The follow-up to the essential
Carmen Sings Monk is a tribute to the recently deceased
Sarah Vaughan that ranks at the same very high level.
Carmen McRae's final recording finds the singer backed by the
Shirley Horn Trio (unfortunately,
Horn turned down
McRae's request to sing a bit) on 13 numbers associated with
Vaughn, plus
Carroll Coates' original "Sarah." On such songs as ""Poor Butterfly," "Misty," "Tenderly," "I'll Be Seeing You," and even "Send in the Clowns,"
McRae brings back the spirit (and some of the phrasing) of
Sarah Vaughan, while still sounding very much like herself. This very well-conceived tribute is a classic of its kind and a perfect swan song for
Carmen McRae. [The 2003 reissue includes remastered sound, extensive liner notes and four bonus tracks. This treasure trove for
McRae followers includes a version of "Sarah" with alternate lyrics, and three previously unreleased songs recorded at the
Sarah: Dedicated to You sessions: "If You Could See Me Now," "Embraceable You," and "Wave".]~ Scott Yanow