Carmen McRae | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Carmen McRae always had a nice voice (if not on the impossible level of an Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan) but it was her behind-the-beat phrasing and ironic interpretations of lyrics that made her most memorable. She studied piano early on and had her first important job singing with Benny Carters big band (1944), but it would be another decade before her career had really gained much momentum. McRae married and divorced Kenny Clarke in the 40s, worked with Count Basie (briefly) and Mercer Ellington (1946-1947), and became the intermission singer and pianist at several New York clubs. In 1954 she began to record as a leader and by then she had absorbed the influences of Billie Holiday and bebop into her own style. McRae would record pretty steadily up to 1989 and, although her voice was higher in the 50s and her phrasing would be even more laid-back in later years, her general style and approach did not change much through the decades. Championed in the 50s by Ralph Gleason, McRae was fairly popular throughout her career. Among her most interesting recording projects were participating in Dave Brubecks the Real Ambassadors with Louis Armstrong, cutting an album of live duets with Betty Carter, being accompanied by Dave Brubeck and George Shearing, and closing her career with brilliant tributes to Thelonious Monk and Sarah Vaughan. Carmen McRae, who refused to quit smoking, was forced to retire in 1991 due to emphysema. She recorded for many labels including Bethlehem, Decca (1954-1958), Kapp, Columbia, Mainstream, Focus, Atlantic (1967-1970), Black Lion, Groove Merchant, Catalyst, Blue Note, Buddah, Concord, and Novus. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 49 Title: Ms. Jazz Released: Tracks: 10 Duration: 35:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You Are the Sunshine of My Life (03:10) 2 You and I (04:47) 3 Youre Mine You (03:08) 4 Exactly Like You (03:37) 5 Masquerade (03:47) 6 The Good Life (02:51) 7 How Could I Settle for Less (02:33) 8 There Will Come a Time (04:16) 9 Livin (04:29) 10 Hey John (03:19) |
 | Album: 2 of 49 Title: Torchy Released: 1955 Tracks: 12 Duration: 36:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Last Night When We Were Young (02:38) 2 Speak Low (03:10) 3 But Beautiful (02:57) 4 If Youd Stay the Way I Dream About You (02:47) 5 Midnight Sun (03:47) 6 My Future Just Passed (03:18) 7 Yesterdays (02:36) 8 Well Be Together Again (03:05) 9 Im a Dreamer (02:48) 10 Good Morning, Heartache (03:20) 11 Star Eyes (03:10) 12 (I Dont Stand) A Ghost of a Chance (With You) (03:12) |
 | Album: 3 of 49 Title: By Special Request Released: 1956 Tracks: 17 Duration: 48:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Give Me the Simple Life (02:22) 2 Sometimes Im Happy (02:36) 3 Love Is Here to Stay (02:42) 4 Something to Live For (03:15) 5 I Cant Get Started (03:19) 6 Yardbird Suite (02:00) 7 Just One of Those Things (02:42) 8 This Will Make You Laugh (03:25) 9 My One and Only Love (03:12) 10 Ill Remember April (02:40) 11 Supper Time (03:02) 12 You Took Advantage of Me (02:38) 13 They All Laughed (02:12) 14 Keep Me in Mind (03:08) 15 Ooh (What Cha Doin to Me) (02:19) 16 If Im Lucky (Ill Be the One) (03:04) 17 Georgia Rose (03:16) |
| By Special Request : Allmusic album Review : Other than a record for Bethlehem and a few scattered selections, this LP (most of which has been reissued on CD) has Carmen McRaes earliest recordings. Although her voice is higher than it would be and her style is not as recognizable, she was already a top-notch singer at this early stage. Some numbers have McRae joined by the Mat Matthews Quintet (featuring Matthews on accordion and the young Herbie Mann on flute), while others have her joined by pianist Dick Katz, guitarist Mundell Lowe, bassist Wendell Marshall, and her ex-husband Kenny Clarke on drums. McRae plays piano on "Suppertime," and Billy Strayhorn sits in on his own "Something to Live For." Among the other songs that McRae uplifts and swings are "Give Me the Simple Life," "Sometimes Im Happy," "Yardbird Suite," and "This Will Make You Laugh." | ||
 | Album: 4 of 49 Title: Blue Moon Released: 1956 Tracks: 12 Duration: 35:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Blue Moon (02:37) 2 My Foolish Heart (03:12) 3 I Was Doing All Right (02:51) 4 Summer Is Gone (03:26) 5 Im Putting All My Eggs in One Basket (02:24) 6 Nowhere (02:44) 7 Until the Real Thing Comes Along (03:23) 8 Lush Life (03:37) 9 Even If It Breaks My Heart (02:35) 10 Laughing Boy (03:01) 11 Lilacs in the Rain (02:52) 12 All This Could Lead to Love (03:12) |
| Blue Moon : Allmusic album Review : Much of the music on this excellent (but obscure) Carmen McRae LP has not been reissued, and certainly not in complete form. Accompanied by an orchestra arranged and conducted by either Tadd Dameron or Jimmy Mundy, McRae performs both standards and obscurities, ballads and medium-tempo tunes. The big band is pretty anonymous but fine in ensemble work; the main focus is on the singers voice anyway. Highlights include "Blue Moon," "My Foolish Heart," "Im Putting All My Eggs In One Basket" and Mundell Lowes "All This Could Lead to Love." | ||
 | Album: 5 of 49 Title: After Glow Released: 1957 Tracks: 12 Duration: 39:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Cant Escape From You (03:33) 2 Guess Who I Saw Today (03:38) 3 My Funny Valentine (04:22) 4 The Little Things Mean So Much (03:16) 5 Im Thru With Love (04:12) 6 Nice Work If You Can Get It (02:30) 7 East of the Sun (West of the Moon) (02:17) 8 Exactly Like You (02:11) 9 All My Life (04:17) 10 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (02:28) 11 Dream of Life (04:01) 12 Perdido (Last) (02:19) |
 | Album: 6 of 49 Title: Carmen for Cool Ones Released: 1958 Tracks: 12 Duration: 36:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 All the Things You Are (02:27) 2 A Shoulder to Cry On (03:54) 3 Any Old Time (03:11) 4 Weak for the Man (04:09) 5 Whats New (02:30) 6 I Get a Kick Out of You (02:16) 7 (What Can I Say) After I Say Im Sorry? (01:47) 8 Without a Word of Warning (03:21) 9 If I Were a Bell (03:28) 10 You Are Mine (01:55) 11 The Night We Called It a Day (04:29) 12 I Remember Clifford (03:02) |
