Fine and Mellow: Live at Birdland West
51 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A lush tapestry of jazz standards woven with Carmen McRae's smoky vocals and intimate storytelling.
Why this album works
This album showcases McRae's ability to breathe new life into classic jazz standards, contributing to her reputation as one of the foremost jazz vocalists. The live setting captured here adds an electric energy, resonating well with audiences, enhancing her influence in jazz during the late 1970s.
- Best for
- intimate storytelling through vocals steady pacing for relaxed listening smooth progression of themes
- Context
- Released in 1977, 'Fine and Mellow: Live at Birdland West' came during Carmen McRae's later career, a period marked by her continued evolution as a vocalist and interpreter of jazz. By this time, she had already established herself as a leading figure in the genre, following her breakthrough in the 1950s and numerous acclaimed albums.
- 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 What Is This Thing Called Love Standout 6:51
- 2 What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry 5:32
- 3 Fine and Mellow Standout 9:36
- 4 These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You) 5:27
- 5 Black and Blue Standout 7:39
- 6 One More Chance 4:16
- 7 Untill the Real Thing Comes Along 5:04
- 8 My Handy Man Ain’t Handy No More 6:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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