Mel Tormé Swings Shubert Alley

Read About This Recording

Mel Torme was one of the great jazz singers. His range was wide, his tone was beautiful, he was a masterful interpreter of ballads, and he could scat better than nearly anyone. He had a very impressive half-century run at the top of his field, being a major force in the music world from the mid-1940s until the mid-1990s.

Torme was in one of his prime periods during the second half of the 1950s. He was always inspired when performing with jazz ensembles, particularly when he was teamed with arranger Marty Paich's Dek-tette. For this project, Torme performs a dozen songs that came out of Broadway shows. Short solos are provided by altoist Art Pepper, tenor-saxophonist Bill Perkins, trumpeter Stu Williamson and trombonist Frank Rosolino and, with Paich's swinging charts, there is a strong jazz feel to the recording.

When one hears these definitive versions of such songs as Too Close For Comfort, Just In Time, The Surrey With The Fringe On Top and Too Darn Hot, the magic of the Torme-Paich team becomes clear. Mel Torme's renditions dwarf most other recordings, making this a highly recommended example of his artistry.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Too Close for Comfort; Once in Love With Amy; A Sleepin' Bee; On the Street Where You Live; All I Need Is a Girl; Just in Time; Hello Young Lovers; The Surrey With Fringe On Top; Old Devil Moon; Whatever Lola Wants; Too Darn Hot; Lonely Town.

Mel Torme, Vocals; Marty Paich Orchestra: Al Porcino, Stu Williamson, Trumpets; Frank Rosolino, Trombone; Vince DeRosa, French Horn; Red Callender, Tuba; Art Pepper, Alto Sax; Bill Perkins, Tenor Sax; Bill Hood, Baritone Sax; Marty Paich, Piano/Arranger/Conductor; Joe Mondragon, Bass; Mel Lewis, Drums.