Compact Jazz: Mel Torme (1990)

About this title: Having led the sugary, post-war vocal group the Mel-Tones and subsequently been saddled with the "Velvet Fog" moniker, Mel Tormé probably found it hard to prove he was a legitimate vocal talent. This fine compilation from Verve should help clear the air for those still in doubt. Comprised of songs from Tormé's prime period of 1958-1961, Compact Jazz: Mel Torme spotlights the singer's impeccable phrasing and wide vocal range on 16 topnotch cuts. Showing range in taste as well, Tormé enlivens both old standards like "Body and Soul" and (for the time) modern jazz material such as Thelonious Monk ... read more

Tracks:

1. Too Close for Comfort [Bock/Holofcener/Wei]
2. A Stranger in Town [Torme]
3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore [Ellington/Russell]
4. Body and Soul [Sour/Green/Heyman]
5. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top [Hammerstein/Rodgers]
6. Welcome to the Club [Torme]
7. Sent for You Yesterday (And Here You Come Today) [Basie/Durham/Rushin]
8. Truckin' [Bloom/Koehler]
9. Born to Be Blue [Torme/Wells]
10. Whatever Lola Wants [Adler/Ross]
11. 'Round Midnight [Hanighen/Monk/Willi]
12. Take the "A" Train [Strayhorn]
13. Blue Moon [Hart/Rodgers]
14. Just in Time [Comden/Green/Styne]
15. Blue and Sentimental [Basie/David/Livings]
16. The Christmas Song [Torme/Wells]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.