I'm a full time drummer. And I got to say, I love Mel enough to not be pissed off at how well he played the drums.

Mel Tormé, one of the most exceptional talents in jazz ever.

@NotEmilyInParis

3 жыл бұрын

i'll second that

@larrystroh233

3 жыл бұрын

@@NotEmilyInParis I'll third it

@mickael1673

2 жыл бұрын

I m ok too

@lesliepartington2219

Жыл бұрын

The man was Jazz. Also loved his guest visits on Night Court. 2:14

@sommelierramon

8 ай бұрын

Oooh yes ! soooo great ! top of the top notch ever.

Mel was a musical prodigy….could excel at any instrument…and in any vocal style!

Mell was great on drums, and that clarinet solo was off the charts! Wow!

Ol' Mel was right at home on that drumkit and enjoying every minute of it...really enjoyed watching him play...

Somewhere out there Harry Anderson is shedding a tear.

Torme, just insanely talented, wow.

Mel may be the most underrated musician of ALL time...

@janicechobaniuk39

5 жыл бұрын

i don't think he was underrated in his time he was highly respected and sought after however In the 70's with the resurgence of jazz he was busy touring a lot in the 80's and 90's I saw him in the early 90's. Melvin Howard Tormé, best known as Mel Tormé and nicknamed The Velvet Fog, was an American musician, a singer of jazz standards. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, drummer, an actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books. Wikipedia

@Alpha-Andromeda

2 жыл бұрын

He is underrated now actually. He is a “no one” unless you know about him and he is phenomenal. I sing in some jazz ensembles in Paris and almost no one knows Mel Torme. So yes, underrated for sure.

Wonderful music. The clarinet and drum work remind me of Goodman and Krupa on Sing, Sing, Sing. This is exceptional.

@kelkabot

2 жыл бұрын

Ah, yes! I was trying to think what it reminded me of, and that's it!

Here's an example of multi talents. Not only was Mel noted for excellent voice billed as the velvet fog. He was a good drummer. He did have an offer to play drums for the late great Harry James. He did play drums for the Chico Marx big band. Mel dug the hell out of Buddy Rich and Buddy in turn dug his singing. Also Mel was a proficient author and wrote books on Judy garland and also wrote a book called traps in honor of his friend Buddy Rich. Mel also appeared on the t v show. Night court. And so you see entertainers had many God given talents. The late great Mel torment was one of them

@nickschneider7547

7 жыл бұрын

How about a great songwriter? He wrote "the Christmas Song" ( chestnuts roasting on an open fire), "Born to Be Blue" and other great tunes.

@johngill

6 жыл бұрын

I'm just reading 'Traps' at the moment - a fantastic read, really well-written. And Mel always seems to have been just a really nice person as well as that amazing talent.

@NellsStuff

6 жыл бұрын

I knew he sang for Chico, didn't know he played drums for him as well

@PC4USE1

5 жыл бұрын

Mel Torment was a pseudonym John Lennon used at one time as a joke. He probably was auto corrected to torment by his phone in this case. lol

@davidpfeifer9489

5 жыл бұрын

Sterling Pound Auto correct

Dayam!! Full points, everyone! That was hot! Gotta say, one of the things that I most liked about Mel Torme was that, while he had this massive talent, he looked like an average guy. Kinda says something about not judging the book by its cover. Great singer, probably my favorite big band crooner, but also one hell of a fine drumer, author and actor. Just an amazingly gifted soul. Thanks for sharing those gifts with us Mel.

I just want to point out that Ken Peplowski was 28 in this performance, Torme was 63 at the time and during that solo you can tell Torme is just like "You gotta keep up now, son!" Amazing.

@kathycahill1698

Жыл бұрын

And now Ken Peplowski is 63 and still playing!

@notpsicoh2107

Жыл бұрын

stop making me feel bad :(

Had no idea Mel Torme played drums. What a delight to discover this part of his talent. New appreciation for his overall contribution to jazz.

I saw Mel Torme when he performed in London, England, in the 1950s on the back of his LP At The Crescendo. Greatest concert I ever attended.

