Search - Mel Torme :: Mel Torme and Friends Recorded at Marty's, New York City

Bill J. (basketbandit) from PRESCOTT VLY, AZ
Reviewed on 7/24/2012...

Good sopund and the preformance is great

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Torme at his best...but one note of warning!

02/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had taped the original LP off a library copy years and years ago and played it until the tape broke. When compact discs came out, I was disappointed that this terrific album was not among the first re-released on CD. I waited and waited for the CD version...and one day ...there it was! Why it took so long, I don't know. But it really is a mature Torme at his best, in fine voice with an excellent selection of numbers, an enthusiastic audience, and joined in song by some interesting friends---Gerry Mulligan, Cy Coleman, Jonathan Schwartz, Janis Ian. The little-known duet with Janis Ian was nominated for a Grammy. But here's a warning: there are several selections (actually one song and one medley) that are on the original LP---AND ARE LISTED ON THE CD, too---but are actually NOT on the CD: a medley with Gerry Mulligan ("Line for Lyons"/"Venus De Milo"/"Walking Shoes") and "Chase Me Charlie." Too bad---these are wonderful cuts (especially the medley) and it's a shame they left them off the CD. I called the record company to complain, but to no avail. In any case, the rest of the CD is great, and it's a must for Torme fans!"

The Torme Album to Take to a Desert Island

J. T. Moran | Rochester, NY USA | 03/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a first time Torme purchaser, this is THE album to have. Torme is one of a handful of singers who truly got better as he grew older, beginning in the mid 1970s with his Live at the Maisonette LP right up until his unfortunate stroke in the late 1990s. This live club date demonstrates his great rapport with the audience, amazing vocal powers and his sheer musical genius. Nobody, save Ella, can scat like Torme, and there's plenty of it on this disc. The interplay between Mel and his pianist on "Pick Yourself Up" is dazzling. He is working WITH his fellow musician, not trying to upstage him. But just as importantly, he never lets his 'jazz singer' label get in the way of the lyrical intent of a great song. Mel's rendition of "A Cottage For Sale" didn't surpass Sinatra's, but clearly sits along side it. I have this album to thank for introducing me to the beautiful Gershwin ballad "Isn't It A Pity". Like one of the other reviewers, I too own the original two record vinyl version. Sorry to hear that the Gerry Mulligan medley was dumped! It was one of the great moments in the recording. But there are so many still contained within, I'd strongly encourage it's purchase."