A double-CD 48-track compilation from the mid-'50s, this collection pretty much sums up what Carmen McRae was capable of and consistent in doing. Most of this is standard fare and all of it is well produced, and shows McRae performing with mostly small jazz ensembles. There's little in the way of filler or sappy stringy tunes. Among the more obscure tracks are "Tip Toe Gently," "Misery," and "I Go for You." The remainder gives you the whole nine yards of McRae in this time period, as she shows equal expertise in swing, ...
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A double-CD 48-track compilation from the mid-'50s, this collection pretty much sums up what Carmen McRae was capable of and consistent in doing. Most of this is standard fare and all of it is well produced, and shows McRae performing with mostly small jazz ensembles. There's little in the way of filler or sappy stringy tunes. Among the more obscure tracks are "Tip Toe Gently," "Misery," and "I Go for You." The remainder gives you the whole nine yards of McRae in this time period, as she shows equal expertise in swing, ballads, and blues. Her voice is mature and powerful. One quibble -- Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite" is done quite well, but the lyrics are incorrectly credited to Eddie Jefferson. This set is highly recommended for fans as well as newbies to the great Carmen McRae. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi
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