Vocalists — LPs 
Singers we love -- from vintage torch to vocalese, scat, jazz poetry, standards, and more!
Bethlehem 
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Exact matches: 1
1
Bethlehem, Early 60s. Very Good+ ... $14.99 19.99
A classic set of early jazz recordings by Nina Simone – one of her first albums ever, but already with an approach that's quite different from other singers of the time! Nina's singing a fair bit of standards here, but she brings a deeply personal approach to the material – inflecting the tunes with gospel-inspired soul, and showing some very slight folksy touches – of the sort that would come in more heavily on later records, but which is already shining pretty strongly here! Nina accompanies herself on some mighty soulful piano – with bass from Jimmy Bond and drums from Al Heath – on titles that include "Plain Gold Ring", "Good Bait", "He Needs Me", "Don't Smoke In Bed", and "I Loves You Porgy". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red label pressing. Cover has split seams, staple holes at the top right corner, light wear and aging, and some small stained spots in back.)
Close matches: 23
2
Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Near Mint- ... $19.99 29.99
A great set of tracks that represents some of Chris Connor's first recordings as a solo act – culled from earlier ep and 10" releases, and issued here on a full LP with a total of 14 tracks. Backing is by three groups – the Ellis Larkin Trio, Vinnie Burke's Quartet, and Sy Oliver's Orchestra – and Chris is in fine fine form, vocalizing with that icy tone we love so much, a bit sad, and a bit mellow, but always heartfelt, without the forced emotion of other singers of her generation. Titles include "Stella By Starlight", "Goodbye", "Spring Is Here", "Ask Me", "Lullaby Of Birdland", "Try A Little Tenderness", and "He's Coming Home". LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 70s mono Japanese Polydor pressing – MP 2340 – with insert. Cover is bent at the bottom right corner.)
3
Chris Connor —
Cocktails & Dusk (aka This Is Chris) ... LP Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A 70s repackaging of one of Chris Connor's classic early Bethlehem recordings, with some perfect icy vocals in the great June Christ/
(Cover has light wear.)
4
Chris Connor —
Finest Of Chris Connor ... LP Bethlehem, Late 50s. Near Mint- 2LP ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A tasty little 2LP set – one that collects the excellent late 50s vocal work cut for the Bethlehem label by Chris Connor! At the time, Chris had a sound that she virtually invented – icy vocals backed by small combo jazz, in a very spare and subtle setting – and the sound was, and is, tremendous – filled with sadness, longing, and booze-soaked sorrow. Instrumentation on the set is by the groups of Ellis Larkins, Vinnie Burke, and Ralph Sharon – and titles include "Trouble Is A Man", "Lush Life", "Out Of This World", "I Hear Music", "All About Ronnie", "Lullaby Of Birdland", and "The Thrill Is Gone". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has small spots of gloss separation and some small scrapes in back.)
5
Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Near Mint- ... $11.99
Beautifully icy vocals from the amazing Chris Connor – the kind of record that set a new standard for vocal jazz back in the 50s! The session's a small group one – with Chris singing intimately alongside backing from Herbie Mann on flute and tenor, Kai Winding and JJ Johnson on trombones, Joe Puma on guitar, and Ralph Sharon on piano – all lightly arranged to allow Connor's vocals prime placement in the record, while shading in the spaces with some nicely modern colors. Titles are mostly familiar, but wonderfully transformed into Connor's own personal statements – and tracks include "Ridin High", "It's All Right With Me", "Someone To Watch Over Me", "All Dressed Up With A Broken Heart", "All This & Heaven Too", "Trouble Is a Man", "Blame It On My Youth", and "The Thrill Is Gone". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available This Is Chris ... CD 6.99(Mid 70s mono Japanese CBS/Sony pressing – 23AP 233 – with insert. Cover has minimal wear.)