Warren Leuning played the first trumpet solo. You all have heard him thousands of times in the many movies he played for, literally hundreds, if not thousands. The second trumpet solo, not credited, was played by Jack Sheldon, who you have also heard many times without knowing it. He played "The Shadow of Your Smile" in the opening theme of the movie "The Sandpiper,'' and also sang as the voice of The Bill in "I'm Just a Bill" played for kids on Saturday mornings in the 1970's and 1980's in the "Schoolhouse Rock" series. I wish I knew who the rest of the band was, because I can tell you right now that along with Mel and Ken, these were all "the cream of the crop."

Here on KZread I have been able to see Mel Torme perform over a 40 year period or so and one thing I can say is that he truly enjoyed playing those drums.

Wow I knew he played drums but never saw him. He doesn't just play a little drums too, he kills it.

@boomer3150

Жыл бұрын

Yes; I saw him play like this on the Jerry Lewis Telethon, circa 1983.

@borgullet3376

Жыл бұрын

@@boomer3150 when your friends with Buddy and you say you can play. You Better Play'! Mel was a Beast !

@boomer3150

Жыл бұрын

@@borgullet3376 Agreed!😀😀

Been a fan of Mel for years but only today learned he played drums and piano too! Good grief!

Perhaps the most talented musician I have ever heard. I had the great good pleasure of meeting Mel through a mutual friend. He was as gracious and friendly as he was talented, That's a lot. I try to listen to his music as often as I can. I don't know if it is possible to wear out a cd, but I might be wearing out his cd with Cleo Laine. There's not a day goes by that I don't miss him. Since he left us, the entire world is a whole lot duller.

Amazing timing had Mister Torme and a great composer of songs

The clarinet solo to end all clarinet solos....AWESOME!

@blazeesq2000

5 жыл бұрын

He did it all, big band jazz style, be-bop, modal, Avant garde, modern and contemporary all in 64 bars.

@r.l.kerney6095

5 жыл бұрын

Any idea who that is playing clarinet? It kind of looks like Jack Montrose but I can't be sure, and I thought Jack played the tenor sax exclusively.

@robertobarahona6894

5 жыл бұрын

Ken Peplowsky

@mattiemclean9882

5 жыл бұрын

@@r.l.kerney6095 He says at the end of the video

I've just discovered what a musical genius Mel Torme was!! His singing was INCREDIBLE....and he could play drums at the highest level too! Amazing.

@kelkabot

2 жыл бұрын

Amazing songwriter and arranger, too.

Such a talented man. Hope today's generation occasionally discover him. Watch his 1981 live concert in Japan (on computer!). It will blow your mind.

From the Generation that had Talent & Class.

Amazing. Respect Mr. Mel Torme❤

I was standing in the lobby of the Pfister Hotel in MIlwaukee and Mel Torme and Debbie Reynolds come walking in - - - way back when.

A true professional and talent, music was really good back in the day.

Torme could do it all!

I forgot what a great drummer he was.

Wow! He can drive a band and he is so relaxed.

@YouzTube99

8 жыл бұрын

I was just thinking the same thing . . . drums are the heartbeat of a band, but given your ID I suspect you know that far better than I.

He looks so at home behind the set...

With the phenomenal Ken Peplowski on tenor and clarinet!

@kathycahill1698

3 жыл бұрын

So cool! Wonderful to see him!

That blew me away! Had no idea he was a GREAT DRUMMER! Thanks for sharing!!!

What an incredible talent! And like all truly gifted artists he makes it look so easy!

Mel Torme, a true legend.

I'm pretty much blown away! Who'd a thought? Mel a drummer? I never knew. And Peplowski on tenor & clarinet, sensational! Thanks for this post!

he was good enough on the instrument that both Woody Herman and Stan Kenton offered him the drum chair.

This was a privilege. I have to assume that Marty Paich wrote this great arrangement. I have to assume that Mel Torme never slept, he simply practiced (everything he could play, including his voice), wrote songs, wrote arrangements, and acted.

I was privileged to see him many years ago perform with our symphony. He showcased his many talents including a fabulous jazz drum set. He also conducted the orchestra. I am so happy we did that he was a legend before my time but loved by my parents.

