In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones.
Mel Tormé released lots of live albums in his long and varied career. Trio albums, big band albums, small clubs and large halls. But for me, the live album that is a touchstone is his 1996 recording, A&E Presents An Evening With Mel Tormé – Live From the Disney Institute.
Perhaps it’s because I was lucky enough to see Mel live three times in around that time – the performances here are of songs I heard live. (Indeed, by the third time, I could recite one of his song intros along with him – it was identical, in all three.)
Mel delivers a strong set of standards on this album, and his performances are both improvisatory and polished. Early Mel, for me, is a little too focused on the crooning – you can hear him wanting to break out and swing. It was in his late-’70s – ’80s-era Renaissance that he really established the swinging, confident, brassy style that I think is archetypal Mel. This album is in that vein. You can compare some of the songs on this album to earlier live recordings to hear what I mean.
The song I love most on the album is the fourth track – his version of the Jerome Kern-Dorothy Fields standard “Pick Yourself Up.” It features a scat solo that repeatedly evolves – Bachian counterpoint, light swing, brassy swing, and more. Listen to his articulation and accents near the end of the scat solo, and the smooth interactions between him and his band. It’s rehearsed, it’s polished, but it’s also free, and so joyful.
Touchstones is an ongoing series of posts I’ll be writing during the COVID-19 season, reflecting on the works of art that support me in times of upheaval. I encourage you to make a list of your own “touchstones” and if you like, share them with me to publish here.