Carmen Mercedes McRae (April 8, 1920 – November 10, 1994) was an American jazz singer, composer, pianist, and actress. Considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century, it was her behind-the-beat phrasing and her ironic interpretations of song lyrics that made her memorable. McRae drew inspiration from Billie Holiday, but established her own distinctive voice. She went on to record over 60 albums, enjoying a rich musical career, performing and recording in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Carmen McRae's live concerts are legendary. This cd shows why this is true. She is in great form, backed by her underrated trio, especially piano player Marshall Otwell . Then again, Carmen was also under appreciated. She has the time of her life performing here and the audience loves it. And the sound is great ... what else you can ask for ?
Recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, on July 22, 1982
Carmen McRae in 1982
Personnel:
Donald Bailey (drums)
John Leftwich (bass)
Carmen McRae (vocals)
Marshall Otwell (piano)
Tracklist:
01. Nice Work If You Can Get It (I.Gershwin/G.Gerswhin) 2.02
02. Do Nothin' Till You Hear Me (Ellington/Russell) 3.06
03. Everything A Good Man Needs (Traditional) 4.57
04. Body And Soul (Eyton/Green/Heyman/Sour) 3:28
05. Them There Eyes (Pinkard/Tauber/Tracey) 2:01
06. My Funny Valentine (Hart/Rodgers) 3.15
07. No More Blues (Cavenaugh/Hendricks/Jobim) 4.47
08. Everything Happens To Me (Adair/Dennis) 4.52
09. Upside Down (Caetano/Werneck) 5.11
10. Take Five (Desmond) 3.21
11. Besame Mucho (Skylar/Velazquez) 3.48
12. New York State Of Mind (Joel) 5.27
13. Don't Misunderstand (Parks) 3.16
14. Ain't Misbehavin' (Brooks, Razaf, Waller) 3:09
Alternate frontcover
ARMU 2199
ARMU 2199 (shareplace)