This very interesting CD gives listeners a cross section of
Mel Tormé's Capitol recordings. Caught fairly early in his career,
Tormé's voice was already quite recognizable and appealing. Ballads alternate with occasional romps, including several arranged by
Frank DeVol in 1949 that are surprisingly boppish;
Pete Rugolo,
Nelson Riddle, and Sonny Burke take care of the other charts. Highlights of the 18 cuts (four of which were previously unreleased) include a wild "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Blue Moon," a spirited "Sonny Boy," and "You're a Heavenly Thing" (which finds
Mel Tormé playing piano in a quartet with guitarist
Mary Osborne). ~ Scott Yanow