Mel Torme - The Best Of The Concord Years 2CD (27 tracks) +Album Reviews

Velvet Perfection

pipcelot | San Diego, California USA | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I confess that until I heard this compilation, I thought that the best years of Mel Torme were behind him by the 1980s. But this collection changed my perception entirely. Not only could Mel still croon like nobody's business, but he could still scat like he had been taking lessons from Ella earlier that day. These CDs really do contain definitive versions of Lullaby of Birdland, a killer anything-but New York, New York medley, and a Christmas Song/Autumn Leaves track with the Frank Wess Orchestra. George Shearing is present on about half the tracks, and is just superb throughout. But the best part of all is that there really aren't any duds here. The pacing, in particular, is magnificent; the sound quality is superb; and the live performances are wonderfully intimate. If you are already a Mel Torme fan, you will want this collection because it is a wonderful final chapter to a monumental musical career. On the other hand, if you are just learning about Mel Torme, then you will definitely want to buy this collection because, hey, if this stuff doesn't get you hooked on Mel, nothing will."

Definitive

Glen Gaskill | Canberra, ACT Australia | 12/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album sums up the last productive years of Torme's long and trailblazing career. A fine collection from the variety of albums spanning 15 years of Torme's special talent. A range of musical collaborations Marty Paich, Big Boss Band, Cleo Laine and of course George Shearing and Torme's own trios. Tributes here (Bing Crosby) creative mixtures of Torme's Heroes (Benny Goodman, Fred Astaire, Ellington and Basie). There are also touches of the classics, live recordings and studio recordings. This collection shows the genius of Mel and reprises much of his earlier work in a very modern style. If you don't have any other Torme's get this one."

Proof that talent like his is rare indeed.

Douglas J. Richardson | 12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have so many Torme records I forget about half of them. When I purchased this collection, however, it reminded me of just what a genius he was.The singing on the first disc reminded me of how great those first Concord discs were. Amazingly, though, the quality never drops throughout the set--all the way to the Disney conert in 1996, right before his unfortunate stroke. This was some of the best music of the 80s and 90s.Casual Torme fans might not know that most of the record labels he worked with refused to grant him creative freedom. Concord did, and the results are just terrific. For two hours of pure pleasure, buy this collection. It saddens me that there will be no new yearly Torme records anymore, but as long as there's stuff like this in print, it makes life easier."

A Vocal Master in his Prime

Douglas J. Richardson | 11/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mel put out some classic West Coast material in the 50s for Bethlehelm like the album "LuLu's back in Town". This is where he displayed some preludes to his trademark scattin'. But During 60s he was shackled by the commercial grips of Verve & Columbia. Therefore, he didn't have the opportunity to do much in the way of improvising like only he could. And man, what a voice.Concord gave him more freedom during his tenure in the 80s & 90s and it's gloriously documented on this fine collection. Highlights of the first disc include the ballad "Stardust" and some stunning readings of "Just Friends" & "Don'cha Go'Way Mad" off the great Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass LP. "Sweet Georgia Brown" gets its shoes blown off.There are alot of great live performances in this collection. Disc Two starts off with a smoking live reading of "Day In -Day out" and never lets up. The medley of "The Christmas Song & Autumn Leaves" leaves little doubt who wrote that holiday song. "Three Little Words" even gets a good workout and the set concludes with a very appropriately sequenced reading of "Stairway to the Stars".Unlike some compilations, this collection flows seamlessly like a single album. Linear notes by George Shearing are honest and to the point. The sound quality is good for mostly circa 80s/early 90s digital recording, although this remastering boosted Mel's voice a little too much and the highs are little too bright. My only major gripe is with the packaging -- the CDs don't stay very well in the open and fold case, and the booklet keeps sliding out every time I open the case. Mel Torme was not only a singer with a truly amazing sounding voice, he was a musician with impeccable skill & knowledge. You may consider his style and the material he covered too conservative, but there is no denying his talent. Jazz singers today, traditional or progressive, can only dream of combining these traits."

Wonderful Mel Torme Collection

K. Luey | Culver City, CA USA | 12/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit, I sat and listened to almost the entire CD at a listening station at a store of an Amazon competitor. It absolutely enthralled me. So why do I like Mel Torme? He has a strong, assured, confident and supple voice. He has a great sense of swing. He has wonderful and tasteful musical ideas. He has a complete command of music in general, as evidenced by his great arrangements. It's all here in these two fabulous CDs. Singers especially should listen to his simple, clean and brilliant performance of "Stardust" for an example of how to sing a beautiful and difficult ballad. Many of these tunes are also on "Concord Heritage Collection" for a lower price, but I would go for this one."

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