CARMEN McRAE - Birds Of A Feather (1958-2002) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Yes, there's a concept on the loose here -- all the songs are about birds. Fortunately, there are plenty of good songs on the subject, and it's not so narrow that all the focus hinges on birds themselves. Carmen McRae is supported by a good small group, directed and arranged by Ralph Burns, featuring guitarist Mundell Lowe and many solos for an uncredited "tenorman" (i.e., Ben Webster). Both McRae and Webster do their best on the driving, horn-heavy score for "Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight)." First, Webster follows closely along with trumpeter Irwin "Marky" Markowitz while McRae vocalizes clearly and with some swing, then launches a beautiful solo before McRae returns for the closer. Other highlights include the touching "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and a relaxed, pastoral "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano." John Bush
Tracklist :
1     Skylark 3'02
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
2     Bob White 2'57
Bernie Hanighen / Johnny Mercer
3     A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square 4'58
Eric Maschwitz / Manning Sherwin
4     Mister Meadowlark 2'44
Walter Donaldson / Johnny Mercer
5     Bye Bye Blackbird 3'27
Mort Dixon / Ray Henderson
6     Flamingo 3'47
Edmund Anderson / Edward Anderson / Ted Grouya / Theodor Grouya
7     The Eagle and Me 2'47
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
8     Baltimore Oriole 3'53
Hoagy Carmichael / Paul Francis Webster
9     When the Red, Red, Robin Comes Bob, Bobbin' Along 2'29
Harry Woods
10     Chicken Today and Feathers Tomorrow 3'11
Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Johnny Mandel / Johnny Marks
11     When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano 2'35
Leon René
12     His Eye Is on the Sparrow 3'19
Milt Gabler / Traditional
Credits:
Directed By [Orchestra] – Ralph Burns
Vocals – Carmen McRae