Mel Torme

Featuring: Mel Tormé (vcl), with chorus and orchestras conducted by Hal Mooney & Marty Maich. Featured soloist: Conrad Gozzo, Pete Candoli, Don Fagerquist (tp), Bob Enevoldsen (vtb), Si Zentner (tb), Ronnie Lang (as), Babe Russin, Ted Nash (ts), Barney Kessel (g)

For the first time on one CD, the two CALIFORNIA SUITE versions as recorded by Mel Tormé with the orchestras conducted by Hal Mooney (Capitol, 1949) and Marty Paich (Bethlehem, 1957). An historic musical event, reissued in a very special package, including two different and comprehensive booklets full of memorabilia, photos and lyrics.

“California Suite” was originally a 30-minute lyrical and musical narrative composed and dedicated by Mel Tormé to the Golden State. Mel spent six months writing the piece, which was recorded in 1949 by Capitol Records, and released the following year with notable critical acclaim, albeit with some qualifications about its cohesiveness and clarity. Encouraged by fans and musicians to revisit the concept, eight years later he recorded, this time for Bethlehem, a revitalized, extended version arranged and conducted by Marty Paich, with much more jazz influence than was evident in the original recording. Some stereotypical touches remained, but Paich’s real genius exploded like a bombshell in the studios.
This is the first time both versions have been compiled in an individual set. It is proof of Tormé’s many-faceted ability as a singer and composer, and it also confirmed Paich’s pre-eminence as a progressive arranger among his contemporaries.
Track Listing:

1949 CAPITOL RECORDING:
Mel Tormé with Hal Mooney Orchestra

01. Mountain Desert Theme (Instrumental) 1:05
02. Golden West 1:31
03. We Think The West Coast Is The Best Coast In The Land 3:07
04. We Think The West Coast Is The Best Coast In The Land (II) 2:05
05. Coney Island 1:46
06. Miami Waltz 1:55
07. They Go To San Diego 3:18
08. Sunday Night In San Fernando 3:47
09. Got The Gate On The Golden Gate 3:34
10. L.A. (Prelude To Poor Little Extra Girl) 2:30
11. Poor Little Extra Girl 3:53
12. We Think The West Coast Is The Best Coast In The Land (Finale) 2:11

Recorded in Hollywood, Capitol Studios, November 11 & 15, 1949

1957 BETHLEHEM RECORDING:
Mel Tormé with Marty Paich Orchestra

13. Mountain Desert Theme (Instrumental) 1:15
14. Golden West 1:41
15. We Think The West Coast Is The Best Coast In The Land 2:25
16. We Think The West Coast Is The Best Coast In The Land (II) 2:22
17. Coney Island 2:32
18. Atlantic City Boardwalk 2:29
19. They Go To San Diego 4:10
20. Sunday Night In San Fernando 5:04
21. Got The Gate On The Golden Gate 4:21
22. L.A. (Prelude To Poor Little Extra Girl) 2:08
23. Poor Little Extra Girl 4:50
24. We Think The West Coast Is The Best Coast In The Land (Finale) 3:09

Recorded in Hollywood, Radio Recorders, March 11, 12 & 13, 1957