Search - Carmen McRae :: Carmen Mcrae & Friends

Confusing but entertaining

Jim Holtz | Madison, Wi United States | 04/15/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I thought Carmen would sing on all tracks. I even asked the clerk at Jazz Record Mart in Chicago if she did. Well, she doesn't! Only on tracks 1,4,5,6,& 9. BUT, that's still 50%, & 50% of Carmen is more than 100% of most singers. She certainly knew how to use style over voice better than anyone! I'm sorry, but, if you read my reviews, you know that I always compare artists & only listen to the best in my estimation. This time I won't say whom she outshines in the "non-singer" department but no one else comes to my mind. Only she could go off key & make it appear so artistic. She used her "dramatics" to sell every mood. She could even sing on key! The musicians who are unfamiliar to me do a great job & their non-Carmen numbers are wow! Yet, if you want the greatest jazz dramatist of all time on all tracks; then, this isn't it."