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Jazz Articles about Mel Torme

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Radio & Podcasts

Gang Violence

Read "Gang Violence" reviewed by Patrick Burnette


After almost a decade of planning and putting it off, the boys finally face their greatest fear: group jazz singing. What happens when three or four hipsters harmonize? Is it safe to even try to find out? Mike's not sure about that, but we tried anyway, and came up with this insight: you can't keep a good Boswell down. In pop matters, Pat brags about having seen all three incarnations of The Bad Plus live, so stay tuned for that.

274
Album Review

Mel Torme: Velvet Moods Featuring the Original California Suite

Read "Velvet Moods Featuring the Original California Suite" reviewed by David Rickert


Few mastered every aspect of jazz singing like Mel Tormé did, from scat singing to vocal groups to arranging and composing to just plain crooning the hell out of a tune. However, more people know of Tormé than actually have him in their collection, which is a shame for jazz fans since he is more jazz-oriented than those who group him with the easy listening crowd suspect. Velvet Moods is a good representation of what Tormé was up to, while ...

201
Album Review

Mel Torm: The Classic Concert Live

Read "The Classic Concert Live" reviewed by George Harris


Back in '82 when this concert was recorded at Carnegie Hall, Mel Tormé was just starting his vocal ascent out of a slump by beginning a long and fruitful musical friendship with pianist George Shearing. Joined with Gerry Mulligan's big band, Tormé is in excellent form as he swings through an enthusiastic set of standards, bebop, and Ellingtonia.

This recording is quite important because it fills in gaps in each of the headliners' respective careers. Mulligan produced only one other ...

149
Album Review

Mel Torme: Torme

Read "Torme" reviewed by David Rickert


“That Old Feeling,” the first track on Torme’s 1958 self-titled album, is a lively tune tinged with sadness – he’s happy to see his old lover, but he recognizes that he won’t fall in love again until he gets over her, which isn’t likely to happen anytime soon. On the next track, it’s a lonely Sunday morning, it’s gloomy, and he hasn’t been able to sleep. The somber mood pervades the rest of the album, turning this into a soundtrack ...

317
Multiple Reviews

Vocal Goodies II: Classic Singers

Read "Vocal Goodies II: Classic Singers" reviewed by David Rickert


Mel Torme Torme Verve 1958

“That Old Feeling , the first track on Torme's self titled album, is a lively tune tinged with sadness ï" he's happy to see his old lover, but he recognizes that he won't fall in love again until he gets over her, which isn't likely to happen anytime soon. On the next track, it's a lonely Sunday morning, it's gloomy, and he hasn't been able to sleep. The somber ...

136
Album Review

Mel Torme: The London Sessions

Read "The London Sessions" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Professionalism, I suppose, implies the ability to perform to the best of one's ability in spite of whatever obstacles are placed in one's path. In June 1977, when the late Mel Tormé recorded the songs that comprise The London Sessions, he relates that he was nervous, apprehensive, and nearly exhausted after a long flight from jny: New York City, and preoccupied by thoughts of a soon-to-be-held divorce trial that would end his ten-year marriage to an Englishwoman. Nevertheless, ...

134
Album Review

Mel Torm: Live At The Playboy Jazz Festival

Read "Live At The Playboy Jazz Festival" reviewed by Jim Santella


Recorded at his final Playboy Jazz Festival appearance, this 36-minute session was envisioned by Mel Tormé as a tribute to the Swing Era. As was his habit, the singer created an eclectic set that included a little of everything: vocal with piano accompaniment, vocal interacting with big band, the singer with his reliable trio, and much more. Tormé was the consummate professional who never lost the fresh energy that sparked every appearance he made. His distinctive voice and his animated ...


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