It's a shame people today don't appreciate this music. My kids included. If it's from before they were born they think it's no good. But this kind of music is timeless.

@hifreq-therapy1058

4 жыл бұрын

In the music scene, jazz is well appreciated by people my age (20 somewhat).

@Kermy88

3 жыл бұрын

This music gave birth for musicians today. Of course its nothing like the old days. I wish people paid homage to the late and greats of the musician world.

@Kermy88

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 32 and listen to EVERYTHING. every genre. And I love going back and listening to oldies and jazz. It's so entertaining.

@hazelchief-rabbit5903

3 жыл бұрын

@@Kermy88 I'm only a few years younger than you and I too listen to everything especially the oldies (actually almost everything - I still can't stand rap, reggaeton, hiphop and some of the mainstream (21st century) pop music though).

@jodyguilbeaux8225

3 жыл бұрын

people today do not appreciate anything. they are to busy looking down at their phones. the real world is passing them by. shame on them

That was so damn good, I almost began to like clarinet. I wish I could play and swing on drums that well.

For anyone who didn't recognized him in his tinted glasses that was Jack Sheldon who played the second trumpet solo while standing in front of Mel.

@jackgates6949

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! Used to be a thing, especially with some trumpet players to wear tinted glasses. Besides the "cool look" I think it helped with the bright stage lighting. Go Jack!

Made my day!!! Wonderful --- sheer bliss - ultima thule

Blooming fantastic.😘🥁🌻

Fantastic! Real musicians, pretty much sadly missed these days.

Fabulous band!!!

Mel and that clarinet player tho. WOW!!!!!

This is so exciting! Mel was one of the greatest ever jazz singers, and also a great drummer. His duet with Ken Plepowski on clarinet reminds me of Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa (Gene is my favourite jazz drummer). Sammy Davis Jr. and Fred Astaire were also world class drummers and multi-talented performers that excelled in singing and dancing.

@RoaroftheTiger

5 жыл бұрын

Those Gentlemen, had " Time " ! ;)

@duncansutherland47

5 жыл бұрын

David Whyberd I did not know Fred Astair played the drums, interesting.

@liamwatson5125

3 жыл бұрын

Who doesn’t love Gene Krupa

@tomkelly4336

2 жыл бұрын

Mel Torme owned Gene Krupa's drum kit from the 1938 Carnegie Hall Benny Goodman concert.

@liamwatson5125

2 жыл бұрын

@@tomkelly4336 Torme was only 13 at the time.

Mel Torme has been one of my favorites since I was a kid and I only regret I never had a chance to play behind him. He's an incredible drummer in this session.

Here's where his scat rithm comes from. Master of Jazz and more!

Mel Torme' is the Finest jazz drummer I have ever heard! Every beat is articulated with precision. His drums are Well-tuned and the music is well balanced. You can hear every instrument clearly. You can hear and feel his drum playing. He also scored "The Christmas song, Chestnuts roasting" and co-wrote it. Also a Great Pianist, Guitarist, Singer, and Dancer. Mult-talented.

@acohen1980

9 жыл бұрын

agreed!!!!!!

@scootergreen3

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ariel!!

@arj446_

8 жыл бұрын

+MICHAEL DAVIS And he's obviously enjoying every second of it !

@scootergreen3

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, Thomas that make others enjoy it too. I'm a drummer and guitarist. Thanks!

Awesome ...hot number Mel ...Great drummer and great singer....all musicians here , incredible talent ....❤️

WOW!!! What a talented man!!! AWESOME Mel !!!

you can tell that he enjoyed the hell out of being a performer

@jodyguilbeaux8225

3 жыл бұрын

he is firing accents at those drum rudiments. they call is sticking.

@jpwjr1199

3 жыл бұрын

@@jodyguilbeaux8225 English please?

Amazing to see Torme' on drums!

Mr Torme, what a talented man.

Thx so much for this brilliant performance, Mel!!!!!

Now I know why Buddy Rich left Mel Torme instruct him as to what timing play the song in, (a different video),. Thanks for uploading this

so much talent in those hands and voice

Brilliant

So awesome! Thanks for sharing - what a talent (drummer, singer, dancer, the list goes on and on)

wow , i'm blown away by all this talent..

