Quintet And Beyond

Collection of early recordings from the Jazz composer and entertainer. Although Mel Torme allegedly disliked being tagged 'The Velvet Fog', the name certainly goes some way to describe his pitch perfect high baritone range, particularly during the early years of his singing career. And he was much more than a song stylist. At various stage he was a composer, conductor, instrumentalist, (drums and piano), actor, raconteur and author. Born in 1925, the young Mel showed signs of musical prowess, as a four year old he made his vocal debut with the Coon-Sanders Orchestra in Chicago. Later he was a child actor on radio. Aged 13, his first published song Lament to Love was recorded by Harry James. Later he made the first of several movie appearances. In 1944, the vocal quintet 'Mel Torme And His Mel-Tones' made a big impact on radio. He was on the way as a national star.