Search - Carmen McRae :: Finest Hour

Finest Hour
Carmen McRae
Finest Hour
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (19) - Disc #1

Carmen McRae was simply one of the giants of jazz singing, with a distinctive sound and phrasing, superb intonation, and rare harmonic imagination. She also had a unique gift for presenting a lyric, whether conveying depth...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Carmen McRae
Title: Finest Hour
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Universal Japan
Release Date: 12/21/2001
Album Type: Import
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: Traditional Jazz & Ragtime, Vocal Jazz, Oldies, Vocal Pop, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Carmen McRae was simply one of the giants of jazz singing, with a distinctive sound and phrasing, superb intonation, and rare harmonic imagination. She also had a unique gift for presenting a lyric, whether conveying depths of feeling or sheer playfulness. This CD is drawn from McRae's first sustained period of recording, her Decca work from 1955 to 1959. It demonstrates her emotional range, from the ebullient high spirits of "Namely You" and "Love Is a Simple Thing" to the lightly bittersweet balladry of "Do You Know Why?" and the passion of "Mad About the Boy." The accompaniments here include several big bands and string sections, and McRae is well served by a collection of arrangers highlighted by Tadd Dameron, Ernie Wilkins, and Ralph Burns. More-intimate small groups include superb contributions from pianist Ray Bryant and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, while "Something to Live For" has the composer, Billy Strayhorn, at the piano. --Stuart Broomer

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CD Reviews

Glad I got this CD.
Hoc Stercus | Hudson, NY USA | 12/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I already have CD's of Ms. McRae's early work, and of her later outings. This is the first recording I've picked up of her singing from the mid to late 1950's. What impresses me most is how she sings with great security and an exceptional awareness of the meaning of the lyrics. She is accompanied by backup musicians who are talented enough to be supportive, but not intrusive. The best compliment I can pay is to say that this is one production to which I want to give repeated listening. While a fine restoration job has been done, the overall sound quality falls short of contemporary standards. For Carmen McRae fans this is a truly worthwhile disc. Casual listeners might not be so taken with it."