Man, great stuff! Thanks for posting.

Suprice! Mel Torme, is a very good drummer! Fasntastic!

Mel can swing and kick a big band. Outstanding!

Such swing, absolutely amazing fluidity !

Thanks for posting this video, it's awesome.

His old buddy, Buddy, taught him well.

Mel doesn't merely ""play"" the drums..he is in COMMAND of the drum solo's! And the claro player is sublime...That High note!!!

Mel was amazing. I love watching him perform with my idol, Buddy Rich.

This is incredible

There is precedence in modern music where great singers seem to also be better than average drummers. Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Jeffrey Osborne, and Phil Collins immediately come to mind. Mr. Torme definitely fit the bill.

@artemisios

Жыл бұрын

And don't forget Sammy Davis and Stevie Wonder

@andreapappas8540

Жыл бұрын

Karen Carpenter as well!

@jerbear7952

Жыл бұрын

Its because we start on drums then realize the singer doesn't have to carry anything. It's not like singing is as hard as learning an instrument.

I'm loving this ! ! !

GO MEL . . . I didn't know he could beat those drums as well Mr. Gene Krupa & Mr. Buddy Rich. WOW . . . I AM SO impressed! And, not to be undone by the drums, the man playing that clarinet is really swinging and hot, too! SYLVIA _ FL

This is a take-off on Benny Goodman's Sing Sing Sing and absolutely incredible.

Thanks for sharing! This is musical education I need. ;) #jams

Yeahh Mel.

All of the musicians here are amazing. Mel is not just a good drummer, he is a GREAT drummer. He is so comfortable playing the drums. Even at his age he doesn't struggle at all. I only recently discovered what a talented musician he was.

@jerbear7952

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha I just looked this video up after seeing your comment on the jerry lewis buddy rich video.

Torme was smooth with everything he did. I am particularly impressed with the large bright red tomb stone that graces his grave. It always reminds me of COTTON TAIL.

Like Sammy Davis Junior, Mel Torme could pretty much do it all. One of the absolute masters.

@rhythmista7707

9 ай бұрын

Sammy was good, but Mel was in another league. Much better vocalist and drummer. He also co-wrote and arranged the Christmas Song.

One of Greatest!

this is beyond amazing

Torme playing Krupa style under the amazing clarinet solo - WOW! ❤️

I had no idea! Wow great jass singer and Drummer!

There's Mel playing drums like an absolute monster, then there's Mel who had a voice like butter, then there's the fact that he co-wrote and arranged THE famous Christmas Song..That is enough to solidify him as one the best contemporary and jazz artists of all time..

@AJMjazz

6 ай бұрын

Have seen multiple interviews of Torme where he states "'The Christmas Song' is not a song, it's an annuity!" Those annual royalty checks must have been nice.

I am thoroughly enjoying this song. I never knew Mel Torme was a drummer.

Torme continues to amaze. Might I add, the trumpet player at 1:58 seriously has got the sauce!!

Amazing technique for a guy who wasn't a full time drummer . he was on the bill when i attended the Newport jazz fest. in the mid 90's; but did not play due to a sudden health issue. R.I.P.

I hope I'm playing drums half as well at 63! (Of course, I probably should have started by now....)

Mels enjoying the hell out of that clarinet solo...awesome

Ab so lute lee marvellous. Best clarinet ever. Loved it.

Absolutely ace!

gr8 post...thanx

Pure class and showmanship displayed by the one and only, "Velvet Fog." Bravo Mel!

Mel is truly one of the greats!

Mel shares Buddy's iron-fisted command of tempo.

@darylchambers5945

5 жыл бұрын

That`s the first thing I thought when I started watching.

@Reliable_Session

4 жыл бұрын

I just thought this to.

@peskypesky

3 жыл бұрын

I was definitely focusing on that powerful snare.

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I'm keeping this video for good...✋🙌✋🙌✋🙌👏🙌✋🙌✋🙌

He may have had a bit of an ego but hey that is what perfection is all about and he was PERFECTION ! Miss the perfection !

I just finished reading his autobiography, “It Wasn’t *All* Velvet.” Really good-interesting and well written! Love Mel!