Carmen McRae by Cabu

An anthology 1954/1956

In 1954, she was already 34 years old when the American magazine Down Beat crowned her MCRAE Benny Carter. Count Basie and Mercer Ellington She was also the wife of drummer Kenny Clarke and the house pianist in the New Star category. The new star then had ten years of professional experience behind her and had already sung in the orchestras of Minton's Playhouse , historic New York club, crucible of bebop .

Influenced by her friend Billie Holiday , to whom she had offered the song Dream Of Life in 1938, which the Lady had immediately recorded, our Carmen would establish herself as one of the major voices of jazz , one of the most expressive singers / ballad tellers , a moving, captivating and swinging stylist, a cello voice that left an indelible mark on each text and each music she performed.

Our selection allows us to hear, in exceptional technical conditions, most of the recordings that Carmen made from 1954 to 1956. her first years as a finally recognized artist. In terms of surprises, Carmen welcomes the illustrious Sammy Davis Jr to two beaches. It's the good life!