Mel Torme Collection 1944-1985

Mel Torme has always resented his famous nickname, "The Velvet Fog," not because it's inaccurate, but because it only captures one small aspect of his music-making. He does have a velvety baritone that creates a breathy intimacy on certain romantic ballads. But he has done much, much more in a 67-year professional career that began when he was a four-year-old novelty singer for Chicago's Coon-Sanders Nighthawk Band in 1929 and continues today as the last of the great pre-rock crooners whose voice is still in good shape. That career is nicely summarized in the 4 CD, 92-track box set, "The Mel Torme Collection: 1944-1985" (Rhino). --Geoffrey Himes