning Heartache" follows the opening number and Carmen sings this in a lower pitched voice; this demonstrates that she possessed a strong vocal range. The musical arrangement is beautiful and Carmen's voice imparts to her audience a degree of intimacy few vocalists could ever manage.

"Happy To Make Your Acquaintance" stands out on this CD. Carmen performs a playful, very happy duet with the great Sammy Davis, Jr. Carmen and Sammy harmonize to perfection and the humorous lyrics make this an instant classic. The catchy melody also attracts your attention from the very start; "Happy To Make Your Acquaintance" is one of the strongest tracks on this album. Excellent!

Another song worthy of special mention on this CD is "Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford." This song honors the memory of Clifford Brown, a great trumpeter who died all too young in a car crash. The melody and Carmen's voice lilt gently and this song is a fitting tribute to this gentleman.

Other great songs on this CD include a sensuous rendition of "My Funny Valentine" with a great arrangement for the piano; "Exactly Like You" which explores Carmen's desire to spend time with her perfect mate and the very romantic "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" which Carmen sings without a single superfluous note.

The CD ends with the classic "Ain't Misbehavin'" written by Harry Brooks, Andy Razof and Thomas Waller. This awesome song receives a very special romantic treatment with a slower than usual tempo as Carmen croons flawlessly.

The liner notes include magnificent black and white photos of Carmen and the song credits are listed nicely. David Ritz contributes a fine essay about Carmen's career based in part on an interview he had with Carmen in 1976.

Carmen McRae will always be remembered for her magnificent contributions to the arts. Carmen deserves more recognition than she ever received. Hopefully more people will listen to this CD and other CDs by Carmen McRae to discover her limitless talents.

Average customer rating: Great-got more Carmen on Warner Bros.?

Dream of Life Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000AG8S Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

1. In Walked Bud
2. Sunday
3. For All We Know
4. I Have The Feeling I've Been Here Before
5. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
6. A Song For You
7. Miss Brown To You
8. Dream Of Life
9. What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry
10. If The Moon Turns Green
11. You're A Weaver Of Dreams

Amazon.com

On this 1989 recording before the West German Radio (WDR) orchestra, Carmen McRae's unique way with a song is perfectly framed. The project--a dream of arranger-bassist, John Clayton--was the result of taking Carmen's style (and favorite tunes) and sculpting a big band sound to match. From the opening "In Walked Bud" (by Thelonious Monk) to the apt finale, "You're a Weaver of Dreams," McRae's rich, immaculate voice wraps itself around every syllable while the orchestra colors her every nuance. Great attention is given to dynamics: from whispers to exaltations, the band is right in sync. Clayton's sensitive, well-conceived arrangements provide the perfect canvas for Carmen McRae's deep, assertive stylings, complimenting her natural way with a song. --Wally Shoup

Customer Reviews:

Great-got more Carmen on Warner Bros.?.......2002-01-10

This album is from the later side of Carmen McRae. All the songs are jazz-like, and she sings the songs lavishingly with John Clayton's orchestra. Jazz fans, get this NOW!

Average customer rating: Two of the great ladies of jazz, relaxed and having fun together. A hellish match made in heaven! Two of the Greats!! I must be missing something They Could Have Done it Better but ... What Matters!

The Carmen McRae-Betty Carter Duets (Live at the Great American Music Hall) Betty Carter , and Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Inside Betty Carter Look What I Got Ray Charles and Betty Carter/Dedicated to You I Can't Help It The Audience With Betty Carter ASIN: B00000470Z Release Date: 1996-01-30

Tracks:

1. What's New?
2. Stolen Moments (Aka 'You Belong To Her')
3. But Beautiful
4. Am I Blue?
5. Glad To Be Unhappy/Where Or When
6. Sometimes I'm Happy
7. Isn't It Romantic?
8. Sophisticated Lady
9. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
10. I Hear Music
11. Love Dance
12. That Old Devil

Customer Reviews:

Two of the great ladies of jazz, relaxed and having fun together........2005-10-03

This unusual CD features the great Betty Carter performing live with the great Carmen McRae, both having fun as they share the spotlight. Betty's voice is higher and sweeter than Carmen's lower, stronger, and more assertive voice, but together they sound like extensions of each other, almost alteregos, as they interact, engage in delightful patter, and joke and obviously mug with the audience. This is a CD for which one yearns for a video, since these two megastars of jazz are so in sync that it's sometimes difficult to tell which one is singing in these unusually long tracks.