6
Bob Dorough —
Yardbird Suite (aka Devil May Care) ... LP Bethlehem, 1956. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A mid 70s repackaging of one of the best vocal jazz albums that Bethlehem ever produced, and a landmark recording in the vocalese tradition! The first record ever from a young Bob Dorough – and easily one of his most swinging sessions! The style here is a bit straighter jazz than on some of Bob's later work – vocalese inspired by Jon Hendricks, King Pleasure, Eddie Jefferson, and others – recorded with a small combo that includes Jack Hitchcock on vibes, Warren Fitzgerald on trumpet, Jerry Segal on drums, and Bob's longtime partner Bill Takas on bass. Many of the tunes are vocalized versions of bop numbers – done with a nicely quirky style that shows that the mad Dorough touch was already in place during these early years – on titles that include "It Could Happen To You", "Polka Dots & Moonbeams", "Baltimore Oriole", "Yardbird Suite", "Devil May Care", and "Ow" – plus his great original "You're The Dangerous Type"! LP, Vinyl record album
7
Frances Faye —
Bad, Bad Frances Faye ... LP Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
One of Frances Faye's best sessions – thanks to sharp 50s arrangements from Russ Garcia! Titles include "Love For Sale", "He's Funny That Way", "Toreador", "I've Got You Under My Skin", and "Somebody Loves Me". LP, Vinyl record album
8
Johnny Hartman —
All Of Me ... LP Bethlehem, 1956. Near Mint- ... $14.99
Although the world always remembers Johnny Hartman best for his Impulse recordings with Coltrane, we've always dug some of his earlier stuff – like this album – because the sound's a bit rawer, and the style's got more of a kick! The magical Hartman voice is presented in two great settings – one a small orchestra directed by Frank Hunter, the other an even cooler group headed by Ernie Wilkins – with great horn work from players who include Anthony Ortega, Howard McGhee, Jerome Richardson, and Lucky Thompson! The tracks are familiar, but done with that dusky Hartman style – and titles include "I Could Make You Care", "The Lamp Is Low", "Stella By Starlight", "All Of Me", and a very haunting rendition of "The End Of A Love Affair". LP, Vinyl record album
(Late 80s Spanish Fresh Sound pressing.)
9
Johnny Hartman —
All Of Me (70s pressing) ... LP Bethlehem, 1956. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Although the world always remembers Johnny Hartman best for his Impulse recordings with Coltrane, we've always dug some of his earlier stuff – like this album – because the sound's a bit rawer, and the style's got more of a kick! The magical Hartman voice is presented in two great settings – one a small orchestra directed by Frank Hunter, the other an even cooler group headed by Ernie Wilkins – with great horn work from players who include Anthony Ortega, Howard McGhee, Jerome Richardson, and Lucky Thompson! The tracks are familiar, but done with that dusky Hartman style – and titles include "I Could Make You Care", "The Lamp Is Low", "Stella By Starlight", "All Of Me", and a very haunting rendition of "The End Of A Love Affair". LP, Vinyl record album
10
Carmen McRae —
Finest Of Carmen McRae – You'd Be So Easy To Love (aka Carmen McRae) ... LP Bethlehem, 1954. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Great early work from Carmen McRae – small combo, jazzy, and a nicely different set than some of her other work of the 50s! Backings are by two groups – one headed by accordionist Mat Mathews, the other by saxophonist Tony Scott – both quartets, and both of them working with a nicely lean sense of swing that seems to bring the same out of Carmen! The album's not as dark or moody as you might expect from these years – and that's a great thing to us, because it illuminates another side of Carmen's talents that don't always get as much exposure. Titles include "Easy To Love", "If I'm Lucky", "Tip Toe Gently", "Old Devil Moon", "Misery", and "Too Much In Love To Care". LP, Vinyl record album
(70s pressing. Cover has unglued seams.)
11
Betty Roche —
Take The A Train (2nd cover) ... LP Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
One of the few small group sessions from vocalist Betty Roche – a singer who was known for her work with Duke Ellington, but who sounds even better in this setting! Betty's got a style that's warmly raspy – a bit more edge than some of the cooler vocalists on the Bethlehem label at the time, but still backed with a group that's slightly modern – in keeping with other dates on the label. The combo features Eddie Costa on vibes, Donn Trenner on piano, Conte Candoli on trumpet, Whitey Mitchell on bass, and Davey Williams on drums – all grooving gently with Betty on a set of tracks that includes "Take The A Train", "Something To Live For", "All My Life", "All Too Soon", "You Don't Love Me Any More", "Go Away Blues", and "September In The Rain". LP, Vinyl record album
12
Bethlehem, Early 60s. Near Mint- ... $39.99
A classic set of early jazz recordings by Nina Simone – one of her first albums ever, but already with an approach that's quite different from other singers of the time! Nina's singing a fair bit of standards here, but she brings a deeply personal approach to the material – inflecting the tunes with gospel-inspired soul, and showing some very slight folksy touches – of the sort that would come in more heavily on later records. Backing is by a small combo, and tracks include "Plain Gold Ring", "Good Bait", "He Needs Me", "Don't Smoke In Bed", and "I Loves You Porgy". LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 90s stereo Japanese Columbia pressing – COJY-9034 – with obi and insert.)
