Mel Tormé and
Buddy Rich had been friends for decades prior to finally getting around to recording together. Although largely a
Tormé vocal record, the
Buddy Rich Orchestra, with guest altoist
Phil Woods, is in top form, and the drummer/leader has several solos. Most memorable is
Tormé's tribute to
Ella Fitzgerald on "Lady Be Good" and a remarkable tour-de-force on "Blues in the Night." This enjoyable and somewhat historic LP, put out by Gryphon, is worthy of reissue on CD by Mobile Fidelity.