Sunday, June 06, 1999
Locals admire Torme's multiple talents
BY RANDY McNUTT and JANELLE GELFAND
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Mel Torme is remembered by local musicians as a unique talent.
“He was a phenomenon and the ultimate musician,” said Erich Kunzel, conductor of the Cincinnati Pops. “He crossed all borders — composing, performing, arranging. He was everything.”
Mr. Torme, who died Saturday, had strong Cincinnati connections. He appeared on two Cincinnati Pops albums — a Christmas album and Young At Heart.
The Cincinnati Pops Holiday series started with a Mel Torme Christmas concert in 1995.
Saxophonist Larry Dickson of Forest Park remembers playing on the Christmas album at Music Hall. The recording included Mr. Torme's “The Christmas Song.”
“Mel had a cold but he insisted on singing the song, instead of laying down his tracks later,” Mr. Dickson said. “He did one and two takes on the things and they were done.
“I think he wanted to record the album in Cincinnati because he had sung with the Cincinnati Pops on a number of occasions. And, of course, I guess he liked the idea of recording in Music Hall.”
Through the 1970s, Mr. Torme performed regularly at the Lookout House in Northern Kentucky. Cincinnati drummer John Von Ohlen backed Mr. Torme many times and toured with the singer in Japan.
“He was incredibly talented,” Mr. Von Ohlen said. “It got to us. He really was as good as he thought he was.”
Mr. Kunzel, who knew Mr. Torme for 25 years, said the singer's passion was movies. “He could tell you all the actors,” Mr. Kunzel said. “He went to the movies every day.”
“He wasn't just a singer,” Mr. Dickson said. “He did everything well.”
MORE ON MEL TORME from Associated Press
This is Crosley Square . . . Signing off
New studios jump Channel 5 from past to future
Wanted: New doctor for cranky patient
Cincinnati opens wallets to GOP
Blackwell's latest foray under fire
Fountain murals cover plywood
Relative arrested in slaying
Smog alert declared for today, Monday
Study of dump a start
CAPITOL INSIDER
Cat lover stays calm
Disabilities are not disabling for Amish
GOP hopefuls hurl the hatchet
If van doesn't fit, jail plan takes a hit
Planet of the Pundits
'Melrose' fans bid, buy big
'Guitar junkie' Gill never planned for fame
The many views of John Twachtman
Artist strived for fresh vision
GET TO IT
Locals admire Torme's multiple talents
Playhouse plans to move on to next stage
Rock Hall to exhibit Linda McCartney photos
Akron 'has come a long way'
Boone grads could get boost
Bromley OKs fee, but lawsuit looms
Car crashes through wall, into apartment
CDT books top dancers, Tony winner
Cross-river neighbors make peace
D-Day: Bulletin by bulletin
Firefighters will install detectors
IRS: Late tax forms don't count
'Mr. Perfect' was always there
Special dancers will have a ball at convention center
TRISTATE DIGEST
Visitors find quality at fair
Working prisoners save money
