The man
Carmen McRae is so mad about is composer
Noël Coward, who wrote all of the album's 12 songs -- it's a perfect match, bringing together two witty, sophisticated talents capable of remarkable expressions of raw emotional power.
Jack Pleis' smart but subtle arrangements make effective use of pianist
Ray Bryant, trumpeter
Charlie Shavers, bassist
Ike Isaacs, and drummer
Charles "Specs" Wright, creating warm, natural settings for
Coward's sometimes arch material, and
McRae is at the absolute top of her game, interpreting songs like "I'll See You Again," "Poor Little Rich Girl," and "A Room with a View" with effortless style and grace. A superb album, ripe for reissue. ~ Jason Ankeny