Carmen McRae
Carmen McRae was a prominent American jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter, born on April 8, 1920, at Harlem Hospital in New York City. She was the only child of Jamaican immigrants Osmond Llewelyn McRae and Evadne McRae. Growing up in a culturally rich neighborhood, Carmen was exposed to a variety of musical influences early on.
McRae began her musical journey by taking classical piano lessons at the age of eight. She demonstrated a quick affinity for music, and her talent was recognized when she was discovered by Irene Wilson Kitchings, a musician renowned in the jazz community. Throughout her childhood, McRae lived in the Bronx until her family settled in the famous Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem, a hub for jazz music during that era.
Her early career was marked by performances that highlighted her unique voice and skills. Initially inspired by the legendary Billie Holiday, McRae developed her own distinctive style characterized by a smoky tone and deep emotional expression. She began working as a soloist and quickly gained recognition in the jazz scene.
Throughout her illustrious career, McRae recorded several albums and collaborated with renowned musicians, solidifying her place in jazz history. She became known not only for her vocal prowess but also for her ability to convey complex emotions through her interpretations of songs. Her contributions to jazz music were celebrated with numerous accolades, including awards and honors acknowledging her impact on the genre.
Carmen McRae's influence extended beyond her recordings; she was also a mentor to younger artists and played a critical role in the advancement of jazz music. Despite facing the challenges of a male-dominated industry, she remained a powerful voice and an iconic figure.
McRae lived a fulfilling life until her passing on November 10, 1994, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and jazz aficionados around the world.
In summary, Carmen McRae's life was a testament to her passion for music and her ability to connect with audiences, making her a significant figure in the history of American jazz.
The Sound Of Silence
Written-By – Paul Simon 3:02
A2 I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Paul Francis Webster 3:24
A3 MacArthur Park
Written-By – Jim Webb 4:00
A4 Watch What Happens
Written-By – Michel Le Grand, Norman Gimbel 2:33
A5 Stardust
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish 4:04
A6 Don't Go Away
Written-By – Margo Guryan 2:15
B1 Gloomy Sunday
Written-By – Laszlo Javor, Rezso Seress, Sam M. Lewis 4:08
B2 I Sold My Heart To The Junkman
Written-By – Leon Rene, Otis Rene 3:38
B3 Poor Butterfly
Written-By – John L. Golden, Raymond Hubbell 2:16
B4 My Heart Reminds Me
Written-By – Al Stillman, C. Bargoni, Danpa 2:27
B5 The Folks Who Live On The Hill
Written-By – Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II 4:25
B6 Can You Tell
Written-By – Margo Guryan 2:11
Label: Atlantic – SD 8200
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Vocal, Pop
Carmen McRae's The Sound of Silence (1968) is celebrated for her unique, soulful jazz interpretations of contemporary pop and older standards, showcasing her impeccable timing, expressive voice, and ability to blend genres, making hits like "Sound of Silence" and "MacArthur Park" deeply personal, distinct from the originals, and appealing to diverse listeners beyond strict jazz fans, solidifying her status as a master vocalist.
Produced by Nesuhi Ertegun for Atlantic Records, featuring arrangements by Shorty Rogers and Jimmy Jones, McRae stamps her distinctive identity on every track, transforming familiar songs into something new and deeply felt. The album brilliantly mixes jazz with pop, R&B, and easy listening, appealing to a broad audience.
Standout Tracks: Features her unique takes on Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence," Jimmy Webb's "MacArthur Park," and standards like "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" and "Stardust".
What Reviewers Say:
"Carmen always stamped her identity on each and every song with her soulful voice."
"...light and groovy one minute, deeply expressive the other – but all with a sense of balance that few other singers can touch..."
"This omission of the last word, however, proves that Carmen McRae really does bring a meaning to The Sound of Silence." (referring to her vocal delivery)
"Just hearing her version of the song alone was worth the price of the CD for me."
In summary, The Sound of Silence is considered a classic in her discography, demonstrating McRae's genius for reinterpreting material and delivering emotionally truthful performances, making it a must-listen for fans of vocal jazz and sophisticated pop covers.