13
Nina Simone/Bethlehem, Early 60s. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A classic collection of work from Bethlehem Records – a package that brings together some of their strongest jazz singers of the time, under a cover image that's similar to the first album by Nina Simone! The difference here is that the record features a killer non-LP track by Nina – the stunning "African Mailman" – a righteous groover that points the way towards some of her work to come in the 60s – alongside versions of "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands", "I Loves You Porgy", and "For All We Know". The set also features the great Chris Connor singing "Cottage For Sale", "What Is There To Say", "Try a Little Tenderness", and "Good Bye" – plus Carmen McRae delivering nice takes on "Old Devil Moon", "You Made Me Care", "Last Time For Love", and "Too Much In Love To Care". LP, Vinyl record album
14
Bethlehem, 1957. Near Mint- ... $7.99
An insane record – simply insane! Mel Torme wrote the California Suite as a tribute to his home state during the glorious postwar years of growth and boom – and it contains some of the weirdest songs he ever sung! At the base, the work is driven by the same west coast jazz arrangements by Marty Paich that you'll find on some of Mel's other Bethlehem albums – but the songs can be incredibly goofy, rhyming towns in CA with catchy words and phrases, pairing Marines in San Diego with wealthy old widows, and leveling San Francisco with one of the worst puns on "Golden Gate" that we've ever heard! Still, the album's an essential one if you're a fan of Mel Torme – not only because it's got some wonderful vocals in the best parts, but also because it's a true reflection of his deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz music. Tracks include "West Coast Is The Best Coast", "They Go To San Diego", "LA", and "Poor Little Extra Girl". LP, Vinyl record album
(80s pressing on Cayre.)
15
Mel Torme —
It's A Blue World ... LP Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of the most beautiful albums ever from the great Mel Torme – and a set that's a bit different than his other work for the Bethlehem label too! The set features Mel singing to lush backings from arranger Al Pellegrini – who brings in a mode that definitely lives up to the blue tones promised in the title – with enough melancholy moments in the mix to rival the sound of Frank Sinatra's classic Wee Small Hours album. The voice of the Velvet Fog is perfect in such a setting – and Torme's all serious, all classic, all the way through – no gimmicks or tricks or goofy moments at all. Titles include "How Long Has This Been Going On", "It's A Blue World", "Polka Dots & Moonbeams", "I Got It Bad & That Ain't Good", "All This & Heaven Too", "Wonderful One", and "Stay As Sweet As You Are". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original red label pressing with deep groove. Cover has some gloss peel at the opening, a thin piece of paper with artist/title taped to the spine, tiny split in the bottom seam, and DJ Copy stamps and notes in pen in back.)
16
Mel Torme —
It's A Blue World (80s pressing) ... LP Bethlehem/
One of the most beautiful albums ever from the great Mel Torme – and a set that's a bit different than his other work for the Bethlehem label too! The set features Mel singing to lush backings from arranger Al Pellegrini – who brings in a mode that definitely lives up to the blue tones promised in the title – with enough melancholy moments in the mix to rival the sound of Frank Sinatra's classic Wee Small Hours album. The voice of the Velvet Fog is perfect in such a setting – and Torme's all serious, all classic, all the way through – no gimmicks or tricks or goofy moments at all. Titles include "How Long Has This Been Going On", "It's A Blue World", "Polka Dots & Moonbeams", "I Got It Bad & That Ain't Good", "All This & Heaven Too", "Wonderful One", and "Stay As Sweet As You Are". LP, Vinyl record album
17
Mel Torme —
Mel Torme At The Crescendo ... LP Bethlehem, 1957. Near Mint- ... $9.99
A great little live set from Mel Torme – and one that features the same jazzy style as his studio albums for the Bethlehem label from the 50s! The combo behind Mel is a smallish one – Marty Paich on piano and arrangements, Larry Bunker on vibes, Don Fagerquist on trumpet, Max Bennett on bass, and Mel Lewis on drums – and the arrangements here all have that great mix of sensitivity and swing that Paich was first showing at the time – an approach that really helped Torme hit new levels in his music! Tracks include "Love Is Just A Bug", "Just One Of Those Things", "The Tender Trap", "I'm Beginning To See The Light", and "One For My Baby". LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 80s French pressing.)
