AMG Review of Swingin' on the Moon

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This unusual project, reissued on CD in 1998, features singer Mel Torme with the Russ Garcia Orchestra performing 11 songs that have the word Moon in their title plus "A Velvet Affair." Although the renditions are quite concise (all are less than four minutes) and a couple of the arrangements use novelty effects, the music is generally quite jazz-oriented. With the exception of Torme's title tune (which deserves to be revived), the songs are all standards including "Moonlight Cocktail," "How High The Moon," "Blue Moon," "No Moon At All" and "Oh, You Crazy Moon." Torme is accompanied by several different ensembles including an orchestra, a group with several strings and one with four trombones. Although not essential, this is a cheerful and enjoyable release by the great Torme.