An Evening With Mel Tormé - Live From The Disney Institute (1988)

Zelfs op z'n 70-ste bleef Tormé jongensachtig klinken, zo blijkt uit deze 'late' opname met het trio van pianist Mike Renzi. "This was singer Mel Tormé's last recording before he was stricken with a serious stroke. Remarkably, Tormé had gradually improved both as a singer and as a jazz improviser all throughout his sixties (his voice was in phenomenal shape), and he is heard on this live set in peak form despite being 70. Joined by his regular trio (pianist Mike Renzi, bassist John Leitham, and drummer Donny Osborne), Tormé performs a typical swing-oriented program that includes a Benny Goodman medley, a memorable rendition of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (he could hold notes on ballads endlessly without wavering), a heated "Pick Yourself Up," and a tribute to the then recently deceased Ella Fitzgerald on "Oh, Lady Be Good," among other numbers. Ironically, Tormé concluded what may be his final recording with a touching rendition of "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye."" (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)