With the trio backed by the virtuoso Norman Simmons, this masterpiece condenses the essence of a live performance, with the audience's enthusiasm and humorous, mature singing permeating the entire album.
This album captures a legendary club performance by Carmen McRae, one of jazz's most iconic female singers. The trio, centered around Norman Simmons' elegant piano, brings her intelligent, well-spaced phrasing to life. From the opening track, "Sunday," McRae's vocals, commanding tempo with ease, are intimately intertwined with Victor Sproles's solid bass, conveying a sense of intimacy with the audience. "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" shines with restrained expression, and the purity of the ensemble, free of excessive ornamentation, maintains elegance.
