By Special Request – Carmen McRae With Mat Matthews Quintet – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

“By Special Request” captures a moment in jazz history when boundaries were being pushed and vocalists found new ways to inhabit a song. Carmen McRae—one of the era’s most incisive interpreters—joins forces with the Mat Matthews Quintet, whose inclusion of the accordion brings a European inflection to classic American jazz. This 1956 session showcases McRae’s nuanced phrasing and her innate ability to balance technical precision with raw emotional depth. The interplay between her voice and Matthews’ accordion is both unusual and deeply satisfying, lending fresh colors to standards and lesser-known gems alike. Each track feels like a private conversation, full of subtlety and surprise, inviting the listener to lean in closer. For collectors, this album is more than a curiosity—it’s a testament to McRae’s versatility and willingness to collaborate outside the obvious. Whether you’re a longtime jazz devotee or new to McRae’s artistry, “By Special Request” offers a vivid snapshot of mid-century jazz innovation, wrapped in a sound that’s both intimate and adventurous. A must-have for those who treasure vocal jazz with a twist.

Track List:
A1 – Give Me The Simple Life –
A2 – Sometimes I’m Happy –
A3 – Love Is Here To Stay –
A4 – Something To Live For –
A5 – I Can’t Get Started –
A6 – Yardbird Suite –
B1 – Just One Of Those Things –
B2 – This Will Make You Laugh –
B3 – My One And Only Love –
B4 – I’ll Remember April –
B5 – Supper Time –
B6 – You Took Advantage Of Me –