Post by AztecWilliam on Dec 22, 2014 18:47:03 GMT -8
I can't completely agree with the author's assessment of the late Mel Tormé. In my opinion Mel was easily the equal of any 20th Century male singer. The degree to which he succeeded in becoming as famous or successful as Crosby or Sinatra is secondary in my mind. Nevertheless, this is a valuable look at the man's career. And that is especially true for younger readers who may say, "Mel who?"
Get hold of a recording of Mel and his vocal group, the Meltones, singing with Artie Shaw's band on Musicraft Records in 1946. The highlight in my mind is the boppish "What Is This Thing Called Love?" No vocal group of that era came close to the modern jazz idiom displayed by Mel and his group. Also listen to "Got the Sun in the Morning." Very advanced stuff for '46.
www.commentarymagazine.com/article/mel-tormes-torment/
AzWm
Get hold of a recording of Mel and his vocal group, the Meltones, singing with Artie Shaw's band on Musicraft Records in 1946. The highlight in my mind is the boppish "What Is This Thing Called Love?" No vocal group of that era came close to the modern jazz idiom displayed by Mel and his group. Also listen to "Got the Sun in the Morning." Very advanced stuff for '46.
www.commentarymagazine.com/article/mel-tormes-torment/
AzWm