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Carmen McRae's performed as a female vocalist filler for named attractions at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem in the early 1950's. She came into prominence when bebop developed, marrying drummer Kenny Clark, one of its founders. By the time she retired in 1991, she had performed in every imaginable context: dous, big band, and small combos...
Her true essence is best captured in her live performances, the closeness of the nightclub atmosphere providing the most ideal venue. The best example I have ever heard is Live at Ratso's Volume 2. Ms. McRae sings to her audience, talks to the people, chides, cajoles, and teases, as if one with them. She conveys life's ups and downs, highs and lows, underscored by the resiliency to emerge triumphant.
It is as if she joins your party at the table to sip a drink, and you can hear the ice tinkling in her glass as she speaks.
My favorite song is "Just A Little Lovin' ", with its mixture of humor, irony, regret; it is poignant, capturing the irretrievable passage of time. Her lyrics contain graphic language, but the message is clear-we are talking about love and intimacy and thier varying shades. The audience certainly responded well, and became part of the song. She scats nicely in "Sunday." She is self-effacing, and again, the audience is right there with her.
She truly admired Thelonius Monk. I enjoyed her definition of "genius." She discusses him with reverence, then sings "The Ballad of Thelonius Monk" tongue-in-cheek, touching a wide a wide range of emotions in the process.
The final selections are ballads, a fitting way to close this wonderful set, showing her sweet side too. Her accompaniment is top-notch.
This is a remarkable work, clearly a masterpiece. On a scale of one to five stars, it merits a ten. If you want to enjoy a mature, well-rounded display by a great jazz singer, you will cherish this 1976 gem.
Marshall Ortwell - Piano
Ed Bennett - Bass
Joey Barron - Drums
