Personnel:
Al Pellegrini (p, cl), Jim Dupre (b), Dick Shanahan (d, bongos), Don Fagerquist (tp), Marty Paich (p, accordion), Max Bennett (b), Mel Lewis (d), Larry Bunker (conga, accordion)
Reference: FSRCD 476
Bar code: 8427328604765
The tunes on this 2-CD set were recorded at the Crescendo, one of the top Sunset Strip spots in Hollywood, during two Mel Tormé engagements that took place in 1954 and 1957. Having them together, you have one of the greatest vocal displays on record rendered by one of the truly great artists of all time, Mel Tormé. Mel had never displayed the vocal dexterity, the musicianship, the showmanship, the versatility, and the charm which are captured in these on-the-scene recordings.
His well balanced programs and direct communication with the audience definitely made Tormé one of the most appealing song stylists of his era. His voice was one of the most fluid, perceptive, jazz-influenced sounds in music.
