MEL TORME' PLAYS DRUMS, 1988

[@spankduncan1114]

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.

[@cepinobel]

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

[@ColinOYoung]

i'll second that

[@larrystroh233]

@@ColinOYoung I'll third it

[@mickael1673]

I m ok too

[@lesliepartington2219]

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

[@sommelierramon]

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

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

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

[@Archie583]

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."

[@rayszymarek2920]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@PC4USE1]

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]

Sterling Pound Auto correct

[@LindaHirsch-vc7rv]

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.

[@jordanl.ailshie6387]

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

[@phuturephunk]

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]

And now Ken Peplowski is 63 and still playing!

[@notpsicoh2107]

stop making me feel bad :(

[@vincentbuonora8477]

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

[@johnpullo7404]

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.

[@statesideqsod]

Here on KZbin 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.

[@RichardSmith-um4js]

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

[@kelkabot]

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

[@brianmcdonald9725]

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.

[@thomashood252003]

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

[@janicechobaniuk39]

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]

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.

[@bucksix1]

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.

[@wheeleyguy]

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

[@blazeesq2000]

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

[@r.l.kerney6095]

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]

Ken Peplowsky

[@mattiemclean9882]

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

[@phuturephunk]

Somewhere out there Harry Anderson is shedding a tear.

[@brianpatrick6640]

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]

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

[@Kermy88]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@toddgilbert]

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

[@boomer3150]

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

[@borgullet3376]

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

[@boomer3150]

@@borgullet3376 Agreed!😀😀

[@peterwood-jenkins3634]

Amazing timing had Mister Torme and a great composer of songs

[@regortex3364]

Torme, just insanely talented, wow.

[@SuperDrumsforever]

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

[@YouzTube99]

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.

[@PosauneundPapier]

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

[@vinylrules4838]

I think that is Jack Sheldon.

[@Bigskyguy56]

From the Generation that had Talent & Class.

[@Jon-yq7xo]

Well said!

[@63Baggies]

He looks so at home behind the set...

[@peskypesky]

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]

Amazing songwriter and arranger, too.

[@davidwhyberd479]

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]

Those Gentlemen, had " Time " ! ;)

[@duncansutherland47]

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

[@liamwatson5125]

Who doesn’t love Gene Krupa

[@tomkelly4336]

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

[@liamwatson5125]

@@tomkelly4336 Torme was only 13 at the time.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

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.

[@johnbuffaloe9160]

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

[@janicechobaniuk39]

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.

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

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

[@scootergreen3]

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]

agreed!!!!!!

[@scootergreen3]

Thanks Ariel!!

[@arj446_]

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

[@scootergreen3]

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

[@jm10rnlto]

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!

[@NIKONGUY1960]

I forgot what a great drummer he was.

[@arame29]

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

[@CoreyKat]

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

[@lindamorrison2929]

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

[@lordritchie]

Torme could do it all!

[@felixthestoryteller]

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.

[@tuxguys]

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.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

I had this album years ago. It’s still one of my faves. The old Velvet Fog really knew how to bring it!

[@argileaustralia3854]

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

[@johndisalvo6283]

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

[@iandickson1940]

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

[@TheEleatic]

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

[@thegreatdominion949]

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]

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!

[@ElmwoodParkHulk]

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

[@coreybondurant]

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

[@jpwjr1199]

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

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

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

[@jpwjr1199]

@@jodyguilbeaux8225 English please?

[@lordritchie]

so much talent in those hands and voice

[@jaypark601]

Amazing. Respect Mr. Mel Torme❤

[@dr.ronbernard9927]

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.

[@christophmeirich5928]

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

[@garysteger6819]

Brilliant

[@patbrennan6572]

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

[@MaestroJB54]

Fabulous band!!!

[@gocatgo74123]

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

[@garysmith3173]

Blooming fantastic.😘🥁🌻

[@thomasallen1876]

Amazing to see Torme' on drums!

[@John-rw2zf]

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]

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

[@ShikataGaNai100]

His old buddy, Buddy, taught him well.

[@ruckusmalone9419]

Such swing, absolutely amazing fluidity !

[@Night_-gl2ki]

Mel Torme, a true legend.

[@cliffordbrown2245]

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]

And don't forget Sammy Davis and Stevie Wonder

[@andreapappas8540]

Karen Carpenter as well!

[@jerbear7952]

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.

[@cisco680]

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

[@michaelnorris6168]

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

[@SantiagoBsAs]

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

[@rhythmista7707]

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]

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.

[@marilynstevenson865]

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!!!

[@supernoah71]

Thanks for posting this video, it's awesome.

[@frufru0071]

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

[@jakela671]

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

[@ChannelMaster720]

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

[@Elvishelge]

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

[@DieHard10901]

Man, great stuff! Thanks for posting.

[@Kermy88]

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

[@boassinfield3]

Mr Torme, what a talented man.

[@rolandrodriguez3854]

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

[@factsaregrand8363]

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 !

[@michaelthompson6452]

Amazing !!!!!!!!

[@drummztones4373]

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.

[@johnbethell1952]

This is incredible

[@LarryMan51]

I'm loving this ! ! !

[@chrissawyer1502]

Excellent!

[@kayakman3786]

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

[@DrummerDanVa]

Mel can swing and kick a big band. Outstanding!

[@simonbeard7537]

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

[@chriswright8464]

One of Greatest!

[@mab1701]

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

[@williamlowe7718]

Mel is truly one of the greats!

[@DiegoFerreira-ok1wl]

Yeahh Mel.

[@conantroutman76]

this is beyond amazing

[@MikeBlitzMag]

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

[@rhythmista7707]

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

[@aarondyer.pianist]

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

[@darylchambers5945]

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

[@Reliable_Session]

I just thought this to.

[@peskypesky]

I was definitely focusing on that powerful snare.

[@helengiallombardo4077]

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

[@loujug1]

At one time Mel was married to a British actress named Jeanette Scott. Her mother was a well known actress in the UK with an acid wit. At one time the press were stirring it saying she did not like him staying at her house, to which she replied, " Are you mad.I get to hear him singing in my bath".

[@brickmaster01]

Im a metal/punk drummer i love this and watch it frequently its so bad assed

[@brickmaster01]

also LOVE the stck twirl....Harry from Night Court knew what was up,,,,

[@strangersound]

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

[@lvvry1855]

A shame that young folks don't even know Mel. A half century of brilliance gone for ever.

[@rhythmista7707]

NEVER ! Never gone forever..

[@bsboneless1]

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