FAN-tastic
Jeff Hoofard | Houston, Texas | 09/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carmen could go a little heavy on the POP side for me but on this recording it's just fine. The list of great musicians is impressive but their collective sound is equally as impressive. The original recording was issued as a double LP and all of the songs are included on this CD.
Ms.Mcrae's voice is as lovely and magestic as ever and her covers of these songs are better than the originals. No one will ever be able to out do this version of "New York State of Mind". It TRULY is worth the price of the CD to own this song alone. Great recording,production and music!!"
Thank you, Lord
John F. Scott | 09/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At last I have the digitally remastered CD of this true jazz masterpiece. When I first heard it on vinyl back in 1981, I was blown away, although I was by then a devout Carmen fan. I loved it then, and I love it even more now.
This is the album for anyone who has not heard this great lady. Sorry Ella and Sarah, but I believe Carmen McRae was the greatest female jazz vocalist ever.
On this disc, she is in superb voice -- full, husky and always expressive. Like Sinatra, Carmen McRae made any song her own. No better example than Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." And what an extraordinary group of musicians, playing breathtaking arrangements. My only criticism is the use of strings. I just don't think they belong in jazz.
Carmen lives!!!"