Rare Mel Torme, recording in very informal settings
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 03/09/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Subdued yet compelling performances by one of the greatest pop/jazz singers of the postwar era. Torme takes on various standards at a uniformly moderate pace, with a solid, but undistinguished (and unfortunately, anonymous) studio orchestra backing him up. Just 'cause we don't get the panache of his later collaborations with arranger Marty Paich, though, doesn't mean this collection isn't an absolute goldmine for Torme fans to revel in. These early-1950s recordings are a nice portrait of his postwar prime, made even more valuable by their previous unavailability... Nice stuff by one of the masters!"