James Tormé

March 13, 2006

James Tormé (son of the late Mel) has inherited the ol’ man’s flair for interpretation on this well put together five-song EP of standards. Backed by an adept quartet, Tormé infuses Gershwin and others with a modern soul/R&B sensibility, reinterpreting “I’ve Got Plenty of Nuthin’” and “Comin’ Home Baby” with real imagination. His vocal gymnastics and chord changes are inventive and help deliver these classic songs with a unique, honey-sweetened sheen. - MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE

March 2006

The son of legendary crooner Mel Tormé, James is by no means resting on nepotism to make his mark. This guy has talents all his own, and proves it on this five song debut taste. Vocal talent does run in the family, and is flaunted to great effect throughout the CD. Backed by some excellent jazz players, James’ coming out could catch the ears of his dad’s fans, as well as garnering new fans from the growing new generation of vocal connoisseurs. - MUSIC MORSELS

March, 2006

 At the tender age of 32, this Leo, James Tormé, son of Mel Tormé who was one of the most, if not the most important musicians of the 20th century, is preparing to spread his wings and follow the fertile path tilled by his father. James’s new album is called “Comin Home”. Loaded with modern jazz, and combined with an elegant touch of tradition; creating a unique style all his own, which would make his father smile with envy! 
 
 At what point James did you begin to realize that music was going to become a serious outcome and journey in your life?
 
James Tormé: “It was more about just growing up with and it. Music was always built in me. To answer your question, at the age ten I was pretty sure.”
 
 Having your dad as a famous American singer, and your mom being a famous British supermodel, and having a deep understanding of both sides of the pond, how different are the musical audiences on each side of the Atlantic?
 
James Tormé: “They are very different in some areas but yet similar in others, the Americans love the popular charts, as do Great Britain and Europe. However, Europe in general, can get behind an artist in specific genres that would not normally be heard or supported on North America radio. So it makes for a more interesting journey if you want to try and do something a little out of the norm.” 
 
 How has that experience of living on both sides of the Atlantic shaped your view of your dad, and the music you play now?
 
James Tormé: “ He was my musical hero. I always knew I had the music inside of me, and my dad knew it too. I remember being with him in the studio when he re-united with Marty Paich for the double album in 1988. I was there the whole time just soaking in the energy of what goes on in a studio with professionals.” 
 
 “Dad taught me things like how to use a light, almost ‘throw-away’ tone on the vocal at first, and then build to an emotional crescendo as the song progresses. Pretty logical stuff really.”
 
 When working on a song idea or an album in the studio, do you prefer to work with a live band, or build a song in multiple stages in a more laboratory fashion?
 
 James Tormé: “ It depends on the cast you are working with. I prefer to try and nail it live in the studio with a live band if you can, and do so quickly. It becomes impossible to re-create certain moments and essence of a moment can be lost, or significantly diluted, if one attempts to work it to hard for perfection.”
 
 “My dad taught me how to keep my composure while in the studio, and he taught me the importance of breathing at the right times. He never warmed his voice up ever when recording in the studio; he very rarely did anything but test his voice with nothing more than a single phrase. For the rest of us mere mortals on the other hand, it takes plenty of hard work.”
 
 The new versions of some of your dad’s songs that you have recorded are excellent; I notice they have your dad’s vibe, mixed with a bit of Michael Bublé which creates sort of a unique style all of your own.
 
James Tormé: “Thanks mate, that means a lot to me. It really does. It’s nice to have someone who has sat and thought about the music in detail.”
 
 How do you like the direction of where music is going in a general sense for the masses?
 
 James Tormé: “Music is always loosing quality in the general sense; it is being simplified in growing stages. First the melodies were butchered and basically removed altogether. Then the harmonies were reduced and removed. Now it’s just a drumbeat, and even the drumbeat has been simplified in stages.”
 
 “The old songs are on a totally different level. The romance, the idea that decency could be cool decency. Its all but extinct now.”

 What are your plans for touring behind the new songs and promoting the album?
 
