Torme continues family tradition

James Torme

James Torme, a jazz singer and the youngest son of the late legendary jazz great Mel Torme, 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 Torme Trio with Brandon Coleman on piano, Gene Coye on drums and Ryan Cross on bass; and trumpeter John Daversa, guitarist Tim Kobza and actor Dezmond Meeks.

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

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