Mel Tormé made many memorable recordings with orchestras conducted and arranged by
Marty Paich during his long career, though this CD deserves wider recognition.
Tormé alternates between joyful swingers and bittersweet ballads, with his golden vocals capturing the essence of every song. These 1958 sessions have their share of time-tested favorites, including "Body and Soul" and "'Round Midnight." But it is the less familiar songs, like "Gloomy Sunday" (which has been performed rarely by singers), a bluesy "The House Is Haunted (By the Echo of Your Last Goodbye)," and an especially dramatic "I Don't Want to Cry Anymore," which features a plaintive introduction backed initially only by bongos and trombone, that stand out. Just as effective is his pair of duets ("Nobody's Heart" and "I'm Going to Laugh You Right Out of My Life") with an unidentified guitarist. But the gem of the date is an extended chart of the brilliant "Blues in the Night." Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden