On this popular two-LP set, singer
Carmen McRae interprets songs by
Duke Ellington,
Cole Porter,
Michel Legrand, Warren & Dubin,
Henry Mancini, and Jimmy Van Heusen, among others, but it is her rendition of a humorous
Jimmy Rowles novelty ("The Ballad of Thelonious Monk") that is best remembered. Joined by pianist
Rowles, guitarist
Joe Pass, bassist
Chuck Domanico, and drummer
Chuck Flores,
McRae had what was at the time a rare opportunity to record a live, spontaneous, jazz-oriented set. She sounds quite enthusiastic about both her accompaniment and the strong repertoire, which includes "At Long Last Love," "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Sunday," "I Cried for You," and "I Thought About You." ~ Scott Yanow