In all tracks it is the singers themselves who are the focus. Accompaniment is kept to a minimum--at most, just the piano, bass, and/or drum--and frequently McRae and Carter sound as if they are singing a capella. "Stolen Moments (You Belong to Her)" features wonderful harmony and impeccable timing, as both singers hit their notes exactly on cue. "But Beautiful," slower and more ballad-like, shows both singers alternating the solo line, ending with surprising high notes and perfect harmony. In one of the longest songs, "Am I Blue?" McRae begins with a solo, then turns the mike to Carter halfway through, before they join and swing together for the remainder of this nearly seven-minute track.

One of the best songs on the CD is "Sometimes I'm Happy," which begins with Carter singing to a bass accompaniment (by Jim Hughart), switching to scat and wild improvisation by McRae, and ending with Carter singing scat. In fact, their ability to sing scat together and alternately is one of the best aspects of this CD. In "Isn't It Romantic?" these two stars obviously enjoy harmonizing, which they continue with "Sophisticated Lady," which alternates solos and then combines. The high point of the CD is "It Don't Mean a Thing," however. From the beginning, in which they sing together accompanied by a drum (Wynard Harper), then piano (Eric Gunnison), the two have fun alternating scat turns, before the drum solos, and all go wild.

As McRae and Carter exchange patter and interject comments within their songs, they are obviously playing to their audience, which responds audibly on the recording, one of the great advantages of live performances. Bright, fun, and relaxed, this CD shows two of the great ladies of jazz interacting and sharing the spotlight as the audience roars its approval. Don't miss this one. N Mary Whipple

A hellish match made in heaven!.......2004-04-21

I love Billie. I love Sarah. I love Ella. I love Dinah. But if I were on a desert island, I would have to have the music of Carmen and Betty! They both had the wonderful combination of heart AND technique. They make you live the story within the song as they demonstrate monster creativity in reconstructing/recreating a song. The only song that seems under par is Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments". The pitch strikes me as flat and i suspect that was mostly Betty's problem because she often intentionally or otherwise seemed to have a ptich problem or a different sense of pitch that was right for her. She could really sound flat to my ears from time to time but...
Both women had an exceptional balance of interpretation of musicianship... awesomely so. Listen to Duke Ellingtons' "Sophisticated Lady". Such humor and joy on this set. Listen to the way Carmen sings: "Diamonds Shining...". It is dark and glistening! Listen to Betty's interprtation of "Where or When". Originally this song was performed in a light operatic style. Betty does a Brilliant reconstruction of an this old chestnut.as she takes it to another place of timelessness. She makes it live again. Almost like you are hearing it for the first time.
This is not a "perfect" album. It is magical! It touches in deep places that make you glad you were a live to witness such beauty.
Early on in the set they joke about how nobody imagined that these two could ever get along long enough to do anything together. Carmen asserts that they did it because they were smart as foxes. And they were for awhile. Within two years of doing this recording they were infact in an ugly fued. None the less they left a legacy of beauty and creativity.
Yeah, get this one!

Two of the Greats!!.......2004-02-07

Carmen McRae & Betty Carter deliver a great live set of jazz and fun, both ladies giving each other room to shine and both singing together as a duet should be done! not trying to out do each other! i would have loved for them to have recorded more duet lp's, but i'm so glad they gave us this wonderful cd!!!

I must be missing something.......2002-03-03

I picked this up at the local used CD store for $1 figuring I'd found a bargain. After a couple listens, I traded it right back to them. I don't know why this CD gets such high ratings, both here and in the jazz guides. The sound is muddied, the singing far from serious, and the banter hard to discern.

It reminds me somewhat of another very overrated CD....Tony Bennett MTV Unplugged.

I don't begrudge either Carmen or Betty their place in jazz history....but this CD is really a poor example of that of which they are capable.

They Could Have Done it Better but ... What Matters!.......2000-07-10

This is a CD re-issue with a repertoire more complete than the first CD edition. Notably, this new CD offers "Love Dance" as composed by Brazilian Ivan Lins and brightly sung by Carmen McRae. Above all, there is master voice and performance command here. To be listened to on your knees.

Average customer rating: TWO GREAT CARMEN MCRAE ALBUMS ON ONE CD!