18
Mel Torme —
Sings Fred Astaire ... LP Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A wonderful little album by Mel Torme – easily one of his best albums of the 50s, despite the tighter focus implied in the title! Although the set's a tribute to Fred Astaire. the album's got a very similar feel to Mel's classic album with Marty Paich's Dek-Tette for Bethlehem – arranged by Paich, and done in a similar style of small-orchestra jazz – with great lines and solos from key west coast players who include Herb Geller on alto, Bob Enevoldsen on trombone, Jack Montrose on tenor, and Don Fagerquist and Pete Candoli on trumpet. There's a smooth, warm brilliance to the album that's undeniable – and although many of the tunes are older ones from Fred Astaire movies from decades back, they're updated beautifully by Marty Paich's arrangements! Titles include "The Piccolino", "Nice Work If You Can Get It", "A Foggy Day", "They All Laughed", and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Sings Fred Astaire ... CD 14.99(Red label pressing with deep groove. Cover has light wear and aging.)
19
Bethlehem, 1957. Near Mint- ... $14.99
One of Mel Torme's best albums for Bethlehem Records – a set that's got far more depth and jazz than you'd guess from the title! The record features Mel working with a small group led by Marty Paich, a genius arranger who's still (in our humble opinion) the best person to ever accompany Torme's velvety smooth vocals on record. The west coast vibe of the album is perfect for Mel's singing – never in the way, but also with enough of a swing to really keep things going. The songs are old favorites – "It's Delovely", "Manhattan", "Taking A Chance On Love", and "Home By The Sea" – but the genius is in the way that Torme phrases them! LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 80s mono Japanese Trio-Kenwood pressing – PAP-23030(M) – with insert.)
20
Mel Torme —
Torme Touch (aka Mel Torme & The Marty Paich Dek-Tette) ... LP Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
This is Mel Torme's best-ever album, and it's one that we'd recommend to anyone who likes jazz vocals at all – even if you can't usually stand Mel! The Velvet Fog is backed by a great 10-piece group, led by the great Marty Paich, and featuring excellent west coast players like Pete Candoli, Jack Montrose, Bob Cooper, and Bud Shank. The whole group wails tremendously, and they make Mel get a bit more swingin and a bit more jazzy than usual – especially on cuts like "Lulu's Back In Town", "The Carioca", "Sing For Your Supper", and "Lullaby Of Birdland". 70s pressing of the album Mel Torme & The Marty Paich Dek-Tette – with a different title and cover. LP, Vinyl record album
(Late 70s pressing – BCP 6042.)
21
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ 3LP Box Set ... $4.99
One of our favorite recordings ever of George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess – done by Bethlehem Records in the mid 50s, and featuring nearly every one of the label's great talents at the time! The choice of the lead characters is a bit odd – as Mel Torme plays Porgy and Francis Faye plays Bess – but both singers are actually pretty darn great for the set, and really bring a lot out of the tunes. Plus, the other artists on the set really keep things interesting – as the collection features vocal performances by Johnny Hartman, Frank Rosolino, Betty Roche, Bob Dorough, and Sallie Blair. Plus, the whole thing's presented as Gershwin wrote it – complete with narration by Al Jazzbo Collins, and a number of strong instrumental passages. Music is performed by groups led by Russ Garcia, Duke Ellington, Pat Moran, and Stan Levy – and players are an array of the best of both the New York and LA scenes at the time! LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes insert.)
22
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... $4.99
One of our favorite recordings ever of George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess – done by Bethlehem Records in the mid 50s, and featuring nearly every one of the label's great talents at the time! The choice of the lead characters is a bit odd – as Mel Torme plays Porgy and Francis Faye plays Bess – but both singers are actually pretty darn great for the set, and really bring a lot out of the tunes. Plus, the other artists on the set really keep things interesting – as the collection features vocal performances by Johnny Hartman, Frank Rosolino, Betty Roche, Bob Dorough, and Sallie Blair. Plus, the whole thing's presented as Gershwin wrote it – complete with narration by Al Jazzbo Collins, and a number of strong instrumental passages. Music is performed by groups led by Russ Garcia, Duke Ellington, Pat Moran, and Stan Levy – and players are an array of the best of both the New York and LA scenes at the time! This LP features all the best vocal tunes from the recording. LP, Vinyl record album
(70s pressing.)
