Jazz singer Carmen McRae's words compiled by bassist Ray Brown

"What Do The Words Say?" asks jazz vocal legend Carmen McRae on the album with the same title (Blue Music Group, 2009). The album is 10 tracks of jazz standards, typical 1980's repertoire of McRae, incl. her arrangements of No More Blues, Old Devil Moon, What a Little Moonlight Can Do and A Prelude to a Kiss. She is backed up by Eric Gunnison, piano, Ray Brown, bass and Mickey Roker, drums. This previously unreleased recording was made on several jazz festivals in 1986. All tapes were collected, and best takes compiled by Ray Brown around year 2000. The singing demonstrates a mature McRae at her best, as she always was in a live concert situation. She believed in being an entertainer, and delivering a message with words in addition to the music. Here the meaning of the words are enveloped with depth and charismatic conviction. Her rhythm section supports her with sensitivity which leaves very little to be desired, at the most. If Brown didn't get to show enough of his virtuosity in the Oscar Peterson trio, here he definitely does it, all with taste and mind-blowing ears for fluid continuity and bounce. Gunnison's approach is traditional and complements McRae very well. Mickey Roker is a steady drummer and a legend in his own right. But the main focus is on the emotion which McRae can deliver with her raspy voice. It makes one shiver and hope for more of these posthumous releases.