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Vocalist Carmen McRae (April 8, 1920 – 1994) was an expert of rhythm, deft phrasing, and personal, bittersweet ballads.
Her enigmatic, dark contralto voice relied upon the ironic interpretation of lyrics that has placed her among the pantheon of female jazz singers. On this 1985 Piano Jazz, McRae accompanies herself for “As Long as I Live” and joins McPartland to perform “Carmen’s Blues.”