 James Tormé: Well, a world tour of Paris, Milan, London, and the South Western United States is in the works right now as we speak, with time over in Japan towards the end of the tour. We have a lot of shows coming up.”
 
Any plans to play north of the border here in Canada?
 
James Tormé: “I would really love to play in Canada. I think it would be great. I know that my dad had a loyal following in Canada so it would be fun to play on the northern part of North America.”
 
Have you played either Atlantic City New Jersey or Vegas Nevada?
 
James Tormé: “No I haven’t played Atlantic City but I have performed in Las Vegas before.”
 
How did the Desert mess around with your vocal chords?
 
 James Tormé:  “In Nevada I was lucky I guess, did not have any vocal problems at all, the dry throat wasn’t a problem. Made sure to get in the steam room early in the day, and drank plenty of water, and the combination of that helps ease your chords. “
 
What did you think of Canada’s Michael Bublé and his phrasing and pitch when you first heard it?
 
James Tormé: “Buble’s phrasing is a lot like my dads. Certain notes and phrases you can hear him using a very similar tone. Very Similar indeed.”
 
Any plans for the next album yet?
 
James Tormé: “David Paich, who is the son of Marty, will be working with me. Marty of course was my dad’s guy, much like Nelson Riddle was to Frank Sinatra. Anyways David and I will be writing a couple of songs together.”
 
How nervous does it make you feel when you realize that your dad could play a gig to a sold out house basically anywhere in North America, England, Australia, and Japan and that you will be compared to him at length?
 
James Tormé:  “It fills me with pride, gives me confidence, and makes me happy. I love a challenge and this will be a challenge. His accomplishments drive me to do well. He was my musical idol and my number one influence. I was a sort of muse to him. When I was growing up he'd bounce ideas off me all the time. My input meant a lot to him, which was very confidence inspiring for me, if you know what I mean”
 
 “Not surprisingly I have similar tone to my dad on certain notes. Like, if I sing along with his recorded voice, when the notes begin, they actually start flanging. It freaks out people like my sister Daisy because she can hear a scary similarity there.”
 
 Where did the recording process and live audience process begin for you?
 
 James Tormé: “My old Emerson cassette recorder. My first tape was Off the Wall by Michael Jackson; I was a big fan of soul and R&B when I was really young. I was a Soul/ R&B singer in the beginning. It has only been about year now that I have been focusing primarily on Jazz/Pop-oriented material.”
 
When I was playing late nights at The Viper Room- you must have heard of the Viper Room venue yourself being a fan of music. We'd end the show with me singing an A capella version of the Theloneus Monk classic 'Round Midnight, something which my dad sang and recorded of course. I couldn't believe the response of the very young crowd to that jazz standard. I mean you could hear a pin drop in there. It put the writing on the wall for me and confirmed something I knew already with regard to my future musical direction”
 
 So can we buy the new album directly from your website?
 
James Tormé: “Yes, you can buy it from the website and I will sign it if the people want me to as well.”
 
 And with that ended what I hope will be many interviews with James Tormé. Looks to me anyhow that James Tormé will indeed be putting on the Ritz for some time to come!
 
 Also be sure to check out his website: www.JamesTorme.com  

By Clinton P. Desveaux - HALIFAX BEACON

“James Tormé is a chip off the old block, and a mighty cool block it is. His daddy would be proud.”
-Hugh Hefner

"This kid is the real deal."
-Al Schmitt, legendary producer/engineer

"Our listeners are calling every time we spin "Comin' Home". They are LOVING it. (and we only carry 6 to 7 vocals out of 46 tracks)!"
-Enid Cogswell, MD, KSBR-FM

"From the moment I first heard James Tormé. I could sense that he had that 'IT' factor- a passion in his voice, a coolness in his tone- qualities that are going to impress many a listener in the years to come. No matter the genre he chooses to cover, James Tormé is here- and here to stay."
-Eric Cohen MD, WAER-FM

"James Tormé combines old school and new school with a star’s presence. He’s got it all, and more! -David Paich of Toto

“Young James deliciously fuses contemporary blues & funk with the old school jazz genes he’s inherited from his famous father.”
-Steve Tyrell, singer/producer

“I was Mel Tormé’s pianist for 4-1/2 fantastic years, and Mel was as great as they come, so I'm not easily impressed. However, James Tormé, whether I compare him to his dad or not, absolutely stuns me with his amazing musical talents and dynamic presence. James combines jazz and R&B in a way that everyone will find appealing and exciting. Plus, he is a tremendous singer who possesses extraordinary intonation– and he swings, too! Look out!”
-John Colianni, Jazz pianist

"All the dj's are saying the title track is a killer tune and James' voice is strong." -Mark Allsop, Jazz Syndicate Radio, London

“F****** brilliant!!"
-Steve Lukather of Toto
- QUOTES FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Studio City Sun -Novenber 2005

James Torme showcased his swinging vocals at the Baked Potato in Universal City. He dedicated the show to his father, Mel Torme, to Marty Paich, who arranged many of his dad’s tunes, and to Bill Lukather, father of Steve Lukather from Toto who was in the audience. Torme pays tribute to his legendary father with his new CD, “Comin’ Home” and on a Sunday night he swung through selections such as “Ella (Lady) Be Good”, his father’s lyrical salute to Ella Fitzgerald based on Gershwin’s “Lady Be Good”, and “Comin’ Home Baby” a slow, funky version Columbia version. The Velvet Fog Jr. was introduced by his sister, Daisy, who’s currently an afternoon radio host on the Fabulous 690.


By Marci Marks - STUDIO CITY SUN

January 2007

Singer James Torme performed for a special one-night engagement at Charlie O’s in December. Torme is one of the sons of the late, great jazz singer, Mel Torme. James is a very fine singer, very personable and puts on an entertaining show. An overflow crowd of his fans packed Charlie O’s. The last time I saw Torme, he was singing at The Baked Potato and some fans had to sit on the floor.

Torme has been busy these days. He recently sang at Hotel Café in Hollywood. He performed for Walt Disney’s Thanksgiving Party at the Hollywood Palladium, for about 2500 party-goers. Torme did the KSBR-FM All-Star Jazz Festival in San Juan Capistrano, among other performances in Southern California. In February he’ll be in London, England. He’s also in the process of recording a full length album with Al Schmitt.

Torme was backed by Brandon Coleman on piano, Ryan Cross on bass, and drummer Gene Coye at Charlie O’s. Some of the tunes Torme performed included some classics: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Christmas time is Here,” done very mellow and dreamy and a Christmas medley that he arranged with Coleman: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “White Christmas,” “The First Noel” and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” He also sung the famous song his father wrote, “The Christmas Song.” The group did a lively version of “Comin’ Home Baby” that had Torme singing the melody with a lot of soul backed by his sister Daisy and Tricia Battani, doing the back-up parts as Torme did some inventive scatting. Cross and Coleman had fine solos as Coye kept a strong rhythmic feel going. Torme’s father wrote special lyrics to “Lady Be Good,” and titled it “Ella Be Good,” as a tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald. Torme sang it with a lot of fire and energy.

Sara Gazarek was introduced and sang “On the Sunny Side of the Street” while Torme did some wild scatting. I enjoyed Gazarek’s singing style. It was Daisy’s birthday so Torme dedicated two tunes to her, “When Sunny Gets Blue” and “Blusette.” Some of the other highlights of the evening included Stevie Wonder’s “I Can’t Help It,” Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Love For Sale” that was done up-tempo, with jazzy scat singing by Torme. “When the World Was Young” was beautifully sung by Torme. I enjoyed his performance and the high energy he puts into his show as well as the guest singers. The trio was marvelous and gave him solid support all evening. Altogether, a great show!

By Bob Comden
- L.A. JAZZ SCENE

LTN TV Los Angeles:

Spawn of “The Velvet Fog”

Sometime last week this writer was invited to a show at the Bel Age Hotel where singer James Torme performed with his band. If the last name rings a bell, it’s because James Torme is the son of legendary crooner Mel Torme, whose nickname “The Velvet Fog” is familiar to anyone who ever watched ‘Night Court’, which pretty much represents almost everyone on the Rough Cut staff. Thanks to Judge Harold T. Stone, we learned that Mel Torme was an amazing musician and performer, on par with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet. He was that rare breed – a white man with soul. Big band great Count Basie once said of Torme,”Tthe way he sings, he should have been black.” So it was a nice surprise to learn that James Torme has inherited his father’s talent. James put on a swinging show, and we decided we had to get him on Rough Cut. Tonight Holly sits down with James and talks about what it’s like growing up the son of one of the greatest American musicians and about his own solo career.


LTN TV- “Jazz Gets Cool Again”

Rough Cut LA spoke with Jazz and R&B singer James Torme recently, and he revealed that Los Angeles is in the midst of a jazz renaissance. He should know-he’s at its center. We’d hate for our viewers to miss out on a select local scene, so we asked James if he could recommend any venues to us. He did.

Q: If James is such a good jazz singer, he should be able to scat, right?

James gave us a quick primer of scatting, a form of vocal gymnastics jazz singer perform in which meaningless, improvised syllables are sung to a melody. We highly recommend you listen to his explanation and then try it yourself in front of a mirror. If possible, please record yourself doing this and post it online where fellow Rough Cut viewers can listen. Seriously, send us an email if you record yourself scatting. We will happily link to it.

Q: Can I see James in person?

Yes! James performs in Los Angeles quite a bit, actually if you happen to be in town on Sunday December 18, you can catch him in person before he heads off to perform in Europe.

Q: Where are some places I can see James perform?

Here's a list of some of the venues James has played at recently:

The Pasadena Jazz Institute - Pasadena, CA

West (at Hotel Angeleno) - Los Angeles, CA

Hedges & Butler - London, England

The Madison - Long Beach, CA

Atlantis - Paradise Island, Bahamas

The Cotton Club West - Long Beach, CA

Rio Suites Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV

Charlie O’s Jazz Club - Van Nuys, CA

Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA

The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA

Spagettini's Grill & Jazz Club - Seal Beach, CA

The Irvine Bowl - Laguna, CA

Palms Casino & Resort Las Vegas, NV

KSBR-FM All-Star Jazz Festival - San Juan Cap. CA

Tower Records - Sherman Oaks, CA

Salt Creek Grille - Dana Point, CA

The Baked Potato - Studio City, CA

Nic’s - Beverly Hills, CA

Guy’s - Beverly Hills, CA

Velvet Spade - Austin, TX

Elephant Room - Austin, TX

Ten20 Café/ Bel Age Hotel -Hollywood, CA

Vibrato Grill & Jazz - Bel Air, CA

Ten20 Café/ Bel Age Hotel -Hollywood, CA

Vibrato Grill & Jazz - Bel Air, CA

Tangier - Los Feliz, CA

Room 5 - Los Angeles, CA

Molly Malone’s - Los Angeles, CA

Viper Room - Hollywood, CA

Club Lingerie - Hollywood, CA

Genghis Cohen - Los Angeles, CA

Beverly Hills Country Club - Los Angeles, CA

Las Vegas Hilton - Las Vegas , NV

Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel - Beverly Hills, CA



- ROUGH CUT L.A./LTN TELEVISION

James Tormé, a jazz singer and the youngest son of the late legendary jazz great Mel Torme, performed July 6 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in a memorable show that included players from the New West Symphony.

The singers and players received a standing ovation following the performance, which also featured guest conductors John Altman and David Paich; the James Tormé Trio with Brandon Coleman on piano, Gene Coye on drums and Ryan Cross on bass; and trumpeter John Daversa, guitarist Tim Kobza and actor Dezmond Meeks.

Also appearing were The MelTones Quartet with Katie Campbell, soprano; Sandy Howell, alto; Fletcher Sheridan, tenor; and Eric Bradley, bass-baritone.

The night included a special guest appearance by James Tormé's sister, radio and television personality Daisy Tormé. The fundraising performance for the New West Symphony included a special presentation of excerpts from Mel Tormé's "California Suite," arranged by the late Marty Paich and performed by their sons, James Tormé and David Paich, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the song's recording.

James Tormé sang several of the songs that were popularized by his father. Nicknamed "The Velvet Fog," Mel Tormé lived from 1925 to 1999. - Thousand Oaks Acorn

REVIEW BY CAROL KAUFMAN SEGAL

I was, and still am, a die-hard fan of the late Mel Tormé. So, when I was given the opportunity of interviewing his son James and daughter Daisy, I was thrilled. These are two very talented descendants of a great musician and I know he would be very proud of both of them and their accomplishments. In Yiddish, one would say he would “kvell” over them. (click here for interview)

After interviewing James and Daisy, I was looking forward with great anticipation to the concert featuring James with the New West Symphony at the Fred Kavli Theatre in the Countrywide Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. As it turned out, over one thousand other people were also looking forward to the concert as they waited in line at the box office for their tickets in support of the New West Symphony and James Tormé. (The concert was a fundraiser for the New West Symphony.) I assure you, no one was disappointed.

The concert opened with the New West Symphony performing On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring by Frederick Delius conducted by John Altman followed by James singing a number of songs made famous by his Dad. Though James Tormé does not have the same voice as his Father (the Velvet Fog), he does demonstrate many of his qualities. However, he is a fabulous singer and personality in his own right. He has a true sense of jazz and can out-SCAT anybody! He has a beautiful voice quality and sings ballads with a great deal of feeling as well. Keep watch over this young man’s career as I suspect his popularity will grow through time.

Brandon Coleman (piano), Gene Coye (drums) and Ryan Cross (bass) were featured artists accompanying James along with guest musicians John Daversa, Tim Kobza and Dezmond Meeks. It was a stupendous show paying tribute to, not only Mel Tormé, but also to his wonderful arranger Marty Paich. The highlight of the concert was the 50th anniversary performance of excerpts from California Suite, the first LP produced by Capitol Records in 1957, written by Mel and arranged by Marty Paich. Pianist/Conductor and son of Marty, David Paich, conducted as the two sons paid tribute to their remarkable musician fathers.


James Tormé- David Paich *
It featured the vocal quartet of Katie Campbell, Sandy Howell, Fletcher Sheridan and Eric Bradley. Ebullient Daisy Tormé made a special appearance to discuss the album and introduce the performance. In all, this was a brilliant musical experience, one I’m happy I didn’t miss. - REVIEW PLAYS.COM

ARTICLE BY KAREN LINDELL
Thursday, July 5, 2007

Last year, South Fashion Show Drive in Las Vegas became Mel Tormé Way.

The designation is a fitting gesture to honor jazz singer Tormé, who did his share of headlining Vegas shows. And the legendary late crooner, whose smooth voice earned him a nickname he despised, "The Velvet Fog," might find sweet irony in seeing his name on the road of an arid desert town.

Tormé's son James, however, has higher ambitions than street signage for maintaining his dad's reputation.

"I want to leave my father's legacy to my own generation," said James Tormé, 33. "He is very underrated by anyone under 40. Vegas has a street named after him, but no one knows who he is."

Mel Tormé might live on in TV syndication and pop culture as the guy that Harry Anderson idolized on the 1980s sitcom "Night Court," but the younger Tormé wants the world to remember his father for his career as an incredibly accomplished jazz vocalist and composer (anyone who's heard the holiday classic "The Christmas Song," aka "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" — and who hasn't? — is hearing a Mel Tormé composition).

So Mel Tormé's way of singing has become his son's.

James Tormé, who once drifted toward R&B music but is now an acclaimed up-and-coming jazz singer, will pay homage to his father at a concert with the New West Symphony on Friday.

The show — New West's first-ever jazz concert — will feature standards like "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Swing" performed by James Tormé and his trio (pianist Brandon Coleman, drummer Gene Coy and bassist Ryan Cross), trumpeter John Daversa and guest conductor John Altman. (The concert is New West's first full-length concert without conductor Boris Brott, who had another engagement.)

