Long Beach Press-Telegram

Mel Tormé's scat-singing a knockout with the audience

“ …Working this time with his excellent jazz trio-Mike Renzi (piano), John Leitham (bass), Donny Osborne (drums)- the singer established an atmosphere that was warm and intimate right from the beginning. It was much like being treated to a special performance in a cozy jazz club. …Throughout the performance, Tormé made it very clear what he thinks of the three musicians who were on stage with him, but when he introduced a Benny Goodman Quartet-like version of "Three Little Words," he pulled out all the stops, calling them "the best…trio in America." And withTormé scat-singing the clarinet part, the B.G. bit was bodacious. …The closer was a Mach 5 scattin' version of "Lover Come Back" that brought the audience to its feet and the musicians back for an encore. …The trio, Renzi, Leitham, and Osborne, set the mood for the evening with an opening set that more than demonstrated just how talented all three are. The musicianship on "Just The Way You Are," "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic was outstanding and the solo work of all three throughout both sets was superb.”