| Carmen for Cool Ones : Allmusic album Review : Carmen McRae is in great form on these 1957 studio sessions with a jazz group and orchestra conducted by Fred Katz. Her rich voice is never overpowered by the 13 strings, which for the most part stay behind the singer and the jazz instrumentalists. The strongest tracks include a swinging "All the Things You Are" (backed by some interesting writing for the reed section), an unusual treatment of "Whats New" (featuring vibraphonist Larry Bunker and Joe Marino on celeste), a particularly dark version of "The Night We Called It a Day" (featuring Katz on cello), and a moving "I Remember Clifford," a fairly new piece which Benny Golson had recently composed following the tragic death of Clifford Brown. Even the obscure songs of these sessions, which include "A Shoulder to Cry On" and "Without a Word of Warning," are worth investigating. Unfortunately, only a few of these tracks have been reissued as a part of the compilation Ill Be Seeing You, though the Japanese division of Universal reissued this long out-of-print session in a beautifully packaged mini-LP-type sleeve in 2001. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 49 Title: When Youre Away Released: 1959 Tracks: 12 Duration: 40:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 When Youre Away (03:17) 2 The More I See You (04:04) 3 I Only Have Eyes for You (03:50) 4 Willingly (Melodie Perdue) (02:37) 5 If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) (02:24) 6 Ill Be Seeing You (03:46) 7 I Concentrate on You (03:34) 8 Ain’t Misbehavin’ (03:19) 9 Evry Time We Say Goodbye (03:04) 10 When Your Lover Has Gone (03:34) 11 Im Glad There Is You (03:57) 12 Two Faces in the Dark (03:08) |
 | Album: 8 of 49 Title: Tonight Only! Released: 1960 Tracks: 9 Duration: 44:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Melanctha (10:02) 2 Weep No More (02:52) 3 Talkin and Walkin (04:27) 4 Briar Bush (02:59) 5 Paradiddle Joe (02:07) 6 Late Lament (06:22) 7 Strange Meadowlark (02:42) 8 Tristesse (05:02) 9 Tonight Only (07:32) |
| Tonight Only! : Allmusic album Review : One of the more obscure Dave Brubeck albums is really a showcase for the young singer Carmen McRae who performs nine numbers: six composed by the pianist/leader, one song apiece by altoist Paul Desmond and bassist Eugene Wright and the lesser-known standard "Paradiddle Joe." McRae is in fine voice but strangely enough all of the songs (except for "Strange Meadowlark") have been long forgotten. Stronger material would have resulted in a more memorable session. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 49 Title: For Once in My Life Released: 1967-04-10 Tracks: 11 Duration: 30:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 For Once in My Life (02:46) 2 Dont Talk (02:57) 3 Until Its Time for You to Go (03:03) 4 Got to Get You Into My Life (02:37) 5 Our Song (03:08) 6 Come Live With Me (02:10) 7 The Look of Love (03:11) 8 Its Not Going That Way (03:00) 9 I Just Wasnt Made for These Times (02:56) 10 Worlds of Time (02:35) 11 Flying (02:36) |
| For Once in My Life : Allmusic album Review : In the late 60s Carmen McRae signed up with Atlantic Records and turned the creative reins over to producer Joel Dorn for 1967s For Once in My Life. The record is made up mostly of contemporary songs by Bacharach/David, Brian Wilson, the Beatles, and Buffy Sainte-Marie, and at first glance one might think that the record is just a callow attempt to jump on the pop bandwagon. One would be wrong because the record is a success whatever the intentions. McRaes voice is not as sweet as it once was but she is as incredible an interpreter of songs as ever. With Dorn mostly providing restrained and sometimes groovy backings, she turns in some wonderful performances. The two Beach Boys songs are heartbreaking; "Dont Talk" is one of the better covers of a Wilson song you are liable to hear. "Come Live With Me" is a swinging number that sounds like something Sammy Davis, Jr. would have torn up around this time. Leiber & Stollers "Flying" is another light and smooth that works very well. The only song that falls flat is the Vegas-style take on the Beatles "Got to Get You Into My Life," where Dorn lays on the glitz and Carmen sounds lost. While there isnt a whole lot of jazz to be found here, fans of McRae shouldnt be scared off by the songs or the era as this is actually one of the better albums she recorded in the second half of her career. [The album was reissued as part of a two-disc set (The Art of Carmen McRae/For Once in My Life) with a collection of McRaes Atlantic-era recordings making up the other disc.] | ||
 | Album: 10 of 49 Title: The Sound of Silence Released: 1968 Tracks: 12 Duration: 38:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Sound of Silence (03:03) 2 I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good (03:28) 3 MacArthur Park (04:01) 4 Watch What Happens (02:35) 5 Stardust (04:05) 6 Dont Go Away (02:16) 7 Gloomy Sunday (04:05) 8 I Sold My Heart to the Junkman (03:43) 9 Poor Butterfly (02:19) 10 My Heart Reminds Me (02:30) 11 The Folks Who Live on the Hill (04:27) 12 Can You Tell (02:14) |
 | Album: 11 of 49 Title: Just a Little Lovin Released: 1970 Tracks: 15 Duration: 44:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Just a Little Lovin (02:14) 2 Something (03:06) 3 I Thought I Knew You Well (03:57) 4 I Want You (02:10) 5 More Today Than Yesterday (02:59) 6 Here, There and Everywhere (02:32) 7 Carry That Weight (02:45) 8 Breakfast in Bed (03:12) 9 I Love the Life I Live (02:25) 10 Whatcha Gonna Do (03:35) 11 Didnt We (03:22) 12 Goodbye Joe (02:30) 13 I Love You More Than Youll Ever Know (03:36) 14 Just a Dream Ago (03:15) 15 Silent Spring (03:05) |
| Just a Little Lovin' : Allmusic album Review : Released in 1970, Just a Little Lovin was the fourth (and last) studio album Carmen McRae cut for Atlantic Records in the late 60s/early 70s. The albums were for the most part a mix of pop and jazz songs with a decidedly pop angle. Just a Little Lovin isnt too different, though it leans more toward the soulful end of the street. Producer Arif Mardin put McRae together with the Dixie Flyers studio band, backup singers extraordinaire the Sweet Inspirations, and an all-star horn section led by King Curtis, and then let her loose on the usual Beatles covers (a lifeless "Something," a very relaxed and sensual "Here, There and Everywhere," and a dramatic take on "Carry That Weight") and pop tunes like Jimmy Webbs "Didnt We" and Laura Nyros "Goodbye Joe." So far, so half decent. Where the album really takes off is on the tracks that sound more down-home and Southern, like those cribbed from Dusty in Memphis ("Just a Little Lovin," "Breakfast in Bed"), the Willie Dixon blues "I Love the Life I Live," and the tracks written by Tony Joe White (the funky-as-dirt "I Thought I Knew You Well" and "I Want You"). The band sounds totally in the groove on these cuts and McRae responds with some supremely gritty performances. As with all her other Atlantic records, its a mixed bag but well worth picking up for Carmen McRae fans -- and if you arent one, you should be! | ||
 | Album: 12 of 49 Title: I Want You Released: 1972 Tracks: 10 Duration: 28:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (03:00) 2 Too Good (02:52) 3 Dont Ever Leave Me (02:37) 4 Sweet Georgia Brown (03:15) 5 And I Love Him (02:12) 6 In Love in Vain (02:45) 7 Fooling Myself (03:00) 8 The Shadow of Your Smile (02:50) 9 My Reverie (02:40) 10 Winter in May (02:58) |
 | Album: 13 of 49 Title: I Am Music Released: 1975 Tracks: 10 Duration: 43:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 A Letter for Anna-Lee (04:58) 2 Trouble With Hello Is Goodbye (03:45) 3 Faraway Forever (03:19) 4 I Ain’t Here (03:26) 5 You Know Who You Are (05:12) 6 I Have the Feeling I’ve Been Here Before (05:55) 7 Who Gave You Permission (03:12) 8 Like a Lover (05:54) 9 I Never Lied to You (03:16) 10 I Am Music (04:15) |
 | Album: 14 of 49 Title: November Girl Released: 1975 Tracks: 8 Duration: 31:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 November Girl (04:36) 2 Just Give Me Time (02:22) 3 Tis Autumn (04:24) 4 A Handful of Soul (04:09) 5 Dear Death (04:15) 6 I Dont Want Nothin From Nobody (04:25) 7 Youre Getting to Be a Habit With Me (04:06) 8 My Kinda World (03:13) |
| November Girl : Allmusic album Review : The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band didnt record too often with vocalists, so this meeting with Carmen McRae had a lot of potential. McRae was likely seeing most of these songs for the first take at the recording sessions, since almost all are originals written by the bandmembers. Shes game and does her best, but several tracks are badly dated by Bolands insistence upon using an inferior electric piano, whereas no piano at all on these performances would have sounded far better. McRaes voice is also subjected to excessive reverb in "November Girl," taking something away from what is otherwise a fine effort. The band is in great form, with a number of strong solos (though none are credited) and excellent section work. Among the all-star bands members are trumpeters Art Farmer, Benny Bailey, and Idrees Sulieman and saxophonists Billy Mitchell, Sahib Shihab (who doubles on flute), and Tony Coe, along with Boland and drummer Kenny Clarke. Dizzy Gillespie is a surprise guest, playing snare drums on one track. This is a good session that could have been far better without the cheesy electronics. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 49 Title: Cant Hide Love Released: 1976 Tracks: 10 Duration: 41:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Cant Hide Love (03:54) 2 The Man I Love (04:16) 3 Only Women Bleed (04:57) 4 I Wish You Well (03:17) 5 All by Myself (06:03) 6 Music (03:32) 7 Lost Up in Loving You (04:38) 8 Youre Everything (02:51) 9 Would You Believe (04:09) 10 A Child Is Born (03:25) |
| Can't Hide Love : Allmusic album Review : This is the type of session that killed Blue Note the first time around. Carmen McRae gamely tries to interpret unsuitable and inferior pop tunes ("The Man I Love" and "A Child Is Born" are the only exceptions) and is backed by an all-star but faceless orchestra that is given nothing to do. The trumpet section (which includes Buddy Childers, Bobby Shew, Al Aarons, Snooky Young, Oscar Brashear and Blue Mitchell) is not given a single solo. The title cut is quite ludicrous and songs such as "Only Women Bleed" and "I Wish You Well" do not fit McRaes style at all. Pass on this one and get her earlier Deccas or her later Novus releases instead. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 49 Title: Two for the Road Released: 1980 Tracks: 10 Duration: 39:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Dont Stand a Ghost of a Chance (03:46) 2 Youre All I Need (03:19) 3 Gentleman Friend (04:16) 4 More Than You Know (04:39) 5 Cloudy Morning (03:00) 6 Too Late Now (05:07) 7 If I Should Lose You (02:21) 8 Ghost of Yesterday (04:57) 9 What Is There to Say (04:50) 10 Two for the Road (03:30) |
| Two for the Road : Allmusic album Review : There are far too few recordings of top-notch jazz singers backed solely by equally talented pianists, so this onetime meeting of George Shearing and Carmen McRae proves to be magical. Shearing recorded solo piano sessions a number of times during his long career, though he rarely played unaccompanied for a vocalist, with the exception of his meetings with Mel Tormé. McRae also had a prolific career and is still in great voice interpreting this standard-heavy collection. Shearings inventive chord substitutions in "Too Late Now" are a treat, with the singer making a delayed entrance. Shearing is rollicking in "Gentleman Friend" (the albums only uptempo track), which also features McRae doing a bit of scatting. The lesser-known "Cloudy Morning" finds the pianist in a bit of an impressionist mood and also sharing the vocals, while McRaes powerful interpretation of "More Than You Know" is another gem. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 49 Title: Heat Wave Released: 1982 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Heat Wave (03:09) 2 All In Love Is Fair (04:29) 3 Besame Mucho (05:28) 4 Evil Ways (05:17) 5 Do Nothin Till You Hear From Me (03:14) 6 Love (03:09) 7 Upside Down (04:35) 8 The Visit (04:15) 9 Speak Low (04:54) 10 Dont You Worry Bout A Thing (03:42) |
 | Album: 18 of 49 Title: Youre Lookin at Me: A Collection of Nat King Cole Songs Released: 1984 Tracks: 10 Duration: 37:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Im an Errand Girl for Rhythm (03:33) 2 Beautiful Moons Ago (03:11) 3 Frim Fram Sauce (03:59) 4 Come in Out of the Rain (03:13) 5 How Does It Feel? (04:04) 6 If I Had You (03:50) 7 I Cant See for Lookin (03:29) 8 Sweet Lorraine (03:35) 9 Youre Lookin at Me (04:12) 10 Just You, Just Me (03:58) |
