Recorded Live at Bubba's
51 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant mix of jazz standards and original interpretations, showcasing McRae's rich vocal warmth and improvisational prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Magic Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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New York State of Mind — This track exemplifies McRae's ability to convey deep emotion through her phrasing, transforming a familiar tune into a personal reflection on urban life.
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Send in the Clowns — McRae’s rendition captures both vulnerability and strength, highlighting her interpretive skill while connecting deeply with the song's themes of love and regret.
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I Concentrate on You — The track showcases McRae's lush vocal delivery and sophisticated timing, illustrating her mastery over both melody and lyric interpretation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
McRae's vocal interpretations shine through in a vibrant live setting, though the cohesion is affected by the mix of standards and originals.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include extended instrumental solos, allowing for improvisation that showcases the musicianship of the accompanying band.
- The live recording captures the audience's reactions, adding an energetic atmosphere to the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate audience interaction moments
- dynamic live performance energy
- wave-like emotional shifts
- captivating storytelling through song
Maybe skip if you
- prefer studio polish over live
- seek fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows McRae's artistic resurgence and vibrant live performance during a later career period.
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Recorded Live at Bubba's captures Carmen McRae during a period of artistic resurgence after several years of relative obscurity. Following her acclaimed work in the 1970s, this album highlights her return to live performance, emphasizing her enduring connection with audiences through intimate settings.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Ella Fitzgerald
Tracklist
- 1 Black Magic Start here 3:47
- 2 Superwoman 4:11
- 3 I Concentrate on You 4:44
- 4 New York State of Mind 5:24
- 5 Underneath the Apple Tree 4:16
- 6 Thou Swell 1:17
- 7 Send in the Clowns 4:43
- 8 I Just Can't Wait to See You 5:17
- 9 How Long Has This Been Going On 4:45
- 10 If I Were a Bell 1:45
- 11 My Foolish Heart 7:14
- 12 Secret Love 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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