Mel Torme is not only a reknowned pop singer (dubbed the "Velvet Fog") but an equally respected writer and arranger, who began his career as a toddler, singing on radio. Mel had a TV show on NBC in 1948, and the songs on this CD were collected largely from that production, featuring co-stars from the program, such as Barbara Eiler, who duets with Mel on "The French Lesson." Imagine a MGM musical of the sort that was produced after World War II, and that's the mood: romantic and innocent, with a big band sound, as typified by "You're The Cream In My Coffee" and "Red Red Robin." Mel's style is relaxed, while absolutely musical; the Mel Tones jump in with close harmony support and schtick as their roles as musical variety sidekicks require. One of the albums' highlights is surely "Everything Happens To Me," the pathos of which is offset by Mel's deadpan delivery. |
