Carmen McRae, a good friend of Thelonious Monk, sang 13 of his songs (two of which are also heard in different live versions) on this memorable project. Half of the lyrics are by Jon Hendricks, while the remainder were written by Abbey Lincoln ("Blue Monk"), Bernie Hanighen, Sally Swisher, or Mike Ferro. On all but the two concert performances, McRae is assisted by tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Al Foster; Mraz's solos are particularly impressive, although everyone is in sensitive form. The live recordings give listeners two more chances to acknowledge the uniqueness of tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse's tone. As for McRae, her phrasing has rarely sounded better than on this classic set, and it is a particular pleasure to hear her interpret the intelligent lyrics and unusual melodies. "Dear Ruby" ("Ruby, My Dear") and "Listen to Monk" ("Rhythm-A-Ning") are among the high points of the essential and very delightful CD. An inspired idea and one of the best recordings of Carmen McRae's career. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Carmen Sings Monk
01/30/1988 | Bmg Japan
All Music Guide Review
Carmen Sings Monk Track Listing
Credits of Carmen Sings Monk
- Carmen McRae
- Vocals, Main Performer, Liner Notes
- George Mraz
- Bass, Bass (Acoustic)
- Ed Rak
- Engineer, Mixing
- Stuart Troup
- Liner Notes
- Pietro Alfieri
- Art Direction, Design
- Ria Lewerke
- Art Direction, Design
- Tia Dodge
- Photography
- Lee Tanner
- Photography
- Ben Young
- Producer
- Tom Bradshaw
- Executive Producer
- Joshua Sherman
- Series Producer
- Cynthia Sesso
- Photo Research
- Janet DeMatteis
- Creative Director
- Michael O. Drexler
- Engineer
- Steve Backer
- Series Director
- Larry Clothier
- Producer, Mixing
- Al Foster
- Drums
- Eric Gunnison
- Piano
- Leslie Ann Jones
- Engineer
- Clifford Jordan
- Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
- Charlie Rouse
- Sax (Tenor)
- Larry Willis
- Piano














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