This was singer
Mel Tormé's last recording before he was stricken with a serious stroke. Remarkably,
Tormé had gradually improved both as a singer and as a jazz improviser all throughout his sixties (his voice was in phenomenal shape), and he is heard on this live set, filmed for a television special, in peak form despite being 70. Joined by his regular trio (pianist
Mike Renzi, bassist
John Leitham, and drummer Donny Osborne),
Tormé performs a typical swing-oriented program that includes a
Benny Goodman medley, a memorable rendition of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (he could hold notes on ballads endlessly without wavering), a heated "Pick Yourself Up," and a tribute to
Ella Fitzgerald on "Oh, Lady Be Good," among other numbers. Ironically,
Tormé concluded what may be his final recording with a touching rendition of "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye." ~ Scott Yanow