Carmen McRae, a good friend of Thelonious Monk, sang 13 of his songs (two of which are also heard in different live versions) on this memorable project. Half of the lyrics are by Jon Hendricks, while the remainder were written by Abbey Lincoln ("Blue Monk"), Bernie Hanighen, Sally Swisher, or Mike Ferro. On all but the two concert performances, McRae is assisted by tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Al Foster; Mraz's solos are particularly impressive, although everyone is in sensitive form. The live recordings give listeners two more chances to acknowledge the uniqueness of tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse's tone. As for McRae, her phrasing has rarely sounded better than on this classic set, and it is a particular pleasure to hear her interpret the intelligent lyrics and unusual melodies. "Dear Ruby" ("Ruby, My Dear") and "Listen to Monk" ("Rhythm-A-Ning") are among the high points of the essential and very delightful CD. An inspired idea and one of the best recordings of Carmen McRae's career. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Get It Straight (Straight, No Chaser) (Live) 3:55
Lyrics By – Sally Swisher
2 Dear Ruby (Ruby, My Dear) 5:55
Lyrics By – Sally Swisher
3 It's Over Now (Well, You Needn't) 5:24
Lyrics By – Mike Ferro
4 Monkery's The Blues (Blue Monk) 4:51
Lyrics By – Abbey Lincoln
5 You Know Who (I Mean You) 3:26
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
6 Little Butterfly (Pannonica) 5:12
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
7 Listen To Monk (Rhythm-A-Ning) 3:03
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
8 How I Wish (Ask Me Now) 4:52
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
9 Man, That Was A Dream (Monk's Dream) 2:51
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
10 'Round Midnight 6:27
Lyrics By – Bernie Hanighen
11 Still We Dream (Ugly Beauty) 3:23
Lyrics By – Mike Ferro
12 Suddenly (In Walked Bud) (Live) 3:36
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
13 Looking Back (Reflections) 5:31
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
14 Suddenly (In Walked Bud) 3:08
Lyrics By – Jon Hendricks
15 Get It Straight (Straight, No Chaser) 3:28
Lyrics By – Sally Swisher
Credits:
Acoustic Bass – George Mraz
Composed By – Thelonious Monk
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Eric Gunnison, Larry Willis (tracks: 1,12)
Soprano Saxophone – Clifford Jordan (tracks: 13)
Tenor Saxophone – Charlie Rouse (tracks: 1,12), Clifford Jordan (tracks: 2 to 11, 14, 15)
Vocals – Carmen McRae
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