Dive into the timeless elegance of Mel Tormé's vocal prowess with "Four Classic Albums," a meticulously curated collection that spans the legendary vocalist's illustrious career. Released on July 7, 2023, by AVID Jazz, this double-CD set features four iconic albums: "It's a Blue World," "Sings Fred Astaire," "California Suite (1957 Version)," and "Back in Town." Each album showcases Tormé's unparalleled talent and versatility, making it a quintessential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.
"Four Classic Albums" kicks off with "It's a Blue World," a 1955 release that highlights Tormé's smooth, velvety vocals against a backdrop of lush orchestration. This album includes beloved standards like "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good" and "Isn't It Romantic?" The second album, "Sings Fred Astaire," is a standout in the jazz genre, featuring Tormé and the Marty Paich Dek-Tette in top form. Songs like "A Foggy Day" and "Cheek to Cheek" are performed with a sophistication that only Tormé can deliver.
"California Suite (1957 Version)" offers a unique blend of jazz and storytelling, with tracks that paint vivid pictures of the Golden State. From the energetic "West Coast Is the Best Coast" to the nostalgic "They Go to San Diego," this album is a delightful journey through Tormé's interpretation of California's charm. The final album, "Back in Town," reunites Tormé with his vocal group the Mel-Tones, who had disbanded in 1948. This album features a mix of classic standards and upbeat numbers, including "Makin' Whoopee" and "Some Like It Hot."
With a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, "Four Classic Albums" is a comprehensive exploration of Mel Tormé's artistry. The set includes original artwork and liner notes, providing context and insights into the recordings. Whether you're a longtime fan of Mel Tormé or a newcomer to his music, this collection is a treasure trove of vocal jazz and adult standards that will captivate and enchant.
2023 AVID Jazz2023 AVID Jazz
Tracks
I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
Till the Clouds Roll by (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
Isn't It Romantic? (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
I Know Why (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
All This and Heaven Too (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
How Long Has This Been Going on (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
Polka Dots and Moonbeams (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
You Leave Me Breathless (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
I Found a Million Dollar Baby (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
Wonderful One (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
It's a Blue World (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
Stay as Sweet as You Are (It's a Blue World)Mel Tormé
Nice Work If You Can Get It (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
Something's Gotta Give (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
A Foggy Day (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
A Fine Romance (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
Let's Call the Whole Thing off (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
Top Hat, White Tie and Tails (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
The Way You Look Tonight (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
The Piccolino (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
They Can't Take That Away from Me (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
Cheek to Cheek (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
Let's Face the Music and Dance (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
They All Laughed (Sings Fred Astaire)Mel Tormé
The Territory (The Soil Was Good) (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
West Coast Is the Best Coast (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
La Jolla (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
Coney Island (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
Atlantic City Boardwalk (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
They Go to San Diego (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
San Fernando Valley (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
Got the Date on the Golden Gate (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
L.a. (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
Six O'clock (It's Time to Leave the Set) (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
Nothing to Do (But Shed a Tear) (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
Poor Little Extra Girl (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
West Coast Is the Best Coast (Reprise) (California Suite 1957)Mel Tormé
Makin' Whoopee (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
Baubles, Bangles and Beads (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
What Is This Thing Called Love (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
I've Never Been in Love Before (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
Truckin' (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
A Bunch of the Blues (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
It Happened in Monterey (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
I Hadn't Anyone Till You (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
A Smooth One (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
Don't Dream of Anybody but Me (Back in Town)Mel Tormé
Mel Tormé, affectionately known as "The Velvet Fog," was a multifaceted American artist whose talents spanned singing, drumming, acting, composing, and producing. Born Melvin Howard Tormé in Chicago in 1925, his velvety smooth voice captivated audiences, making him a celebrated figure in the world of jazz and beyond. Tormé's career took off at a young age, and by 18, he had already become an adolescent idol, forming his first vocal quintet. His discography is a treasure trove of vocal jazz, adult standards, and big band classics, with notable works including "The Christmas Song," co-written with Bob Wells in 1944. Beyond his musical prowess, Tormé's charisma and versatility shone through his acting roles in film, television, and radio, solidifying his status as a true entertainer. His unique scat singing and impeccable timing continue to influence and inspire musicians and fans alike.
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Mel Tormé