Torchy/Blue Moon Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Mca Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Complete Recordings Bittersweet Complete Ralph Burns Sessions The Sound of Silence/Portrait of Carmen Ballad Essentials ASIN: B00002ZZ1M Release Date: 1999-11-01

Tracks:

1. Last Night When We Were Young
2. Speak Low
3. But Beautiful
4. If You'd Stay The Way I Dream About You
5. Midnight Sun
6. My Future Just Passed
7. Yesterdays
8. We'll Be Together Again
9. I'm A Dreamer
10. Good Morning Heartache
11. Star Eyes
12. (I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance (With You)
13. Blue Moon
14. My Foolish Heart
15. I Was Doing All Right
16. Summer Is Gone
17. I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket
18. Nowhere
19. Until The Real Thing Comes Along
20. Lush Life
21. Even If It Breaks My Heart
22. Laughing Boy
23. Lilacs In The Rain
24. All This Could Lead To Love

Album Description

Two of the late jazz vocalist/ pianist's original LPs for the Decca label together on one CD, 1955's 'Torchy' and 1956's 'Blue Moon'. Features the original cover art of both records and all of the songs from both, for a combined total of 24 digitally rema

Album Details

24 Track Collection. Includes Carmen's Most Famous Recording 'star Eyes'. 2-On-1 Title.

Customer Reviews:

TWO GREAT CARMEN MCRAE ALBUMS ON ONE CD!.......2002-08-02

Once again, the Universal Music Group comes up with this thrilling "two-fer", comprised of two great albums from the immortal Carmen Mcrae, one of jazz's greatest divas ever. These are mid-50's albums (each available as Japanese imports) that Carmen did on Decca. Her catalog varies where labels are concerned; she did a lot of recording on a lot of labels throughout her illustrious career, but it was at Decca where she gained the most momentum early on, despite being weighed down with lots of commercial stuff. There was no denying her vocal prowess, and I personally say she was one of the few vocalists whose voice always sounded the same, even in later years, and dare I say, got BETTER. These sides, mostly standards and some be-bop overtures, were arranged by the cream of the Decca bandleaders and freelancers of the time. Jack Pleis, an underappreciated master of the baton, led the orchestra on two of my favorites here, MY FUTURE JUST PASSED, a fine anthem that Carmen really conveys with sincerity without being too "mushy", and the swingin' I'M A DREAMER (Aren't We All?) in which Carmen really makes us ponder the rhetoric question in song. It's easy to dream with Carmen's voice and the great arrangement featuring clarinet on this chart leading the way! Ralph Burns, one of the greatest jazz arrangers EVER also did a few charts here, one of particular beauty is the Arlen / Harburg classic LAST NIGHT WHEN WE WERE YOUNG. As for the "be-bop refrains" I mentioned, STAR EYES was something of a hit for Carmen, and that version is included here; this one had them dancing in Birdland for years by anyone who ever covered it. NOWHERE is another swingin' tune that hearkens to the be-bop style and is handled just fine by Carmen. The touching ballad SUMMER IS GONE is wistful and pretty, and features some of Carmen's most heartfelt singing with a spectacular arrangement. This will bring countless hours of listening enjoyment for jazz fans everywhere. Two great albums from Carmen Mcrae; how can you miss? Excellent remastering and packaging with informative liner notes included.

Average customer rating: Carmen McRae At The Top Of Her Game

1964 Orchestra Recordings Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Lonehill Jazz Spain ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Complete Recordings Complete Ralph Burns Sessions Live at Century Plaza The Band and I Torchy/Blue Moon ASIN: B000HIVPKO Release Date: 2006-10-02

Tracks:

1. In Love in Vain - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
2. Where Did It Go? (Manha de Carnaval) - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
3. Music That Makes Me Dance - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
4. Because You're Mine - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
5. Too Good - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
6. Once Upon a Summertime - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
7. Night Has a Thousand Eyes - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
8. Cloudy Morning - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
9. Blame It on My Youth - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
10. Winter in May - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
11. My Reverie - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
12. And I Love Him (And I Love Her) - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
13. Alfie [*] - Peter Matz, Carmen McRae
14. Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
15. Who Can I Turn To? - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
16. He Loves Me - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
17. Sweet Georgia Brown - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
18. Don't Ever Leave Me - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
19. Gentleman Friend - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
20. Haven't We Met? - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
21. It Shouldn't Happen to a Dream - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
22. Limehouse Blues - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
23. I'm Foolin' Myself - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
24. Love Is a Night Time Thing - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky
25. Fools and Lovers - Carmen McRae, Don Sebesky

