Jazz Articles about Carmen McRae

Carmen McRae: Ballad Essentials

by John Sharpe
December 1, 1999

Carmen McRae has always been one of my favourite singers. Technically, she couldn’t match the vocal gymnastics of Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan, but her timing and delivery were impeccable. Ballad Essentials is a fine compilation drawn from four albums Carmen recorded for Concord in the 80s -- Fine And Mellow - Live At Birdland West, Heat Wave, Two For The Road and You're Lookin' At Me. Ballad singing was always Carmen’s strong suit -- her behind-the-beat phrasing, cynical outlook ...