- Artist:
- Carmen McRae
Birds Of A Feather (Verve Vault Series) LP
Limited to 4 per customer.
Released in 1958 on Decca, Birds of a Feather finds vocalist Carmen McRae exploring a cleverly unified concept, with every song in the program referencing birds in some way. Arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns, the album pairs McRae’s poised, expressive delivery with lush, sophisticated orchestration that balances swing and mood. A standout feature is the presence of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, whose warm, expressive tone adds depth and contrast, alongside additional players including Al Cohn on tenor sax, Marky Markowitz on trumpet, and Don Abney on piano. Recorded over several August sessions in New York City, the album moves through standards like “Skylark,” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” and “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” unified by the thematic conceit without feeling restrictive. Birds of a Feather stands out in McRae’s Decca catalog for its imaginative programming and the interplay between voice and ensemble, highlighting her ability to bring nuance and cohesion to even the most unusual repertoire.
Tracklist:
A1 Skylark
A2 Bob White
A3 A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
A4 Mister Meadowlark
A5 Bye Bye Blackbird
A6 Flamingo
B1 The Eagle And Me
B2 Baltimore Oriole
B3 When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along
B4 Chicken Today And Feathers Tomorrow
B5 When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano
B6 His Eye Is On The Sparrow
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