Carmen McRae - Carmen Sings Monk [RCA/Novus PL83086] (1990)

Dynamic Range Released: 1990
Country: Germany
Label: RCA/Novus
Catalog: PL83086
Genre: Jazz


T R A C K L I S T:
01 Get It Straight (Straight, No Chaser) (Live)
02 Dear Ruby (Ruby, My Dear)
03 It's Over Now (Well, You Needn't)
04 Monkery's The Blues (Blue Monk)
05 You Know Who (I Mean You)
06 Little Butterfly (Pannonica)
07 Listen To Monk (Rhythm-A-Ning)
08 How I Wish (Ask Me Now)
09 Man, That Was A Dream (Monk's Dream)
10 'Round Midnight
11 Still We Dream (Ugly Beauty)
12 Suddenly (In Walked Bud) (Live)
13 Looking Back (Reflections)




Carmen Sings Monk
Carmen McRae







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Album Review

Scott Yanow [allmusic.com]

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 [album]. An inspired idea and one of the best recordings of Carmen McRae's career.