Carmen McRae - Lover Man And Other Billie Holiday Classics (FLAC torrent

Recorded 29th June & 26th July 1961. This release 1997 on Columbia Legacy.

Review by Scott Yanow:
This CD reissues one of Carmen McRae's best recordings of the 1960s. McRae always considered Billie Holiday to be her primary influence, so a tribute album was a natural project for her. Joined by her regular trio (pianist Norman Simmons, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Walter Perkins) and three guests (cornetist Nat Adderley, tenor man Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and guitarist Mundell Lowe), the singer interprets a dozen songs associated with Lady Day. Although Holiday's influence can be felt, McRae already had her own distinctive voice and phrasing, resulting in fresh versions of such songs as "Them There Eyes," "Miss Brown to You," "I Cried for You," and even "God Bless the Child." A coolly emotional version of "Strange Fruit" (in which she is accompanied just by Lowe's guitar) is a highlight. In addition, two songs not originally included on the LP ("If the Moon Turns Green" and the slightly out of place but still satisfying "The Christmas Song") were added to the reissue. Recommended.

01. Them There Eyes
02. Yesterdays
03. I'm Gonna Lock My Heart
04. Strange Fruit
05. Miss Brown To You
06. My Man
07. I Cried For You
08. Lover Man
09. Trav'lin' Light
10. Some Other Spring
11. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
12. God Bless The Child
13. If The Moon Turns Green
14. The Christmas Song