Although I'm a Carmen McRae fan, I don't like everything by her. I always pick out the best leave the rest, and then I record the best, she is on the reel, and sounds ever so good.
I think you have to be in the mood for Betty Carter, and I admit I haven't been in that mood too much lately either.
I've got a "computer geek" who made my play list sound as good as a reel to reel, and that's pretty good. Sometime ago, Stereophile wrote about computers every month; what cards to buy etc, and I followed it religiously, now the playlist is so good, I don't really need a reel to reel.
I had the impression that you were quick to judge, but you've got more albums by Betty Carter than I have. I'm not sure that I've got any CD's by Carmen, that lets you know that I was buying her a lot sometime ago.
The key to getting the most out of your collection is to organize your play list so that you have a smile on your face the whole time your listening, and to make sure that it sounds as good as reel to reel.
Actually I meant play lists (plural) one for what ever mood you're in that day.
Enjoy the music.