Tormé continues family tradition

James Tormé

James Tormé, a jazz singer and the youngest son of the late legendary jazz great Mel Tormé, performed July 6 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in a memorable show that included players from the New West Symphony.

The singers and players received a standing ovation following the performance, which also featured guest conductors, John Altman and David Paich; the James Tormé Trio with Brandon Coleman, piano, Gene Coye, drums and Ryan Cross, bass; and guest musicians John Daversa, trumpet, Tim Kobza, guitar, and Dezmond Meeks, actor.

Also appearing were The MelTones Quartet with Katie Campbell, soprano; Sandy Howell, alto; Fletcher Sheridan, tenor; and Eric Bradley, bass-baritone.

The night included a special guest appearance by James Tormé's sister, radio and television personality, Daisy Tormé. The fundraising performance for the New West Symphony included a special presentation of excerpts from Mel Tormé's "California Suite," arranged by the late Marty Paich and performed by their sons, James Tormé and David Paich, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the song's recording.

James Tormé sang several of the songs that were popularized by his father. Nicknamed "The Velvet Fog," Mel Tormé lived from 1925 to 1999.