Search - Carmen McRae :: Birds of a Feather (Spec Packaging)

Excellent

Hoc Stercus | Hudson, NY USA | 12/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As someone who has been collecting Carmen McRae albums for thirty years, I find this production a welcome addition to my shelves. I have to say the first impression that hit me was the stunning sound. "Clear as a bell" and "sharp as a tack" are two hackneyed phrases that are fairly accurate in this case. It's hard to believe this album was recorded back in the late 1950's. Whoever did the digital remastering of the material certainly knew their business. With these songs you get a Carmen McCrae who is very much in her prime and absolutely in control of her voice. Both her singing and her backup instrumentals are right on target. The songs are "musical" in every sense of the word. I share these thoughts with you as someone who has admired Miss McRae's work for several decades. In all honesty, for those who are just becoming acquainted with her, there may be other albums to try first."

COME FLY WITH CARMEN!

Giovanni | Chicago, IL | 06/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"and the rest of the swingin' birds in this collection that could have been called "All The Best In One Crazy Nest" or "The Tweet-est Sounds You'll Ever Hear". Oh yes, this was one concept album that one would have thought couldn't fly, but enough of the topical remarks, as you can see I'm a music lover, not a comedian. Often overlooked, this is another one of those Carmen Mcrae gems that finally gets its initial CD release via the new LP style packaging from Universal/Verve. Carmen's Decca years
were something of a success, but she was often tied down with material that did not do her justice. She still made it work.
Here is such an example; a spirited but somewhat unusual concept, and 12 tracks of pure Carmen magic. Special mention and hats off to the elite in the orchestra, impeccably arranged and conducted by the great Ralph Burns, among them the immortal Ben Webster on sax. The plaintive prose in Johnny Mercer's SKYLARK has been sung by everyone, but never as sweetly as Carmen here. The swingin' BOB WHITE is also a winner, showing Carmen's fondness to jump around and even a clever tag on the ending which might remind one of the famous big band outros (particularly "In The Mood") The lovely NIGHTINGALE SANG IN BERKELEY SQUARE is taken a shade slower than usual here, but Carmen's vocals still glow over sparse backings. The sultry FLAMINGO, scarcely released before, is a warm and heartfelt outing by Carmen and the band, with Webster's solo taking flight at the break. But perhaps the most telling of all the tracks is Carmen's reading of the good ol' chestnut, WHEN THE RED RED ROBIN COMES BOB BOB BOBBIN' ALONG. Carmen jots and jams her way through this one, showing of some of the skills she'd hone for us to enjoy years later, that somewhat off-key, but yet right on time departure from printed notes only to end up right on target. The album closes with a spiritual, strangely enough, but nonetheless heartfelt and important to the package, HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW, complete with chorus. This long forgotten album will be a welcome addition to your collection. Thank you UMV/Verve for this long out of print title on CD!"

IT'S ABOUT THE BIRDS!!

Jim Holtz | Madison, Wi United States | 07/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who'd have thought an entire album dealing with our fine feathered friends could be this excellant? I think Carmen & Sammy Davis outshined the rest of the Decca artists during the 50s. Technically, Carmen's voice was richer during that decade; it was always dramctic throughout her career. Having both characteristics in full force, Mcrae was able to interpret evergreens as A NIGTINGALE SANG IN BERLKELY SQUARE with a vigor unmatched by even Mel Torme; only Manhatten Transfer's 4 part harmony could rival her version. All 12 songs are of note & so varied which should have been hard to accomplish considering the album's theme. CHICKEN TODAY & FEATHERS TOMORROW, & MISTER MEADOWLARK are 2 novelty songs that would sound trite & dated by any one else but Carmen. Here the 2 are interesting parables. BALTIMORE ORIOLE is the neccessary blues song, RED RED ROBIN super optimistic, EAGLE & ME extremely philosophical, & HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW very faithful. This is a must own with every song belonging on it. Ps. Johhny, America's most beloved lyricist, is represented with SKYLARK, BOB WHITE, & MISTER MEADOWLARK. I like Carmen's version of SKYLARK the best of all I own."