Album: Christmas Songs by Mel Tormé (1992)
Genre: Jazz
Record Label: Telarc
Format: Album

Description: Because Mel Tormé co-wrote "The Christmas Song," it was a surprise to many of his fans that when he recorded this full-length Christmas album for Telarc in 1992, it was his first. Since he is backed by a large orchestra (conducted by Keith Lockhart) in addition to his regular trio and the emphasis is on ballad renditions, Tormé does not get many opportunities to scat and swing on this pleasing but unadventurous set. However, the 16-track album, which includes several medleys and a pair of instrumentals for the orchestra, features tasteful and melodic Tormé interpretations of 20 Christmas-associated songs, and the album is worthwhile, if not essential.

Artist Background: Melvin Howard Tormé (1925-1999) was born to immigrant Russian Jewish parents whose name had been Torma. A child prodigy, he first sang professionally at 4 with the Coon-Sanders Orchestra, singing "You're Driving Me Crazy," at Chicago's Blackhawk restaurant. 1933-41, he acted in the network radio serials "The Romance of Helen Trent" and "Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy." He wrote his first song at 13 and three years later, his first published song, "Lament to Love," became a hit recordin... Part of the American music scene. Associated with Jazz movement.

Music Scene: Part of the American music scene. Associated with Jazz movement.

Tags: Jazz, 1990s, Album, Telarc


Because Mel Tormé co-wrote "The Christmas Song," it was a surprise to many of his fans that when he recorded this full-length Christmas album for Telarc in 1992, it was his first. Since he is backed by a large orchestra (conducted by Keith Lockhart) in addition to his regular trio and the emphasis is on ballad renditions, Tormé does not get many opportunities to scat and swing on this pleasing but unadventurous set. However, the 16-track album, which includes several medleys and a pair of instrumentals for the orchestra, features tasteful and melodic Tormé interpretations of 20 Christmas-associated songs, and the album is worthwhile, if not essential.

Christmas Songs

Mel Tormé

Track List

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