But the highlight of the show might be a performance of excerpts from Mel Tormé's "California Suite," a medley of songs that celebrate the Golden State's greatness, including one that contains this favorable line about our county's namesake town: "We are quite sure a few days in Ventura would make you see things our way."

An original recording of "California Suite" in 1949 by Harold Mooney and his orchestra with the Mel-Tones (Tormé's singing group) and the Capitol Chorus was the first 12-inch LP released by Capitol Records, but the ambitious symphonic jazz piece has mostly been forgotten and is rarely heard live. Only a few other recordings exist, including a 1960s rendition by Sammy Davis Jr. and a 1957 version arranged by Marty Paich.

The New West Symphony concert will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Paich recording.

We're not done yet with the father-son talent connections: Paich's son David, a Grammy Award-winning musician and composer who cofounded the band Toto, will conduct the "California Suite" portion of the New West program. The Mel Tormé family salute Friday includes a daughter: James Tormé's sister, Daisy, will make an appearance at the concert.

"I'm the biggest fan in the world of Marty Paich and my dad and the chapter of West Coast jazz they are known for creating together," James Tormé said. The "California Suite" is "an incredible work; it never received the exposure it deserved. It's a very expensive unit show to put on, especially with the choral parts."

James Tormé said he and David Paich spent weeks digging into their respective family archives, searching for written notes and manuscripts, to piece together a new, shortened version, with fewer voice parts. James Tormé called their 30-minute condensed work "the suite express."

James Tormé said he and David Paich also left out portions of the suite that, for some reason, lauded non-California sites like Miami and New York's Coney Island.

"This is just the first concert," James Tormé said. "The excerpts are a prelude. We plan to do it many times with many orchestras, including doing the full California Suite.' We'd like to go up and down the West Coast of the U.S. It would be such a gift to the state."

James Tormé, who lives in Sherman Oaks, grew up with his mother, Janette Scott (the third of Mel Tormé's four wives) in her native London, where he attended boarding school.

"I spent a lot of time with my dad during holidays; he took time off work or we'd go on the road with him," James Tormé said. While visiting his father, he developed a fascination for California. "Being in London boarding schools, it was all part of the fantasy of coming home," he said. "California seemed like Disneyland compared to England."

In 2004, James Tormé, who'd grown up steeped in his father's music as well as modern-day pop tunes, began his own singing career. But although he was "keen on jazz, I wanted to come out on my own two feet creatively," he said.

James Tormé also has an older brother, Steve, who sings jazz. "I didn't want to be them," James said of his dad and sibling.

In 2004, he said, "I was burgeoning into R&B, headlining shows at the Viper Room along the lines of Justin Timberlake." As an encore, James Tormé always sang an a cappella version of Thelonious Monk's jazz tune "'Round Midnight."

"The mostly young, female audience was blown away by it," Tormé said. "They loved R&B, but hearing that song transported them to a never-before experienced place. I grew up with those songs; they were always irresistible to me. The minute I knew people of that generation and younger would be interested in these songs, it was all the excuse I needed" to become a jazz singer. "Jazz had always been who I was if you peeled away the skin of the onion."

In 2005, James Tormé recorded an EP, "Comin' Home, and plans to release his debut full-length album soon. He's also been selected as a finalist for the 2007 Chuck Niles Jazz Music Award; he'll compete for the honor by performing July 14 at the Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival.

James Tormé said he is determined to make jazz more mainstream.

"I want to put jazz back in the spotlight the way it should have always been; it's always been the best music in this country," he said. "I want jazz to be in the televised part of the Grammys" (instead of the earlier, off-the-air portion of the awards ceremony deemed not interesting enough for prime time).

James Tormé said that "even though it's important for me to keep this material alive, I see myself as an evolution. I'm going back in the sense that I love that music; I have elements from that time. But the R&B and pop influence from my childhood is important too. I like having it represented a little in my music."
- VENTURA COUNTY STAR