MEL TORME' PLAYS DRUMS, 1988

"Cotton Tail" Mel Torme(ds) and The Marty Paich Dek-tette : Concord Jazz Festival In Japan, Dec. 1988. Tokyo

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :(

[@jordanl.ailshie6387]

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

[@phuturephunk]

Somewhere out there Harry Anderson is shedding a tear.

[@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!

[@regortex3364]

Torme, just insanely talented, wow.

[@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

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@peterwood-jenkins3634]

Amazing timing had Mister Torme and a great composer of songs

[@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.

[@TheEleatic]

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

[@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.

[@iandickson1940]

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

[@thomasallen1876]

Amazing to see Torme' on drums!

[@christophmeirich5928]

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

[@coreybondurant]

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

[@Kermy88]

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

[@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!

[@ruckusmalone9419]

Such swing, absolutely amazing fluidity !

[@DrummerDanVa]

Mel can swing and kick a big band. Outstanding!

[@conantroutman76]

this is beyond amazing

[@chrissawyer1502]

Excellent!

[@chriswright8464]

One of Greatest!

[@jakela671]

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

[@strangersound]

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

[@rolandrodriguez3854]

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

[@joyceharrison1682]

I just finished reading his autobiography, “It Wasn’t *All* Velvet.” Really good-interesting and well written! Love Mel!

[@cryptohunt2552]

Absolutely ace!

[@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.

[@simonbeard7537]

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

[@mariahyman2025]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@stevesmith6685]

Not bad for a singer called "The Velvet Fog." My wife and I saw him at Michael's Pub, long since closed, around 1992 or so on a business dinner, and my wife, who never liked Mel, loved him ever since. He was a great singer and musician. So let's salute him on Benny Goodman's (but not Gene Krupa's) birthday.

[@kayakman3786]

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

[@Johnshaft1970]

Incredible

[@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.

[@optiguytomgmail]

With the phenomenal Ken Peplowski on tenor and clarinet!

[@kathycahill1698]

So cool! Wonderful to see him!

[@imbees2]

Yassss tear it up Mel torme

[@acohen1980]

gr8 post...thanx

[@SuperRick004]

Nice!

[@CalebHerscher7155]

Amazing, also he is a good writer

[@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.

[@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".

[@fflambeauutube]

He was Buddy Rich's, the greatest drummer ever, best friend; they grew up together in Chicago. Torme got his first job in a jazz band as a drummer, aged 15 or so, and you can see the talent.

[@tommyhaynes521]

Rich is from Brooklyn

[@Frawls42]

Ronnie Moore Buddy Rich is from Brooklyn not Chicago.

[@tunefultonyjohnson4100]

Ronnie Moore: Buddy Rich was born in 1917 in the Sheepshead area of Brooklyn, in New York City, and died on April 3 in 1987, according to journalist James Barron writing in The New York Times newspaper, so you are incorrect in your facts, sir, with all respect....

[@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 !

[@Joshualbm]

Great clarinet solo from Ken Plepowski!

[@johnstapleton7305]

He was a top singer and a great drummer.Buddy taught him great.

[@jimphayre]

Wow! What great stick action..... Now that is drumming!

[@novac0844]

Welldone!!!

[@JoeL-zb1yd]

Mel Torme could swing!

[@imienazwisko9188]

Ken Plepowski was a great Polka music performer.

[@JanetESmith-er8sk]

Torme and Previn. Their cups runneth over!

[@janetsterno]

Unbelievable! Wow!

[@chapeltibet4551]

Jazz at its finest.

[@mikeconklin1567]

Bravo

[@secondsamadhi]

Masters make it look easy.

[@TheSuperStarCarWash]

Phenomenal piano player as well... did you see him play with Judy Garland?!

[@johnlindstrom9994]

Great to see some early Peplowski. Great Talent!

[@johndoe1765]

THIS IS WHAT YOU BECOME WHEN YOU USE YOUR GOD GIVEN TALENTS ,THANKS TO MEL TORME AND -JAZZ19501.FOR THE VIDEO.

[@jefflaw1764]

WOW,I thought he was just Judge Stones idle on "Night Court".

[@Thursdaym2]

Mountain Greenery introduced me to Mel in the fifties. Still singing it today. What a talent.

[@j.p.lindsay6768]

Mel was a great drummer! It's said that he had Gene Krupa's original set to play, too! :)

[@larryjung8062]

Wow Mel Torme can really play the drums.

[@stephenmead5488]

Velvet Fog was smokin’

[@dannysutherland7810]

as a jazz bassplayer I do play drums. Mel just smokes it.

[@twinsmm1]

Damn! I never knew.

[@PUBHEAD1]

The velvet fog

[@leoray1234]

Mel is a genius. Not many people know that Fred Astaire also could play a mean piano, and of course, drums (with his feet)

[@waynejones3428]

Yeah baby!💥🎉 👍💨 😁🚬

[@mrpeel3239]

Cavalcade of musical genii! Ps did MT ever play drums after tragically losing his voice?

[@johnflock7233]

One of the most swinginest cats ever!!

[@stephenrosenberg6153]

BUDDY RICH loved him!😅

[@Samsgarden]

Piano, vocals, drums. What else?

[@clarkewi]

Another Sammy Davis Junior. A genius.

[@clarkewi]

A giant.

[@clarkewi]

He's hired.

[@edwardbronston1099]

Phil Woods on alto??

[@enemyofvirtue]

wow. guess I like clarinets now.

[@eogg25]

Amazing he did not go tone deaf.

[@billabbott6092]

Jack Sheldon 2nd trumpet solo?

[@fifty9forty3]

The clarinetist practiced a lot !!

[@drumchefhubdad8698]

I wonder if he was taught by Buddy Rich like Mel Brooks was? Mel Brooks is quite a drummer too.

[@db91977]

Ken Peplowski! Eddie Daniels, take note! 😁😉

[@Warpedsmac]

Mel could do it all.....fly a 747 too.

[@mikeonfreeserve2926]

That drummer ain't no shabby backing vocals either

[@fredschreffler4869]

Mel only ok on tubs

[@944gemma]

Did I see Jack Sheldon on trumpet?

[@jackgates6949]

Yes!

[@vincentbuonora8477]

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

[@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!

[@arame29]

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

[@63Baggies]

He looks so at home behind the set...

[@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.

[@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.

[@NIKONGUY1960]

I forgot what a great drummer he was.

[@lordritchie]

Torme could do it all!

[@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!😀😀

[@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.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

His old buddy, Buddy, taught him well.