Any Mel Torme fans out there?

My favourite LP is Mel Tormé and Buddy Rich -- Together Again for the First Time. Direct to Disc, the whole band, one take for each side. Consummate professionals. Magic.

It's available on CD, as well.

 

That is a stunning album. I buy every copy I find, usually giving as gifts to introduce people to the artists.

I trooped one around at my first AKFest, playing it on every system that had a turntable. I learned a lot about what I like in a playback system. Many of the exhibitors took down the album catalog info, and started shopping, as we were listening.

Open that LP, and brace yourself.

 

Here is a TV performance of one of my favourite tracks on that LP. Blues in the Night.

 

That version from the Merv Griffin show is a pale imitation of the LP. There is no sense of the dynamic range of the LP. Play it. Turn it up. Hold on.

Mr. Rich can grate on the nerves, but the man can flat out play.

I saw Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich, together, in a small venue. I was amazed that two such colossal egos fit in the room, at the same time. But the music? Sublime!

 

There's a lot in that LP that will test a system's capabilities, but that's just a sidebar to some great music.

 

Century Records, CRDD-1100 1978 Limited Edition release, US and Europe. Purple background on cover. That's my favourite. Also a German release with the same date and number.

Gryphon, in various colours, G784, are also 1978 releases, in mustard, pumpkin, and a dark red colour, depending on country of origin. US second release, G903.

I have never seen the Japanese version, but I will be keeping my eye open for that one.

Really, the differences are subtle, with the exception of some track differences on some of the import re-issues.

 

Story about this LP:

Mel was doing evening shows in Vegas. When the opportunity came up, to record with Buddy Rich, the only opportunity to do so was in RCA studios, in New York. Mel did his show in Vegas, flew the red-eye to NY, walked into the studio, went over the track list, quick run-through of the charts, and then, BAM! First side, one take, short break, second side, one take. "Thanks, very much, fellows. I have a plane to catch." Then back to Vegas, and do the evening show, on schedule. Impressive. later came the tour, on the TV shows. Imagine, free tickets to Merv Griffin, and you get to see Mel and Buddy, and the whole band.

 

Even the band is really tight. It all came together on that recording. you are going to love this LP.

 

First one is gatefold, and second, just a sleeve.