Like a Fine Wine, Torme’s Career Improves With Age

Now is the best time of Mel Torme’s life. Not only is the singer reaping financial rewards from recent albums and a hectic touring schedule, but, for the first time ever, he actually likes his own recordings.

“You’re talking to a guy who doesn’t like his records, never has, probably never will. But I’m reasonably proud of the Dek-Tette albums, and most of the things I’ve done since 1976. I think I’ve evolved into a better singer. I always call my whole career a work in progress.”

Torme, who plays the Poway Center for the Performing Arts this Saturday night at 8, has made two reunion albums with pianist Marty Paich and the band Dek-Tette. The second, a live date recorded in Japan, is one of Torme’s favorite projects.

“He’s really my mentor as far as arranging,” Torme said. “Listen to what I write, and there’s a lot of him in it.”

He cites tangible evidence of his expanding vocal capabilities: four notes of additional range on the top end, three on the bottom and subtle refinements to the silky tone that critics long ago named the “Velvet Fog.”

Why, at 64, is Torme more popular than ever? Simple. He’s been reborn on television.

First, there were the regular mentions of his name on “Night Court,” where the judge, played by actor Harry Anderson, is a hard-core Torme fan. This grew into annual guest appearances on the show, one of which featured the judge having to send his idol to the slammer for speeding.

Then there is Torme’s commercial for Slim Fast, the liquid diet drink. Torme, a chocolate lover, lost 35 pounds drinking the company’s chocolate shakes. When he played Michael’s Pub in New York, he found out Slim Fast was in the same building. A visit resulted in his televised testimonial.

“I used to put on dungarees and an old T-shirt to go out in the afternoon, but I can’t do that anymore,” Torme said. “The recognition factor is so strong, I have to go out ready to be recognized, looking decent.”

In Poway, Torme will be joined by the Gene Krupa Orchestra under the direction of tenor and clarinet man Chuck Erdahl, along with Torme’s regular rhythm section: drummer Donny Osborne, pianist John Campbell and bassist Bob Maize. Torme will take over the drums during a Benny Goodman tribute.

Singer Judy Hurst is one of two local vocalists who will be featured next Tuesday night at 8 at the “Jazz Live” concert presented by KSDS-FM (88.3) in the theater at San Diego City College.

Hurst and San Diego singer Elliott Lawrence will each do sets with separate bands utilizing top local players.

Hurst, who grew up in Michigan, was fortunate to have a mother with a great record collection. Some of her favorite singers are Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Nancy Wilson, Dave Frishberg, Mark Murphy and Mel Torme--”anyone who sings from their heart instead of using gimmicks.”

Hurst’s set is likely to include such standards as “Devil Moon” and “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most.”

“I like ballads,” said Hurst, who spends her days working as a property manager. “I’m a frustrated torch singer.”

After providing a new home for a variety of local jazz players several nights a week, Michael’s Pub in the new La Jolla Hyatt Regency is switching to Top 40. Management says hotel guests want energetic dance music. After this weekend’s performances by light-jazz band Cutting Edge, only Tuesday nights will be reserved for jazz.

RIFFS: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, whose new album includes a guest appearance by Elvis Costello, plays next Wednesday night at 9 at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. . . .

San Diego-based sax legend James Moody can be seen and heard on KPBS-TV’s “Club Date” program Saturday, June 9, at 11 p.m., and Monday, June 11, at 11:30 p.m. . . .

Boosted by profitable shows presented by local jazz buff Bob Geib, Diego’s Loft in Pacific Beach, which had been closed for the first three months of this year, will continue hosting at least some jazz, with former John Coltrane bassist Dr. Art Davis scheduled for July 1. . . .

At Croce’s in downtown San Diego, it’s the Mitch Manker Quartet tonight, Hot Vazquez (formerly Algo Caliente) Friday, and Daniel Jackson’s Real Jazz Band on Saturday. . . .

Light-jazz guitarist Grant Geissman plays the M.V. Entertainer’s brunch cruises this Sunday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., leaving from 1066 N. Harbor Dr. downtown. . . .

Guitarist Peter Sprague has struck a deal with the Full Moon Cafe in Encinitas to work regularly this summer as part of a trio with Keven Hennesy and bass and Duncan Moore on drums. Sprague will play every other Thursday beginning June 14, with the possibility of going weekly in the near future. This is the same hot trio that last week gave Kelly’s Pub in Old Town its first profitable jazz night. . . .

Randy Porter plays solo piano at the Beach House restaurant in Mission Beach tonight. On Friday, it’s guitarist Dan Papaila; Saturday, pianist Bill Hunter. . . .

Pianist Porter teams up with guitarist and folksinger Peggy Watson Friday night at 8 at Words & Music bookstore in Hillcrest. Reservations are recommended (298-4011). . . .

On solo piano from noon to 3:30 at Cafe Lautrec in La Jolla: today, Daniel Jackson; Friday, Bill Hunter; Saturday, Shep Meyers. . . .

Saxophonist Mark Lessman plays the “Jazz Trax” night at the Catamaran Resort Hotel on Wednesday. . . .

Flutist Holly Hofmann works the Horton Grand Hotel in downtown San Diego with guitarist Peter Sprague on Friday night, and with L.A. vibes man Jon Nagourney on Saturday night.