Album Description

First time on CD for two outstanding albums recorded in 1964 (Second To None and Haven't We Met) available on one CD by this Jazz vocalist. .Arrangements by Peter Matz and Don Sebesky and featuring Bernie Glow, Burt Collins, Bill Watrous, Wayne Andre, Charlie Mariano, Phil Bodner, Barry Galbraith, Norman Simmons, Richard Davis and Mel Lewis. The repertoire was discerningly chosen by Carmen. Any writer who has a song on this or any other album by Carmen should be flattered because of her meticulous choice when it comes to material and for the intelligent interpretation she gives each composition. Carmen will not do a tune that she doesn't 'feel'. 25 tracks total. Lonehill Jazz. 2006.

Album Details

Featuring Bernie Glow, Burt Collins, Bill Watrous, Wayne Andre, Charlie Mariano, Phil Bodner, Barry Galbraith, Norman Simmons, Richard Davis and Mel Lewis. Two Outstanding Albums on CD for the First Time Ever! Includes the LPs "second to None" and "haven't We Met".

Customer Reviews:

Carmen McRae At The Top Of Her Game.......2007-02-12

The Three albums produced by Carmen McRae in 1964 (Second to None, Haven't We Met?, Alfie) for Mainstream Records are some of the finest singing and production I've heard out of her. The arrangements by don Sebesky and Peter Matz are imaginative and supportive without being overbearing. This is a CD worth getting if you want to be introduced to the majesty of Carmen McRae

Average customer rating: IT'S ABOUT THE BIRDS!! Too many birds Excellent COME FLY WITH CARMEN!

Birds of a Feather Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Torchy/Blue Moon The Sound of Silence/Portrait of Carmen Sings Lover Man and Other Billie Holiday Classics With Mat Mathews and Tony Scott Quartets Anita O'Day and Billy May Swing Rodgers and Hart ASIN: B0000631DA Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. Skylark
2. Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?)
3. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
4. Mister Meadowlark
5. Bye Bye Blackbird
6. Flamingo
7. The Eagle And Me
8. Baltimore Oriole
9. When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along
10. Chicken Today And Feathers Tomorrow
11. When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano
12. His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Customer Reviews:

IT'S ABOUT THE BIRDS!!.......2004-07-10

Who'd have thought an entire album dealing with our fine feathered friends could be this excellant? I think Carmen & Sammy Davis outshined the rest of the Decca artists during the 50s. Technically, Carmen's voice was richer during that decade; it was always dramctic throughout her career. Having both characteristics in full force, Mcrae was able to interpret evergreens as A NIGTINGALE SANG IN BERLKELY SQUARE with a vigor unmatched by even Mel Torme; only Manhatten Transfer's 4 part harmony could rival her version. All 12 songs are of note & so varied which should have been hard to accomplish considering the album's theme. CHICKEN TODAY & FEATHERS TOMORROW, & MISTER MEADOWLARK are 2 novelty songs that would sound trite & dated by any one else but Carmen. Here the 2 are interesting parables. BALTIMORE ORIOLE is the neccessary blues song, RED RED ROBIN super optimistic, EAGLE & ME extremely philosophical, & HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW very faithful. This is a must own with every song belonging on it. Ps. Johhny, America's most beloved lyricist, is represented with SKYLARK, BOB WHITE, & MISTER MEADOWLARK. I like Carmen's version of SKYLARK the best of all I own.

Too many birds.......2004-03-29

This is the first Carmen McRae CD that I have bought. Initially, I liked the idea of a theme CD where all the songs are about something. However, after listening to it, I find that there is a real "so what" quality about it. So they're birds. Big deal. There's nothing here that really stirs the emotions. And Carmen's voice lacks depth, although she has a good range.

Excellent.......2002-12-22

As someone who has been collecting Carmen McRae albums for thirty years, I find this production a welcome addition to my shelves. I have to say the first impression that hit me was the stunning sound. "Clear as a bell" and "sharp as a tack" are two hackneyed phrases that are fairly accurate in this case. It's hard to believe this album was recorded back in the late 1950's. Whoever did the digital remastering of the material certainly knew their business.

With these songs you get a Carmen McCrae who is very much in her prime and absolutely in control of her voice. Both her singing and her backup instrumentals are right on target. The songs are "musical" in every sense of the word.

I share these thoughts with you as someone who has admired Miss McRae's work for several decades. In all honesty, for those who are just becoming acquainted with her, there may be other albums to try first.

