MEL TORME: Christmas Songs (1992)

ALBUM REVIEW
Mel Torme is so famous for writing "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," it's surprising that he never recorded a full Christmas album before 1992's Christmas Songs. Besides that standard, Torme's own compositions here include the heartfelt "The Christmas Feeling" and "Christmas Was Made for Children." He also sings Johnny Mercer's Christmas lyrics for "Glow Worm" as well as more traditional fare. Backed by both orchestra and big band, Torme is alternately swinging and sentimental on this instant classic, a mixture of traditional and jazzed up holiday music.
~David Horiuchi, Amazon
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Because Mel Torme co-wrote "The Christmas Song," it was a surprise to many of his fans that when he recorded this full-length Christmas album for Telarc in 1992, it was his first. Since he is backed by a large orchestra (conducted by Keith Lockhart) in addition to his regular trio and the emphasis is on ballad renditions, Torme does not get many opportunities to scat and swing on this pleasing but unadventurous set. However his interpretations of 18 Christmas-associated songs (along with three instrumentals for the orchestra) are tasteful and melodic.
~ Scott Yanow
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MINHA OPINIÃO - Mel Torme é o autor de uma das mais belas canções de Natal: "The Christmas Song". Neste álbum, além da sua obra-prima, interpreta com a elegância de sempre, uma série de clássicos natalinos. Uma beleza.
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MEL TORME: Christmas Songs (1992)

Orchestra conducted by Keith Lockhart

TRACKS/FAIXAS:
01 - Christmas Medley: Jingle Bells - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Winter Weather - Winter Wonderland
02 - Sleigh Ride
03 - The Christmas Song
04 - Glow Worm
05 - The Christmas Feeling
06 - It Happened In Sun Valley
07 - Christmastime Is Here
08 - Good King Wenceslas
09 - What Child Is This?
10 - Silver Bells
11 - Christmas Was Made For Children
12 - The Christmas Waltz
13 - Christmas Medley: Just Look Around - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
14 - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
15 - Christmas Medley: Happy Holiday - Let's Start The New Year - What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
16 - White Christmas