This project is an unusual matchup between two very individual vocalists that generally works. Both
Carmen McRae and
Betty Carter show a lot of good humor during their duets, cracking occasional jokes and often jamming quite spontaneously. With suitable support from pianist
Eric Gunnison, bassist
Jim Hughart and drummer
Winard Harper along with a very enthusiastic audience at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall,
Carter usually takes vocal honors while
McRae comes up with the most humorous lines. Some of the ensembles are ragged but this encounter is overall quite successful. The CD reissue adds three previously unreleased selections that feature
McRae without
Carter. Now if only someone had teamed together
Ella Fitzgerald and
Sarah Vaughan for a full album. ~ Scott Yanow