Search - Mel Torme :: My Night to Dream: Ballads Collection

Mellow Mel

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | 06/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a five-star for anyone looking for Mel at his moodiest. These dreamy, soulful selections go very well with low light, soft wine, and those pondersome moments when we dwell on the beautiful sadness of lost love, the theme of each or the entries on the album. Some of the peices are hard to find, such as After the Waltz Is Over, and others are very familar, like Angel Eyes performed here with Cleo Laine. But whether the pieces are old favorites or ones that will soon become old favorites, they will all evoke that 'round midnight feeling. All ballads, all performed with precision and HEART. I like it."

An Album With The "Air of Moonlight At Midnight"

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 10/03/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

""I've always wanted to do an album exclusively of songs that have the air of moonlight at midnight. With 'My Night To Dream' we have been able to do just that. We have assembled the best of ballads chosen from my fifteen albums with Concord. Before you listen, get ready to transport yourself to anywhere your heart desires. Let this album be your soundtrack to love. Sweet Dreams." ~ Mel Tormé ~



It is a common knowledge amongst fans of Mel Tormé and George Shearing that "they have established an understanding that Mel Tormé was not George Shearing's favorite pianist, and George Shearing is not Mel Tormé's favorite singer." The two have had a glorious and harmonious musical relationship as a result of some of the best albums that they recorded as a pair. There was a camaraderie that existed while they were doing live shows together. Likewise, there was a perfect chemistry between them that is a prerequisite in order to make beautiful and timeless music. They have always worked well and never did outshine each other on their performances. They were always in the swing of things and knew exactly what was expected in each other--and that was to do their utmost best in every recording.



In this compilation album of twelve ballads about love, loss, and hope, it is Mel Tormé's collaborations with George Shearing that truly stand out: "My Foolish Heart" and I'll Be Seeing You," two hauntingly beautiful tracks that were taken from An Elegant Evening, an album they recorded in 1986. It is ever so nice to listen to a fine singer accompanied only by a fine pianist. And even without the embellishment of an orchestra, the renditions are elegant, pristine and very pleasing to the ears.



"If You Could See Me Now" is another highlight taken from the 1995 album, Velvet & Brass. His take on this poignant ballad showcases his innate expressiveness not only to interpret a song but to own it and impress his signature upon it. The texture of his voice is velvety, his phrasing so impeccable, and his reading is heartfelt. The same is true with "A House Is Not A Home," an emotionally affecting, meaningful song that was rendered the way composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David wanted it to be. It was delivered with freshness without losing any bit of the real quintessence of the song. This track was taken from his follow-up album with Rob McConnell in 1996, Mel Torme & Rob Mcconnell & Boss Brass.



"More Than You Know" and "Moonlight Becomes You" are also tracks to beguile your ears with. He collaborated with his mentor as an arranger, Marty Paich, on the earlier from his 1988 album, Reunion, while the latter was recorded with Alan Broadbent from his 1994 album, A Tribute to Bing Crosby.



Mel Tormé had been branded as the "Singer's Singer," a "Listener's Singer," the "Best Singing Entertainer," the "Velvet Fog," and "one of the few authentically Great Entertainers." He surely lived up and deserved such accolades. His name is not only on my list of the top best singers of all-time, but also to any music lover's list who appreciates a versatile singer and a total performer with such an incomparable vocal art.



"Mel Tormé is completely, euphorically, maddeningly unique. Nobody sings like Mel. Nobody can." ~ Rex Reed ~"