Carmen Sings Monk
Carmen McRae · 1990
66 min · 15 tracks · jazz
Carmen McRae's warm vocals intertwine with intricate jazz arrangements, breathing new life into Thelonious Monk's timeless compositions.
Why this album works
This album stands out for its celebration of Thelonious Monk, bringing his unique compositions to a new audience through McRae’s interpretative lens. It received positive critical reception, helping to reignite interest in Monk's music during a time when jazz was experiencing shifts in popularity.
- Best for
- warm vocals for cozy evenings dynamic exploration of familiar themes wave-like pacing with emotional depth
- Context
- By 1990, Carmen McRae was an established jazz vocalist with a career spanning over three decades. 'Carmen Sings Monk' marked her continued exploration of jazz idioms following her acclaimed albums in the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing her deep respect for Monk's work while also reflecting her personal artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aretha Franklin· Bing Crosby· Ella Fitzgerald· Dave Brubeck· Chet Atkins· Ray Charles· Dean Martin· Andy Williams
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Get It Straight (live) 3:58
- 2 Dear Ruby 6:01
- 3 It's Over Now 5:28
- 4 Monkery's the Blues Standout 4:56
- 5 You Know Who 3:31
- 6 Little Butterfly 5:14
- 7 Listen to Monk Standout 3:05
- 8 How I Wish... 4:56
- 9 Man, That Was a Dream 2:55
- 10 'Round Midnight Standout 6:32
- 11 Still We Dream 3:27
- 12 Suddenly (live) 3:41
- 13 Looking Back 5:35
- 14 Suddenly 3:13
- 15 Get It Straight 3:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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