Sings Fred Astaire
Mel Torme was at an early peak when he recorded this superb session withMarty Paich's 10-piece band in 1956, bringing a personal flair to a program of greatGershwin,Kern, andBerlinsongs associated withFred Astaire. While Astaire brought primarily charm to his vocals on this material, Torme is a superb vocal technician, bounding through the uptempo numbers with an absolute mastery of diction, pitch, and phrasing. There's a mix of enthusiasm and sophisticated ease here that makes this one of Torme's finest recordings. He's aided by Paich's lively, brassy arrangements and an excellent studio band with trumpeterPete Condoliand saxophonistsHerb Gellerand Jack Montrose.--Stuart Broomer