| You're Lookin' at Me: A Collection of Nat King Cole Songs : Allmusic album Review : Carmen McRaes tribute to Nat King Cole (which predated the late-80s revival of Coles music) has its strong and weak points. She wisely adds Coles former guitarist John Collins to her regular trio and picked some fine material (including "Im an Errand Girl for Rhythm," "I Cant See for Lookin" and "Just You, Just Me"). However McRaes phrasing is much different than Coles and why did she sing "Sweet Lorraine" without changing any of the words? Despite those reservations, this set has enough strong moments to justify its purchase. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 49 Title: The Complete Ralph Burns Sessions Released: 1986 Tracks: 24 Duration: 1:15:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Last Night When We Were Young (02:38) 2 Midnight Sun (03:45) 3 Yesterdays (02:35) 4 Good Morning Heartache (03:21) 5 Mr. Meadowlark (02:42) 6 Skylark (03:00) 7 Bye Bye Blackbird (03:25) 8 Flamingo (03:43) 9 A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (04:56) 10 When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano (02:33) 11 His Eye Is on the Sparrow (03:19) 12 The Eagle and Me (02:45) 13 When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin Along (02:27) 14 Bob White (Watcha Gonna Swing Tonight?) (02:55) 15 Baltimore Oriole (03:51) 16 Chicken Today and Feathers Tomorrow (03:11) 17 Speak Low (When You Speak Love) (03:08) 18 But Beautiful (02:55) 19 If Youd Stay the Way I Dream About You (02:45) 20 My Future Just Passed (03:16) 21 Well Be Together Again (03:04) 22 Im a Dreamer, Arent We All (02:46) 23 Star Eyes (03:08) 24 I Dont Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You (03:13) |
 | Album: 20 of 49 Title: Velvet Soul Released: 1986 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:12:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Nice Work If You Can Get It (02:51) 2 It Takes a Whole Lot of Human Feeling (03:49) 3 I Fall in Love Too Easily (03:50) 4 Hey John (03:25) 5 Where Are the Words (03:19) 6 Straighten Up and Fly Right (03:01) 7 Inside a Silent Tear (06:10) 8 Imagination (04:23) 9 The Right to Love (04:18) 10 All the Things You Are (04:02) 11 Youre Mine You (03:12) 12 You and I (04:50) 13 How Could I Settle for Less (02:44) 14 The Good Life (02:53) 15 Sunshine of My Love (03:12) 16 Exactly Like You (03:45) 17 There Will Come a Time (04:20) 18 Masquerade (04:08) 19 Livin (04:28) |
| Velvet Soul : Allmusic album Review : Recent reissue of early 70s material on the Groove Merchant label. McRae was doing mix of standards, ballads, a little blues, and some originals, and was also experimenting with some soul jazz. These are not as well done as her material on some other labels, but are interesting for showing the mood of a label in the transitional 70s. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 49 Title: Ms Magic Released: 1986 Tracks: 9 Duration: 1:00:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Im Coming Home (04:21) 2 Burst in With the Dawn (04:36) 3 Come in From the Rain (04:17) 4 I Wont Last a Day Without You (07:11) 5 Everything Must Change (09:00) 6 Id Rather Leave When Im in Love (04:38) 7 The Masquerade Is Over (04:43) 8 Mr. Magic (14:12) 9 New York State of Mind (07:44) |
| Ms Magic : Allmusic album Review : A good compilation of obscure cuts from McRae in different contexts. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 49 Title: Any Old Time Released: 1986 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:01:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Tulip or Turnip (04:37) 2 Old Devil Moon (04:20) 3 Have You Met Miss Jones? (05:20) 4 Love Me Tender (05:56) 5 I Hear Music (04:48) 6 This Is Always (05:05) 7 Body and Soul (06:30) 8 Prelude to a Kiss (05:25) 9 Mean to Me (04:23) 10 Any Old Time (03:01) 11 It Could Happen to You (02:22) 12 I’m Glad There Is You (03:56) 13 Billies Blues (05:14) |
| Any Old Time : Allmusic album Review : This little-known date, recorded for the Japanese Denon label, features singer Carmen McRae with her regular quartet of the time (pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist Scott Colley, drummer Mark Pulice and guitarist John Collins) and guest tenor Clifford Jordan. McRae is heard in prime form performing a variety of top standards, including "Tulip or Turnip," "Have You Met Miss Jones," "Body and Soul" and "Mean to Me." Although recorded in the studio, this excellent outing gives listeners a good idea of how Carmen McRae sounded live. Well worth searching for. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 49 Title: Complete Recordings Released: 1986 Tracks: 26 Duration: 1:19:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 I Cant Escape From You (03:32) 2 Guess Who I Saw Today (03:38) 3 My Funny Valentine (04:22) 4 The Little Things That Mean So Much (03:17) 5 Im Through With Love (04:12) 6 Nice Work If You Can Get It (02:32) 7 East of the Sun (02:17) 8 Exactly Like You (02:12) 9 All My Life (04:17) 10 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (02:29) 11 Dream of Life (04:02) 12 Perdido (02:24) 13 Ill See You Again (02:42) 14 Zigeuner (02:39) 15 Some Day Ill Find You (02:54) 16 A Room With a View (02:42) 17 World Weary (02:54) 18 I Cant Do Anything at All (02:57) 19 Mad About the Boy (04:14) 20 Poor Little Rich Girl (03:01) 21 Ill Follow My Secret Heart (02:42) 22 If Love Were All (02:47) 23 Why Does Love Get in the Way? (02:33) 24 Never Again (02:48) 25 Invitation (02:58) 26 Moonray (02:31) |
 | Album: 24 of 49 Title: Carmen McRae Released: 1987 Tracks: 13 Duration: 36:08 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 (Youd Be So) Easy To Love (02:26) 2 If I’m Lucky (03:17) 3 Old Devil Moon (02:40) 4 Tip Toe Gently (02:40) 5 You Made Me Care (02:09) 6 Last Time for Love (03:05) 7 Misery (03:53) 8 Too Much in Love to Care (02:23) 9 Too Much in Love to Care (alternate take) (03:19) 10 Old Devil Moon (alternate take) (02:37) 11 You Made Me Care (alternate take) (02:09) 12 Too Much in Love to Care (alternate take) (02:20) 13 Last Time for Love (alternate take) (03:03) |
 | Album: 25 of 49 Title: Something to Swing About Released: 1989 Tracks: 12 Duration: 29:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Three Little Words (01:54) 2 I Couldnt Care Less (02:26) 3 Thats for Me (02:49) 4 (How Little It Matters) How Little We Know (02:30) 5 You Leave Me Breathless (02:40) 6 Its Love (02:58) 7 Love Is a Simple Thing (02:06) 8 Comes Love (02:46) 9 A Sleepin Bee (02:29) 10 I See Your Face Before Me (02:23) 11 Alone Together (02:21) 12 Falling in Love With Love (02:12) |
 | Album: 26 of 49 Title: Birds of a Feather Released: 1989 Tracks: 12 Duration: 38:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Skylark (03:00) 2 Bob White (02:57) 3 A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (04:56) 4 Mister Meadowlark (02:44) 5 Bye Bye Blackbird (03:25) 6 Flamingo (03:43) 7 The Eagle and Me (02:45) 8 Baltimore Oriole (03:51) 9 When the Red, Red Robin Come Bob, Bob, Bobbin Along (02:29) 10 Chicken Today and Feathers Tomorrow (03:11) 11 When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano (02:33) 12 His Eye Is on the Sparrow (03:19) |
| Birds of a Feather : Allmusic album Review : Yes, theres a concept on the loose here -- all the songs are about birds. Fortunately, there are plenty of good songs on the subject, and its not so narrow that all the focus hinges on birds themselves. Carmen McRae is supported by a good small group, directed and arranged by Ralph Burns, featuring guitarist Mundell Lowe and many solos for an uncredited "tenorman" (i.e., Ben Webster). Both McRae and Webster do their best on the driving, horn-heavy score for "Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight)." First, Webster follows closely along with trumpeter Irwin "Marky" Markowitz while McRae vocalizes clearly and with some swing, then launches a beautiful solo before McRae returns for the closer. Other highlights include the touching "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and a relaxed, pastoral "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano." | ||
 | Album: 27 of 49 Title: Carmen Sings Monk Released: 1990 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:06:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Get It Straight (live) (03:58) 2 Dear Ruby (06:01) 3 Its Over Now (05:28) 4 Monkerys the Blues (04:56) 5 You Know Who (03:30) 6 Little Butterfly (05:14) 7 Listen to Monk (03:05) 8 How I Wish... (04:56) 9 Man, That Was a Dream (02:55) 10 Round Midnight (06:32) 11 Still We Dream (03:26) 12 Suddenly (live) (03:41) 13 Looking Back (05:35) 14 Suddenly (03:11) 15 Get It Straight (03:27) |
| Carmen Sings Monk : Allmusic album Review : Carmen McRae, a good friend of Thelonious Monk, sang 13 of his songs (two of which are also heard in different live versions) on this memorable project. Half of the lyrics are by Jon Hendricks, while the remainder were written by Abbey Lincoln ("Blue Monk"), Bernie Hanighen, Sally Swisher, or Mike Ferro. On all but the two concert performances, McRae is assisted by tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Al Foster; Mrazs solos are particularly impressive, although everyone is in sensitive form. The live recordings give listeners two more chances to acknowledge the uniqueness of tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouses tone. As for McRae, her phrasing has rarely sounded better than on this classic set, and it is a particular pleasure to hear her interpret the intelligent lyrics and unusual melodies. "Dear Ruby" ("Ruby, My Dear") and "Listen to Monk" ("Rhythm-A-Ning") are among the high points of the essential and very delightful CD. An inspired idea and one of the best recordings of Carmen McRaes career. | ||
 | Album: 28 of 49 Title: Setting Standards Released: 1991-08-27 Tracks: 16 Duration: 50:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 By Myself (03:14) 2 How Long Has This Been Going On (04:05) 3 My Romance (03:54) 4 When I Fall in Love (03:49) 5 Ain’t Misbehavin’ (03:19) 6 I’m Glad There Is You (03:56) 7 A Sleepin’ Bee (02:28) 8 A Fine Romance (02:56) 9 I’ll Remember April (02:36) 10 Love Is Here To Stay (02:39) 11 Supper Time (03:02) 12 Last Night Whe We Were Young (02:40) 13 Speak Low (When You Speak To Me) (03:09) 14 Lush Life (03:36) 15 The Party’s Over (02:53) 16 They All Laughed (02:10) |
 | Album: 29 of 49 Title: Here to Stay Released: 1992-03-17 Tracks: 20 Duration: 53:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Just One of Those Things (02:40) 2 Something to Live For (03:13) 3 Sometimes Im Happy (02:33) 4 This Will Make You Laugh (03:23) 5 Love Is Here to Stay (02:40) 6 I Cant Get Started With You (03:18) 7 Supper Time (03:02) 8 My One and Only Love (03:10) 9 Ill Remember April (02:38) 10 Yardbird Suite (01:58) 11 A Sleepin Bee (02:27) 12 Three Little Words (01:52) 13 Comes Love (02:44) 14 I See Your Face Before Me (02:22) 15 Its Love (02:56) 16 How Little We Know (02:28) 17 You Leave Me Breathless (02:37) 18 Thats for Me (02:47) 19 Falling in Love With Love (02:14) 20 Love Is a Simple Thing (02:02) |
| Here to Stay : Allmusic album Review : One of several CDs that reissue singer Carmen McRaes early Decca recordings, this release draws its material from the 1955 small group album By Special Request and a 1959 record with the Ernie Wilkins Orchestra (Something to Swing About). McRae excels in both settings. While tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, trumpeter Richard Williams and pianist Dick Katz get some solo space on the latter album, the former one showcases McRae either with Dick Katzs quartet, accordion player Mat Mathews quintet (with flutist Herbie Mann) or (on "Something to Live For") with its composer Billy Strayhorn on piano. During an emotional rendition of "Supper Time," McRae herself plays piano. Throughout the 20 selections, the singer is heard in her early prime, hitting high notes that she would not even think of attempting in her later years. Recommended. | ||
 | Album: 30 of 49 Title: Body & Soul Released: 1993 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:05:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Body & Soul (05:57) 2 Bowling Green (04:47) 3 Rock Rhythm (Rockin in Rhythm) (04:52) 4 Bye Bye Blackbird (02:19) 5 The End of a Beautiful Friendship (02:57) 6 Tis Autumn (04:33) 7 Suivez le Chef (03:12) 8 Back Bone (07:05) 9 Them There Eyes (05:17) 10 For Jammers Only (01:22) 11 I Just Cant Wait to See You (05:16) 12 How Long Has This Been Going On? (04:49) 13 If I Were a Bell (01:40) 14 My Foolish Heart (07:17) 15 Secret Love (04:06) |
