Scott Johnson, my kindred spirit when it comes to music history, posted a belated birthday tribute to Mel Torme in 2012. Johnson rightfully described Torme as "one of the great all-time American artists, too little known and vastly under-appreciated." Many readers may not know the artist, but they would certainly recognize one of his most famous compositions, The Christmas Song, from its opening line, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...." That song is one of around 300 Torme wrote, but he also contributed to the world of entertainment as a composer, arranger, musician, actor and writer over his 65 year career.
Torme left us fifteen years ago. His passing was the event that compelled me to listen more carefully to his music and appreciate the crisp timing, perfect pitch, impeccable diction, and playfulness. Johnson writes a fine tribute and includes videos - the missing one is below - of Torme and friends delivering some fine entertainment. Hope you enjoy.
And just in case you want to associate "The Velvet Fog" with his signature song - he called it his "annuity" - here is Torme performing it late in his career.
This is a revised version of a post from 2012.
And just in case you want to associate "The Velvet Fog" with his signature song - he called it his "annuity" - here is Torme performing it late in his career.
This is a revised version of a post from 2012.
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