Ruby My Dear – 1988
Carmen McRae
McRae sings a Thelonious Monk ballad
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One of the great jazz singers, Carmen McRae (1920-94) developed an influential behind-the-beat phrasing along with a conversational style that was all her own.
She ended her career with two highpoints, recording albums of Thelonious Monk songs (which was quite innovative for a singer) and a tribute to her friend Sarah Vaughan.
Shortly before the release of the acclaimed Monk album, she performed at the 1988 Newport Jazz Festival with a quartet that included tenor-saxophonist Clifford Jordan.
Her version of Thelonious Monk’s “Ruby, My Dear,” which had recently been outfitted with lyrics, is full of honest feeling as she interprets the song in her distinctive voice.
-Scott Yanow
Stan Getz