Product Review

Digitally remastered two-fer containing a pair of albums from the Jazz great plus two bonus tracks. This release presents two complete 1957 LPs by the wonderful Carmen McRae, both of which feature the sensitive piano accompaniment of Ray Bryant. Afterglow showcases the singer backed by the Ray Bryant Trio (although McRae herself sits at the piano in place of Bryant on four tracks). in contrast, Mad About the Man presents McRae fronting a big band including the brilliant trumpeter Charlie Shavers in addition to Bryant's rhythm section. Two rare bonus tracks recorded the following year and featuring McRae, Bryant and Shavers have been added at the end of this CD. Phoenix. 2011.