Carmen McRae - Carmen Sings Monk
Carmen McRae - Carmen Sings Monk
Flac & MP3, 320 kbps | 467,6 MB & 176 MB | Label: Bluebird | CD 2004
Rec. 1988
Flac & MP3, 320 kbps | 467,6 MB & 176 MB | Label: Bluebird | CD 2004
Rec. 1988
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; Mraz's 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 Rouse's 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 McRae's career. All Music Guide
Track Listing:
1 - Get It Straight
2 - Dear Ruby (Ruby, My Dear)
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 [live]
13 - Looking Back
14 - Suddenly [Altern. version]
15 - Get It Straight [Altern. version]
16 - ‘Round Midnight [Altern. version]
17 - Listen to Monk [Altern. take]
18 - Man, That Was A Dream [Altern. take]
(Tracks 16-18 Previously Unreleased)