23
Bobby Troup —
Distinctive Style Of Bobby Troup ... LP Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of the straighter sessions ever recorded by vocalist Bobby Troup – an intimate quartet side, with backing by Howard Roberts on guitar, Bob Enevoldsen on bass, and Don Heath on drums. Bobby sings and plays piano – in that warm, laidback LA style that's made him one of our favorite male vocalists of the time – and he's less tongue-in-cheek here than on some of his other recordings, bringing a simple but honest presentation to material that includes "Have You Met Miss Jones", "It Still Suits Me", "Little Girl Blue", "You Are Too Beautiful", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", and "The Boy Next Door". LP, Vinyl record album
(80s Spanish Fresh Sound pressing. Cover has some yellowing from age in back.)
24
Eddie Cleanhead Vinson —
Cleanhead's Back In Town (70s pressing) ... LP Bethlehem, 1957. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Classic King R&B material from Vinson, featuring some great backing by a surprising amount of jazz players! The album includes playing by Frank Foster, Joe Newman, Charlie Rouse, Ed Thigpen, Freddie Green, Paul Quinichette, and Nat Pierce – and the sound owes a lot to Joe Turner's work with Basie. Titles include "Cherry Red", "That's The Way To Treat Your Woman", "Kidney Stew", "Hold It Right There", and "Your Baby Ain't Sweet Like Mine". (Blues, Vocalists) LP, Vinyl record album
Possible matches: 9
25
Atlantic, 1956. Near Mint- ... $24.99
They got the "jazz date" right in the title on this one – as Chris Connor works here with some exceptional small combo backing – all in a mode that almost takes her back to the earliest sound of her first few records on Bethlehem! Ralph Sharon's the maestro here – handling all the arrangements for a few small combos with players who include Oscar Pettiford on bass, Sam Most on flute, Eddie Costa on vibes, Joe Puma on guitar, and Lucky Thompson and Al Cohn on tenor – all modern-minded players who turn out to be a really great fit for Connor on the date. A few numbers even feature added Latin percussion from Mongo Santamaria – and titles include "All I Need Is You", "Driftwood", "Fancy Free", "It Only Happens When I Dance With You", and "Lonely Town". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70 mono Japanese Warner-Pioneer pressing – P-4576A – with obi and insert.)
26
Joe Derise —
House Of Flowers ... LP Audiophile, 1981. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An obscure set by the overlooked jazz singer Joe Derise – who's best known for his albums on Bethlehem in the 50s! This set is very spare – just Joe on vocals and piano, and Bill Popp on bass! Includes the original tunes "Why Did It Have To Be Me", "Minstrel Man", "Blues For The End Of The Night", and "I'm In Love With Someone". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear, but looks great overall.)