COME FLY WITH CARMEN!.......2002-06-18

and the rest of the swingin' birds in this collection that could have been called "All The Best In One Crazy Nest" or "The Tweet-est Sounds You'll Ever Hear". Oh yes, this was one concept album that one would have thought couldn't fly, but enough of the topical remarks, as you can see I'm a music lover, not a comedian. Often overlooked, this is another one of those Carmen Mcrae gems that finally gets its initial CD release via the new LP style packaging from Universal/Verve. Carmen's Decca years
were something of a success, but she was often tied down with material that did not do her justice. She still made it work.
Here is such an example; a spirited but somewhat unusual concept, and 12 tracks of pure Carmen magic. Special mention and hats off to the elite in the orchestra, impeccably arranged and conducted by the great Ralph Burns, among them the immortal Ben Webster on sax. The plaintive prose in Johnny Mercer's SKYLARK has been sung by everyone, but never as sweetly as Carmen here. The swingin' BOB WHITE is also a winner, showing Carmen's fondness to jump around and even a clever tag on the ending which might remind one of the famous big band outros (particularly "In The Mood") The lovely NIGHTINGALE SANG IN BERKELEY SQUARE is taken a shade slower than usual here, but Carmen's vocals still glow over sparse backings. The sultry FLAMINGO, scarcely released before, is a warm and heartfelt outing by Carmen and the band, with Webster's solo taking flight at the break. But perhaps the most telling of all the tracks is Carmen's reading of the good ol' chestnut, WHEN THE RED RED ROBIN COMES BOB BOB BOBBIN' ALONG. Carmen jots and jams her way through this one, showing of some of the skills she'd hone for us to enjoy years later, that somewhat off-key, but yet right on time departure from printed notes only to end up right on target. The album closes with a spiritual, strangely enough, but nonetheless heartfelt and important to the package, HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW, complete with chorus. This long forgotten album will be a welcome addition to your collection. Thank you UMV/Verve for this long out of print title on CD!

Average customer rating: TRACK LIST

Solitudes: Spring Romance Various Artists , Etta James , and Nina Simone Manufacturer: Platinum Legends ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music Nature | New Age | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0005ENYTA Release Date: 2006-10-26

Product Description

Celebrate the promise of spring and the blossoming of romance with this collection of some of the sweetest love songs of all time, performed by the greatest voices in jazz. Track Listing: 1) Ella Fitzgerald: "Just One of Those Things"; 2) Dinah Wahington: "I Could Write a Book"; 3) Oscar Peterson: "Unforgettable"; 4) Billie Holiday: "A Fine Romance"; 5) Sarah Vaughn: "Misty"; 6) Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong: "Cheek to Cheek"; 7) Blossom Dearie: "They Say It's Spring"; 8) Patti Page: "Taking a Chance on Love"; 9) Carmen McRae: "All the Things You Are"; 10) Mel Torme: "Blue Moon"; 11) Anita O'Day: "Just in Time"; 12) Louis Armstrong: "I Only Have Eyes For You"; 13) Nina Simone: "My Baby Just Cares for Me"; 14) Etta James: "At Last".

Customer Reviews:

TRACK LIST.......2005-12-17

1. Just One of Those Things
Ella Fitzgerald (3:28)
2. I Could Write a Book
Dinah Washington (4:22)
3. Unforgettable
Oscar Peterson (2:34)
4. A Fine Romance
Billie Holiday (3:29)
5. Misty
Sarah Vaughan (2:57)
6. Cheek to Cheek
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong (5:50)
7. They Say it's Spring
Blossom Dearie (3:37)
8. Taking a Chance on Love
Patti Page (1:24)
9. All the Things You Are
Carmen McRae (2:21)
10. Blue Moon
Mel Torme (3:39)
11. Just in Time
Anita O'Day (2:45)
12. I Only Have Eyes for You
Louis Armstrong (4:09)
13. My Baby Just Cares for Me
Nina Simone (2:58)
14. At Last
Etta James (2:58)

Jazz Music:

1. Carry On
2. Ceremonies
3. Christmas: Winter Nights
4. Collectors' Items
5. Come Sundown
6. Dance Time U.S.A.: 1939-40
7. Dancing in the Dark
8. Dave Brubeck and Jay & Kai at Newport [Live] [Import]
9. Dolphins [Import]
10. Double Entendre

Jazz Music

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