Carmen McRae

Carmen McRae was making her debut in the United Kingdom during this radio broadcast appearance at London's Flamingo Jazz Club in 1961. The talented jazz vocalist brought along her regular pianist of the era, Don Abney, while engaging locals Phil Seaman (drums) and Kenny Napper (bass). The singer is in top form throughout this nearly 38-minute set, as she works magic with standards like the lush "Body and Soul," a playful "Thou Swell" in which she ad libs the opening line to indicate that she wants to restart the song (to the audience's amusement), along with a dramatic take of "Loverman." McRae has an incredible sense of time, no doubt helped by her abilities as a pianist (though she doesn't accompany herself in this release), knowing how to effectively lag behind the beat and keeping things interesting throughout each song. Previosuly released as an Ember LP and Fat Boy CD, this Acrobat reissue restores a rewarding, little known live date by Carmen McRae to print. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide