****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
At last I have the digitally remastered CD of this true jazz masterpiece. When I first heard it on vinyl back in 1981, I was blown away, although I was by then a devout Carmen fan. I loved it then, and I love it even more now.This is the album for anyone who has not heard this great lady. Sorry Ella and Sarah, but I believe Carmen McRae was the greatest female jazz vocalist ever.On this disc, she is in superb voice -- full, husky and always expressive. Like Sinatra, Carmen McRae made any song her own. No better example than Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." And what an extraordinary group of musicians, playing breathtaking arrangements. My only criticism is the use of strings. I just don't think they belong in jazz.Carmen lives!!!