 | Album: 31 of 49 Title: Out of This World Released: 1993 Tracks: 21 Duration: 1:06:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 I Hear Music (02:22) 2 Come Back to Sorrento (02:45) 3 All About Ronnie (02:59) 4 Out of This World (02:56) 5 Lush Life (02:55) 6 Indian Summer (02:57) 7 Everything I Love (02:18) 8 From This Moment On (02:30) 9 Dont Wait Up for Me (02:36) 10 In Other Words (03:06) 11 I Could Write a Book (03:14) 12 Body and Soul (04:29) 13 Thou Swell (01:32) 14 Round About Midnight (04:55) 15 A Foggy Day (01:47) 16 Dont Ever Leave Me (04:35) 17 Moonlight in Vermont (03:58) 18 Day In, Day Out (02:03) 19 Loverman (04:40) 20 Stardust (04:17) 21 They Cant Take That Away From Me (03:41) |
 | Album: 32 of 49 Title: Sings Great American Songwriters Released: 1993-10-12 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:01:23 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 You Took Advantage of Me (02:39) 2 Yesterdays (02:36) 3 Last Night When We Were Young (02:37) 4 Im Putting All My Eggs in One Basket (02:24) 5 Blue Moon (02:35) 6 I Was Doing All Right (02:48) 7 My Foolish Heart (03:15) 8 My Funny Valentine (04:21) 9 Nice Work If You Can Get It (02:30) 10 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (02:27) 11 All the Things You Are (02:25) 12 I Get a Kick Out of You (02:16) 13 My Mans Gone Now (04:14) 14 Summertime (03:00) 15 He Was Too Good to Me (02:43) 16 How Long Has This Been Going On? (04:08) 17 When I Fall in Love (03:49) 18 My Romance (03:53) 19 I Concentrate on You (03:31) 20 Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye (03:02) |
 | Album: 33 of 49 Title: Live at the Flamingo Club/Magic of Chris Connor Released: 1994 Tracks: 23 Duration: 1:13:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 I Could Write a Book (03:14) 2 Body & Soul (04:31) 3 Thou Swell (01:34) 4 Round Midnight (04:56) 5 Foggy Day in London Town (01:48) 6 Dont Ever Leave Me (04:35) 7 Moonlight in Vermont (03:56) 8 Day in Day Out (02:03) 9 Loverman (04:36) 10 Stardust (04:17) 11 They Cant Take That Away From Me (03:44) 12 All About Ronnie (03:03) 13 Misters Serenade (02:48) 14 Everything I Love (02:18) 15 Indian Summer (02:59) 16 I Hear Music (02:22) 17 Come Back to Sorrento (02:45) 18 Out of This World (02:57) 19 Lush Life (02:54) 20 From This Moment On (02:30) 21 A Good Man Is a Seldom Thing (03:25) 22 Dont Wait Up for Me (02:33) 23 In Other Words (03:03) |
 | Album: 34 of 49 Title: For Lady Day, Volume 1 Released: 1995-03-14 Tracks: 13 Duration: 51:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (03:32) 2 Miss Brown to You (02:34) 3 Good Morning Heartache (04:21) 4 I’m Gonna Lock My Heart and Throw Away the Key (04:23) 5 Fine and Mellow (06:23) 6 Them There Eyes (01:26) 7 Lover Man (06:18) 8 I Cried for You (Now It’s Your Turn to Cry Over Me) (02:19) 9 God Bless the Child (06:42) 10 I Hear Music (02:57) 11 I’m Pulling Through (03:17) 12 Don’t Explain (04:06) 13 What a Little Moonlight Can Do (02:50) |
 | Album: 35 of 49 Title: Ill Be Seeing You: A Tribute to Carmen McRae Released: 1995-06-20 Tracks: 39 Duration: 2:06:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Something to Live For (03:14) 2 Speak Low (03:10) 3 But Beautiful (02:58) 4 Midnight Sun (03:47) 5 Good Morning, Heartache (03:22) 6 (I Dont Stand) A Ghost of a Chance (With You) (03:12) 7 Well Be Together Again (03:06) 8 Star Eyes (03:11) 9 Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets) (03:01) 10 Lush Life (03:38) 11 Until the Real Thing Comes Along (03:24) 12 You Dont Know Me (02:45) 13 Skyliner (02:59) 14 The Partys Over (02:52) 15 East of the Sun (West of the Moon) (02:17) 16 Dream of Life (04:02) 17 Perdido (02:18) 18 Exactly Like You (02:11) 19 Im Thru With Love (04:11) 20 Ill See You Again (02:42) 1 Invitation (02:57) 2 Bye Bye Blackbird (03:27) 3 Flamingo (03:43) 4 Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford (03:03) 5 If I Were a Bell (01:57) 6 Any Old Time (03:13) 7 Whats New (02:32) 8 The Night We Called It a Day (04:30) 9 Please Be Kind (03:18) 10 The Thrill Is Gone (03:56) 11 By Myself (03:17) 12 Do You Know Why? (02:53) 13 The More I See You (04:05) 14 When Your Lover Has Gone (03:36) 15 If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) (02:25) 16 I Only Have Eyes for You (03:52) 17 I’m Glad There Is You (03:56) 18 Aint Misbehavin (Im Savin My Love for You) (03:21) 19 Ill Be Seeing You (03:42) |
 | Album: 36 of 49 Title: Sings Lover Man and Other Billie Holiday Classics Released: 1997 Tracks: 14 Duration: 46:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Them There Eyes (02:48) 2 Yesterdays (04:54) 3 Im Gonna Lock My Heart (And Throw Away the Key) (02:33) 4 Strange Fruit (02:49) 5 Miss Brown to You (02:29) 6 My Man (04:07) 7 I Cried for You (Now Its Your Turn to Cry Over Me) (02:54) 8 Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be) (04:20) 9 Trav’lin’ Light (02:22) 10 Some Other Spring (03:04) 11 What a Little Moonlight Can Do (03:33) 12 God Bless the Child (03:26) 13 If the Moon Turns Green (03:30) 14 The Christmas Song (03:57) |
 | Album: 37 of 49 Title: A Whole Lot of Human Feeling Released: 1997 Tracks: 10 Duration: 38:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 It Takes a Whole Lot of Human Feeling (03:46) 2 I Fall in Love Too Easily (03:47) 3 Hey John (03:23) 4 Inside a Silent Tear (03:17) 5 Imagination (02:50) 6 Straighten Up and Fly Right (02:43) 7 Where Are the Words (05:50) 8 Nice Work If You Can Get It (04:20) 9 The Right to Love (04:14) 10 All the Things You Are (03:58) |
 | Album: 38 of 49 Title: Dream of Life Released: 1998 Tracks: 11 Duration: 45:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 In Walked Bud (02:45) 2 Sunday (07:05) 3 For All We Know (03:26) 4 I Have the Feeling Ive Been Here Before (05:19) 5 I Didnt Know What Time It Was (03:52) 6 A Song for You (03:27) 7 Miss Brown to You (04:04) 8 Dream of Life (05:04) 9 What Can I Say After I Say Im Sorry? (04:10) 10 If the Moon Turns Green (03:32) 11 Youre a Weaver of Dreams (02:59) |
| Dream of Life : Allmusic album Review : This 1998 CD features singer Carmen McRae late in her career, after recording her notable Thelonious Monk tribute but before cutting her final album, a set of Sarah Vaughan-associated songs. Joined by the WDR Big Band and performing arrangements by John Clayton, McRae is in fine form on a wide-ranging program. Among the better selections are "In Walked Bud," "For All We Know," "I Didnt Know What Time It Was" and "Youre a Weaver of Dreams"; on the latter, McRae accompanies herself on piano. Pianist Eric Gunnison is a major asset in the ensembles and on "Miss Brown to You" both Jon Eardley and a 20-year-old Roy Hargrove have trumpet solos. A rare opportunity to hear McRae accompanied by such a large orchestra. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 49 Title: New York State of Mind Released: 1999 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:08:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Everything Must Change (09:10) 2 Sweet Alibis (05:00) 3 Im Afraid the Masquerade Is Over (04:51) 4 Id Rather Leave Home With Love (04:45) 5 Im Coming Home Again (04:26) 6 Burst in With the Dam (04:41) 7 I Need You in My Life (04:03) 8 Come in From the Rain (04:25) 9 I Wont Last a Day Without You (07:18) 10 Woncha Stay With Me (06:20) 11 Mister Magic (05:04) 12 New York State of Mind (07:56) |
 | Album: 40 of 49 Title: Mad About the Man: Carmen McRae Sings Noel Coward Released: 1999 Tracks: 12 Duration: 35:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Ill See You Again (02:45) 2 Zigeuner (02:41) 3 Some Day Ill Find You (02:57) 4 A Room With a View (02:45) 5 World Weary (02:56) 6 I Cant Do Anything at All (03:00) 7 Mad About the Boy (04:18) 8 Poor Little Rich Girl (03:04) 9 Ill Follow My Secret Heart (02:45) 10 If Love Were All (02:51) 11 Why Does Love Get in the Way? (02:35) 12 Never Again (02:49) |
 | Album: 41 of 49 Title: Torchy / Blue Moon Released: 1999 Tracks: 24 Duration: 1:12:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Last Night When We Were Young (02:38) 2 Speak Low (03:10) 3 But Beautiful (02:57) 4 If Youd Stay the Way I Dream About You (02:47) 5 Midnight Sun (03:47) 6 My Future Just Passed (03:18) 7 Yesterdays (02:36) 8 Well Be Together Again (03:05) 9 Im a Dreamer (02:48) 10 Good Morning, Heartache (03:20) 11 Star Eyes (03:10) 12 (I Dont Stand) A Ghost of a Chance (With You) (03:12) 13 Blue Moon (02:37) 14 My Foolish Heart (03:12) 15 I Was Doing All Right (02:51) 16 Summer Is Gone (03:26) 17 Im Putting All My Eggs in One Basket (02:24) 18 Nowhere (02:44) 19 Until the Real Thing Comes Along (03:23) 20 Lush Life (03:37) 21 Even If It Breaks My Heart (02:35) 22 Laughing Boy (03:01) 23 Lilacs in the Rain (02:52) 24 All This Could Lead to Love (03:12) |
 | Album: 42 of 49 Title: Sound of Silence / Portrait of Carmen Released: 2001 Tracks: 23 Duration: 1:13:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 The Sound of Silence (03:03) 2 I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good (03:28) 3 MacArthur Park (04:01) 4 Watch What Happens (02:35) 5 Stardust (04:05) 6 Dont Go Away (02:16) 7 Gloomy Sunday (04:05) 8 I Sold My Heart to the Junkman (03:43) 9 Poor Butterfly (02:19) 10 My Heart Reminds Me (02:30) 11 The Folks Who Live on the Hill (04:27) 12 Can You Tell (02:14) 13 Im Always Drunk in San Francisco (03:04) 14 Elusive Butterfly (03:02) 15 Day by Day (02:28) 16 When You Get Around to Me (02:57) 17 Walking Happy (02:40) 18 My Very Own Person (02:58) 19 Ask Any Woman (03:00) 20 Boy, Do I Have a Surprise for You (03:25) 21 Loads of Love (03:58) 22 I Havent Got Anything Better to Do (04:33) 23 Wonder Why (02:13) |
 | Album: 43 of 49 Title: Bittersweet Released: 2002 Tracks: 13 Duration: 43:15 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 When Sunny Gets Blue (03:50) 2 How Did He Look (03:08) 3 Guess Ill Hang My Tears Out to Dry (03:36) 4 The Meaning of the Blues (02:49) 5 If You Could Love Me (02:08) 6 Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most (06:21) 7 Second Chance (03:37) 8 If You Could See Me Now (02:52) 9 Heres That Rainy Day (02:44) 10 Im Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life (03:23) 11 Ghost of Yesterday (03:09) 12 Im Lost (02:53) 13 Come Sunday (02:40) |
| Bittersweet : Allmusic album Review : Carmen McRae made many worthwhile albums during her long career, but this session of mostly melancholy ballads never received the exposure it deserved, possibly because it was done for Mort Fegas small independent label, Focus. But the singer, who is in top form throughout the date, responds beautifully to pianist Norman Simmons well-crafted charts; the rest of the cast includes drummer Curtis Boyd; bassist Victor Sproles; and a last minute but valuable substitute, guitarist Mundell Lowe. Her dramatic lagging behind the beat in "The Meaning of the Blues" adds to its appeal. "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" is the only extended piece and was already a regular part of her repertoire by the time of this recording, so her effortless take is no surprise. McRae was an excellent pianist and accompanies herself on the defiant "Im Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life." Duke Ellingtons meditative "Come Sunday" provides a ray of hope among the otherwise bittersweet songs on this CD. Fortunately, Koch had the wisdom to reissue this lost treasure, and it easily ranks among Carmen McRaes best recordings. | ||
 | Album: 44 of 49 Title: Marian McPartlands Piano Jazz Released: 2002 Tracks: 23 Duration: 58:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Its the Little Things That Mean So Much (00:53) 2 [conversation] (04:06) 3 Im Pulling Through (02:19) 4 [conversation] (00:52) 5 Sweet Lorraine (03:52) 6 [conversation] (02:01) 7 I Never Felt This Way Before (03:11) 8 [conversation] (00:48) 9 Theme for Carmen (05:01) 10 [conversation] (00:52) 11 As Time Goes By (03:55) 12 [conversation] (00:33) 13 Carmens Blues (02:53) 14 [conversation] (01:26) 15 As Long as I Live (03:40) 16 [conversation] (01:30) 17 I Guess Ill Hang My Tears Out to Dry (05:15) 18 [conversation] (01:11) 19 I Hadnt Anyone Till You (02:00) 20 [conversation] (03:07) 21 Embraceable You (03:52) 22 [conversation] (01:37) 23 Old Devil Moon (03:49) |
| Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz : Allmusic album Review : Carmen McRae was a guest on Marian McPartlands Piano Jazz in 1985 and ended up being one of the most memorable singers to appear on the series. While she was known to have a been a better-than-average pianist, she rarely recorded accompanying herself, though McPartland, an old friend, succeeded in encouraging her to sing and play solo on several numbers, including infrequently heard ballads such as Teddy Wilsons "Its the Little Things Which Mean a Lot," Irene Kitchings (Teddy Wilsons first wife) "Im Pulling Through," and Duke Ellingtons "I Never Felt This Way Before." McRae explains to McPartland how hard it is to play piano and sing simultaneously following her solo take of "I Hadnt Anyone Til You" and jokes during the song, "I wonder why I picked this song?," adding the humorous closing tag line, "Im gonna get out of this real quick." The two piano duets, "As Time Goes By" and the improvised "Carmens Blues," are a little bit tentative simply because McRae was not used to playing piano with a partner, but the two musicians clearly enjoy themselves so it doesnt distract from either track. McPartland, of course, is a consummate accompanist for McRaes vocals during a moving "I Guess Ill Hang My Tears out to Dry" (with the pianist sitting out the opening verse) and a delightful romp through "Old Devil Moon." McRae is also very moved by McPartlands lovely, improvised "Theme for Carmen" and her delicate interpretation of "Embraceable You." The interview segments are every bit as lively and entertaining as the music, so this is a CD that fans of Carmen McRae should purchase without hesitation. | ||
 | Album: 45 of 49 Title: Blues in My Heart Released: 2002-04 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:02:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Suivez le chef (03:07) 2 Work Song (02:59) 3 Blues in My Heart (03:11) 4 Just the Way You Are (06:42) 5 Rock Rhythm (04:51) 6 It Dont Mean a Thing (03:21) 7 Them There Eyes (03:55) 8 Body and Soul (05:51) 9 Bowling Green (04:47) 10 t Is Autumn (04:32) 11 Bye Bye Blackbird (02:20) 12 Jungle Trap (05:21) 13 The End of a Beautiful Friendship (02:54) 14 Backbone (07:00) 15 For Jammers Only (01:18) |
 | Album: 46 of 49 Title: Sarah - Dedicated to You Released: 2003 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:18:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Poor Butterfly (03:58) 2 Ive Got the World on a String (03:25) 3 Misty (04:09) 4 Wonder Why (02:44) 5 Send in the Clowns (03:51) 6 Black Coffee (06:21) 7 Tenderly (05:21) 8 The Best Is Yet to Come (02:29) 9 I Will Say Goodbye (02:37) 10 The Lamp Is Low (03:01) 11 Its Magic (04:57) 12 Dedicated to You (06:01) 13 Ill Be Seeing You (04:54) 14 Sarah (03:49) 15 If You Could See Me Now (04:59) 16 Wave (04:04) 17 Embraceable You (07:41) 18 Sarah (Alt Track) (03:36) |
| Sarah - Dedicated to You : Allmusic album Review : The follow-up to the essential Carmen Sings Monk is a tribute to the recently deceased Sarah Vaughan that ranks at the same very high level. Carmen McRaes final recording finds the singer backed by the Shirley Horn Trio (unfortunately, Horn turned down McRaes request to sing a bit) on 13 numbers associated with Sassy, plus Carroll Coates original "Sarah." On such songs as "Poor Butterfly," "Misty," "Tenderly," "Ill Be Seeing You" and even "Send in the Clowns," McRae brings back the spirit (and some of the phrasing) of Sarah Vaughan while still sounding very much like herself. This very well-conceived tribute is a classic of its kind and a perfect swan song for Carmen McRae. | ||
 | Album: 47 of 49 Title: Book of Ballads Released: 2003-04-23 Tracks: 12 Duration: 41:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 By Myself (03:13) 2 The Thrill Is Gone (03:54) 3 How Long Has This Been Going On? (04:08) 4 Do You Know Why? (02:54) 5 My Romance (03:55) 6 Isn’t It Romantic (03:02) 7 If Love Is Good to Me (03:31) 8 When I Fall in Love (03:49) 9 Please Be Kind (03:16) 10 He Was Too Good to Me (02:43) 11 Angel Eyes (02:43) 12 Something I Dreamed Last Night (03:58) |
| Book of Ballads : Allmusic album Review : The Book of Ballads in question is the Great American Songbook, and Carmen McRae breathes new life into some of its most dog-eared pages on this wonderful session that heralded the close of her Kapp Records tenure. McRae tackles material like "When I Fall in Love," "Isnt It Romantic?" and "How Long Has This Been Going On?" with uncommon care and intelligence, summoning rich new meaning from the familiar lyrics. In her hands, the songs pulse with energy and life. Arranger Frank Hunter and a supporting trio led by pianist Don Abney also merit commendation for nuanced, evocative backings that afford McRae the necessary space to do her thing. | ||
 | Album: 48 of 49 Title: Boy Meets Girl / Porgy and Bess Released: 2005 Tracks: 23 Duration: 1:17:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Happy to Make Your Aquaintance (03:15) 2 Tea for Two (02:37) 3 They Didnt Believe Me (02:57) 4 You’re the Top (03:02) 5 Cheek to Cheek (04:01) 6 Baby, Its Cold Outside (03:13) 7 People Will Say Were in Love (03:20) 8 Theres a Small Hotel (03:31) 9 A Fine Romance (02:56) 10 The Things We Did Last Summer (03:09) 11 Two Sleepy People (02:53) 12 Who Cares (02:37) 13 I Go for You (02:58) 14 Summertime (03:00) 15 A Woman Is a Sometime Thing (03:42) 16 My Mans Gone Now (04:18) 17 I Got Plenty O Nuttin (03:30) 18 Bess, You Is My Woman Now (04:53) 19 It Aint Necessarily So (03:57) 20 I Loves You, Porgy (03:47) 21 Theres a Boat Dats Leavin Soon for New York (04:01) 22 Oh Bess, Oh Wheres My Bess? (03:29) 23 Oh, Lawd, Im on My Way (02:44) |
 | Album: 49 of 49 Title: The 1964 Orchestra Recordings Released: 2006 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:13:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 In Love in Vain (03:13) 2 Where Did It Go? (Manha De Carnaval) (03:01) 3 The Music That Makes Me Dance (03:42) 4 Because Youre Mine (02:33) 5 Too Good (03:11) 6 Once Upon a Summertime (02:24) 7 The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (03:42) 8 Cloudy Morning (03:00) 9 Blame It on My Youth (03:29) 10 Winter in May (03:32) 11 My Reverie (02:46) 12 And I Love Him (And I Love Her) (02:14) 13 Alfie (02:46) 14 Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries (02:52) 15 Who Can I Turn To (03:11) 16 He Loves Me (02:11) 17 Sweet Georgia Brown (03:20) 18 Dont Ever Leave Me (02:42) 19 Gentleman Friend (02:23) 20 Havent We Met (02:26) 21 It Shouldnt Happen to a Dream (03:04) 22 Limehouse Blues (03:06) 23 Im Foolin Myself (03:06) 24 Love Is a Night Time Thing (02:41) 25 Fools and Lovers (02:38) |