Carmen McRae- The Great American Songbook-2xLP

Carmen McRae’s The Great American Songbook captures a live set from Donte’s in Los Angeles, where her jazz quartet, including guitarist Joe Pass and pianist Jimmy Rowles, brings classic standards to life with subtle interplay and warmth. The album highlights McRae’s wit and phrasing, especially on “The Ballad Of Thelonious Monk,” a humorous nod to the enigmatic pianist that adds a playful contrast to the more tender medley of “Easy Living,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” and “It’s Impossible.” Jack Rael’s production keeps the recording intimate, making you feel as if you’re right there in the club. This 1972 pressing offers a straightforward window into McRae’s live artistry, pressed on vinyl that presents with a glossy surface and only minor light scuffs visible under close inspection. The VG++ grade suggests a very clean listen with little distraction, fitting for anyone who appreciates vocal jazz performances that balance sophistication with a down-to-earth touch. A record that blends elegance with a pinch of humor—just enough to keep the set from sounding as buttoned-up as the title might imply.

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