Autumn Leaves – 1990
Mel Torme
A typically outstanding performance
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Mel Torme (1925-99) was one of the greatest male jazz singers of all time.
He always sang in tune, he could scat on the level of Ella Fitzgerald (one of his main influences), and he could hold a long note endlessly on a ballad.
Joined by a fine trio, Torme tears into “Autumn Leaves” while also giving it some tenderness.
He was 65 at the time.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald