Sadly, Barbara McNair was another in a long list of Motown female vocalists who were overshadowed by the lavish attention the label gave to such names as Martha and Diana during the 1960s. But before her transition over to the Motor City mecca she recorded a generous amount of material with Warner Brothers. Livin' End is a far cry from the sexy Motown sessions and takes a turn into vocal standards and sultry jazz numbers, but McNair is equally up to the task to deliver a fine sessio...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33

Quite some production went into this effort, including three different recording sessions, each with elaborate bands. Singer Barbara McNair is heard backed by strings, an expanded small combo that boasts four loud trombones plus other horns and a rhythm section, and a rip-roaring 15-man horn section that makes "On the Other Side of the Tracks" sound like the tracks are running right through the room. Arranger and conductor Ralph Carmicheal tends toward the obvious and won't stop any clocks with hi...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33