27
Peggy Lee —
Black Coffee With Peggy Lee ... LP Decca, 1953. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Wonderfully spare early jazz sides by Peggy, and the kind of material that's not easy to find amidst the bulk of her pop-oriented work. The album's a moving set of ballads and torchy numbers, recorded in small-combo fashion, in a style that's similar to some of Chris Connor's later Bethlehem work. The combo includes Cootie Chesterfield on trumpet, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Max Wayne on bass, and Ed Shaughnessy on drums. A real treasure – with titles like "A Woman Alone With The Blues", "Love Me Or Leave Me", "Easy Living", and "Black Coffee". LP, Vinyl record album
28
Helen Merrill —
Nearness Of You ... LP EmArcy, 1957. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Icy brilliance from a young Helen Merrill – a record that's easily the Mercury equivalent of June Christy's classic work on Capitol or Chris Connor's classics for Bethlehem! Helen's working here with small combo backings on all tracks – carved out with players who include Bobby Jaspar, Bill Evans, Oscar Pettiford, and George Russell – all swinging gently alongside the vocals, but also taking care to shade things in with some of the darker, bluer colors that always worked best for Merrill – and which made her voice echo with a depth that few other singers could match! Titles include "When The Sun Comes Out", "I Remember You", "Summertime", "Let Me Love You", and "All Of You". LP, Vinyl record album
29
Philips/
A collection of classic material from the Philips Records years of Nina Simone – a key 60s moment when she was moving way past her roots as a jazz singer, to embrace all sorts of righteous new styles – and set a tone for singers that's held strong for decades! The music here is bubbling over with a new sense of pride and power for the 60s – a style that certainly ruffled some feathers at the time, but which really came to be that which established the legacy of Nina Simone after earlier periods recording for the Bethlehem and Colpix labels. The choice of cuts is great – and titles include "Four Women", "See Line Woman", "Wild Is The Wind", "Take Care Of Business", "Tell Me More & More & Then Some", "Ne Me Quitte Pas", "Feeling Good", "I Put A Spell On You", and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" – plus live versions of "Mississippi Goddam" and "I Loves You Porgy". LP, Vinyl record album
30
Mel Torme —
Mel Torme Swings Shubert Alley ... LP Verve, 1960. Near Mint- ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Mel Torme takes on the sound of Broadway at the start of the 60s – but he does so in a very groovy way, thanks to hip backings from the amazing Marty Paich! The style here is as swinging and jazzy as the work that Mel and Marty cut together on the Bethlehem label in the late 50s – and the tracks have a nice sort of groove, and an overall lean feel – a sound that takes the music far from its Broadway roots! Players include Art Pepper on alto, Stu Williamson on trumpet, Bill Perkins on tenor, and Frank Rosolino on trombone – all bringing a nice sense of themselves to the set. Titles include "Lonely Town", "Whatever Lola Wants", "Old Devil Moon", "Hello Young Lovers", "Too Close For Comfort", and "Just In Time". LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 80s Japanese Polygram pressing, UMV 2521. Includes insert.)
31
Coral, 1954. Near Mint- ... $14.99
Great live work from Mel Torme – a 14 track set that's done with spare backings from the Al Pellegrini Trio – possibly the most stripped-down Torme recording from these early years, delivered with an intimacy that's quite different than some of Mel's work on Bethlehem! Pellegrini plays mostly piano, but also a bit of clarinet too – given that Torme also handles a bit of piano – and the backings are always somewhat light, so that Mel's voice really dominates the proceedings. Titles include "County Fair", "Goody Goody", "You're Driving Me Crazy", "Jeepers Creepers", "Get Happy", "Get Out Of Town", and "From This Moment On". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70s mono Japanese Victor pressing – VIJ-4508(M) – with insert. Cover has light wear.)
32
Atlantic, 1963. Near Mint- ... $14.99
One of our favorite-ever albums from Mel Torme – a set that sparkles with the same smooth swing as his best late 50s dates for Bethlehem records! Like those sets, this one features Torme's voice really taking off over some tight jazzy charts – arranged by Johnny Williams, Shorty Rogers, and Dick Hazard – all in styles close to those used previously by Marty Paich. But almost even better is the New York theme of the record – surprising, given the anti-NYC vibe of Torme's classic "California Suite" – but perfect, too, as it really ties the whole thing together wonderfully – creating this beautiful picture of the Big Apple in the postwar years. Titles include the greatest version of "Sunday In New York" you'll ever hear – plus "Let Me Off Uptown", "Autumn In New York", "New York New York", "Manhattan", and "My Time Of Day". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70s Japanese Warner pressing – P-6131A – with insert. Cover has light wear and aging, a small tear at the opening, and a small spot of marker in back.)
33
Verve, 1958. Very Good+ ... $14.99
An overlooked gem from Mel Torme – a great early album for Verve, one that's every bit as nice as his stellar work for the Bethlehem label! The set's got Mel singing with the Marty Paich orchestra – a good thing, too – as Marty's always been the best arranger for Mel's unique way of putting over a jazz vocal. Tunes are all pretty nicely swinging, and at times expand the sound a bit past Mel's earlier work – with titles that include "House Is Haunted By The Echo Of Your Last Goodbye", "Gloomy Sunday", "That Old Feeling", "I'm Gonna Laugh You Out Of My Life", "Nobody's Heart", "How Did She Look", and "Where Can I Go Without You". LP, Vinyl record album
(Black label MGM stereo pressing. Cover has light wear.)
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