By Alix Cohen

Mel Tormé (1925-1999), known as “The Velvet Fog”, impressed audiences and peers alike with his silken voice, innate swing, improvisational skill, and sophisticated arrangements. A Chicago native who sang before he spoke, Tormé started performing at 4,
then grew into one of the century’s most stylish artists- singing, drumming, and writing hits.

Billy Stritch and Nicolas King exude pleasure in one another’s professional company. Sensibilities are similar, harmony seems organic, scat often arrives skillfully in tandem. Aided and abetted by veteran bassist, Jay Leonhart, who long worked with Tormé, and drummer Jakuba Griffin, the pair offer homage with panache.

A swinging duet of “Just One of Those Things” (Cole Porter) and “Green Dolphin Street” (Bronislaw Kapir/Ned Washington) opens
the show with expert scat provoked by Griffin’s percussion. King’s version of “Too Close for Comfort” (Jerry Beck/Larry Holofcener/ George David Weiss) arrives with a recommendation to check out Tormé recordings with The Marty Paige Dektette. The vocalist’s left hand snaps as he bounces, sharply punctuating movement.

Stritch entertainingly shares the honoree’s biography including his own warm interaction. King never met Tormé, but worked closely with Mike Renzi, the icon’s splendid arranger/pianist. (King’s salute to Renzi will be presented April 28 at 54 Below.)


Jay Leonhart; Jakuba Griffin

One of the first songs Tormé performed was Walter Donaldson’s “You’re Drivin’ Me Crazy.” Stritch puts his elegant stamp on phrasing. The simple song becomes a light-fingered, fleshed out number.

From work with The Chico Marx Orchestra to his own group, Mel Tormé and The Meltones, Stritch takes us to the rarely heard, “Born To Be Blue,” written by 19 year-old Tormé with Robert Wells. The artist takes his time, savoring lyrics.

Tormé was famous for his seamless “two-two” medleys gliding from one standard to another with deft key changes and copacetic rhythm. Stritch and King deliver one written for duets with Cleo Laine. It’s as if they cut their teeth on melodic interface.

King’s rendition of “The Folks Who Live On the Hill” (Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II) reminds us how well the normally cool cat can croon. Stritch’s “When the World Was Young” (M. Philippe-Gerard/Johnny Mercer) emerges wrapped in tender, rueful nostalgia.

We close with a buoyant “Lulu’s Back in Town.” (Harry Warren/Al Dubin) Spirits have palpably risen.

Billy Stritch Sings Mel Tormé is a curated selection of songs associated with The Velvet Fog.

Photos by Stephen Hanks

Mel Tormé at 100: Celebration with Billy Stritch & Nicolas King
Jay Leonhart- Bass; Jakuba Griffin- Drums
54 Below 254 West 54 St. https://54below.org/