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Birds of a Feather (Verve Vault Series)
Birds of a Feather (Verve Vault Series)
Birds of a Feather (Verve Vault Series)

Carmen McRae

Birds of a Feather (Verve Vault Series)

Verve

UMG-1000248240

LP Black $29

SHIPS BY 2026-11-13
  • Arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns
  • Recorded over several August sessions in New York City
  • Matered from analog tapes

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.

Preview Tracklist

  • 1 Skylark

  • 2 Bob White

  • 3 A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

  • 4 Mister Meadowlark

  • 5 Bye Bye Blackbird

  • 6 Flamingo

  • 7 The Eagle And Me

  • 8 Baltimore Oriole

  • 9 When The Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bobbin' Along

  • 10 Chicken Today And Feathers Tomorrow

  • 11 When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano

  • 12 His Eye Is On The Sparrow