This thematic recording, with songs all relating to New York City, has vocalist
Mel Torme
singing in fine fashion. Some of the familiar numbers are swingy, some stringy, but all are done with the heartfelt passion of a man who has lived in the Big Apple and has many tales to tell. Among some of the favorites are
"Autumn in New York"
with its ever poignant and heartbreaking lyric, the jumping
"Let Me Off Uptown,"
a classic rendition of
"Harlem Nocturne,"
and the obligatory
"New York, New York."
These sessions, reissued from
Atlantic
label recordings of 1963, have a disclaimer regarding the transfer from analog to digital, in that quality may be lost in spots. Don't let that dissuade you, as any dropouts are minimal. These are well done and worthwhile offerings from
Torme
and friends. ~ Michael G. Nastos