Dave Rickert
January 2002

Combing the Catalog
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By David Rickert

Carmen Sings Monk
Carmen McRae
1988/2001

Due to the fact that Monk’s music is so angular and obtuse, adding lyrics never seems like a good idea. Even when Monk tried it himself it never seemed to work out all that well. Yet this set from Carmen McRae proves how successful the notion can be given the right approach. McRae leaves the melody intact (many of the song titles are changed to accommodate the lyrics), but wisely pianist Eric Gunnison does little to duplicate Monk’s style, smoothing out the rough edges and adding a bit of spit and polish to Monk’s original ideas. Oddly enough the musician who seems closest in spirit to Monk is Mraz, whose galloping bass lines have the same lanky sensibility of the pianist. Two old masters are recruited as well; Rouse (who played often with Monk) and Jordan (who never did) are in top form and contribute some tasty solos. McRae uses her husky voice to approach the songs with sensitivity and aplomb, highlighting the beauty of “Ruby, My Dear” and “’Round Midnight” better than Monk ever did. Although the singing is exquisite, the lyrics at times seem an awkward fit; Jon Hendricks’ lyrics in particular are filled with dated catchphrases and references that seem old hat. Nevertheless McRae, nearing seventy, is clearly at the pinnacle of her career here. How many others could say the same?

Fancy Meeting You Here
Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney
1958/2001

Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney were always at their best when they recorded together and this represents one of their most cohesive efforts, due in large part to the brilliant conception. Sammy Cohn and Jimmy Van Huesen suggested a musical travelogue for the two singers, contributed a few numbers themselves, and borrowed the rest from various sources. Billy May provides the spirited arrangements and has a ball adding woodblocks and marimba to capture the aura of the various locales. Crosby and Clooney’s back and forth banter feature mischievous lyrical jabs and in-jokes directed towards pals like Sinatra and Bob Hope (even May gets a barb thrown his way) that never grow tiresome after repeated listening. A few of the numbers fall into the oft-maligned category of the novelty tune, and while “On A Slow Boat To China” wears out its welcome over time, “Say ‘Si Si’” is nevertheless a lovely melody with a terrific arrangement. As an added bonus, there are two tracks added with Clooney and Bob Hope and four featuring Crosby and Jo Stafford. None have the chemistry of the original release, but are still worth a listen. Jazz fans will find little here to attract them, but fans of lighthearted singing will enjoy a record that stands up to repeated listening so well. Perhaps not great art, but certainly great entertainment. There’s even a map thrown in that pinpoints the locale of each tune. Who knew music could be so much fun?

Carmen McRae-Carmen Sings Monk
Tracks: 1. Get It Straight 2. Dear Ruby 3. It's Over Now 4. Monkery's The Blues 5. You Know Who 6. Little Butterfly 7. Listen To Monk 8. How I Wish 9. Man, That Was A Dream 10. 'Round Midnight 11. Still We Dream 12. Suddenly 13. Looking Back 14. Suddenly (Alternate Version) 15. Get It Straight (Alternate Version) 16. 'Round Midnight (Alternate Version) 17. Listen To Monk (Alternate Take) 18. Man, That Was A Dream (Alternate Take).
Personnel: Carmen McRae-vocals, Clifford Jordan-saxophone, Charlie Rouse-saxophone, Eric Gunnison-piano, Larry Willis-piano, George Mraz-bass, Al Foster-drums.

Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney-Fancy Meeting You Here
Tracks: 1. Fancy Meeting You Here 2. (I'd Like To Be) On A Slow Boat To China 3. I Can't Get Started 4. Hindustan 5. It Happened In Monterey 6. You Came A Long Way From St. Louis 7. Love Won't Let You Get Away 8. How About You 9. Brazil 10. Isle Of Capri 11. Say 'Si Si' (Para Vigo Me Voy) 12. Calcutta 13. Love Won't Let You Get Away 14. Ain't A-Hankerin' - Rosemary Clooney/Bob Hope 15. Protection - Rosemary Clooney/Bob Hope 16. Love Won't Let You Get Away - Bing Crosby/Jo Stafford 17. Medley: Fancy Meeting You Here/(I'd Like To Be) On A Slow Boat To China/Hindustan - Bing Crosby/Jo Stafford 18. Ol' Man River 19. When It's Twilight On The Trail.
Personnel:Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney-vocals, with Billy May’s orchestra.

Bluebird on the web: http://www.bluebirdjazz.com