Carmen McRae - Birds of a Feather (Verve Vault Series) (180G) [LP] | Vinyl

Carmen McRae – Birds of a Feather (Verve Vault Series) (180G) [LP]

Description

Released in 1958 on Decca, Birds of a Feather finds vocalist Carmen McRae exploring a cleverly unified concept, with every song in the program referencing birds in some way. Arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns, the album pairs McRae's poised, expressive delivery with lush, sophisticated orchestration that balances swing and mood. A standout feature is the presence of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, whose warm, expressive tone adds depth and contrast, alongside additional players including Al Cohn on tenor sax, Marky Markowitz on trumpet, and Don Abney on piano. Recorded over several August sessions in New York City, the album moves through standards like "Skylark," "Bye Bye Blackbird," and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," unified by the thematic conceit without feeling restrictive. The Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Highlights

• 180G
• 12 tracks

Track Listing

Side A
01. Skylark
02. Bob White
03. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
04. Mister Meadowlark
05. Bye Bye Blackbird
06. Flamingo

Side B
01. The Eagle And Me
02. Baltimore Oriole
03. When The Red, Red, Robin Comes Bob, Bobbin' Along
04. Chicken Today And Feathers Tomorrow
05. When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano
06. His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Format Details

• Label: Verve
• Genre: Jazz
• Format: Vinyl

• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Jazz
• Released: 2026-11-13