The Velvet Fog's Son In Town

The Velvet Fog's Son In Town

by Jenny E. Decker

The son of legendary singer/songwriter Mel Tormé will be taking to the St. Moritz stage on July 7. Making his first appearance in the Harrisburg area, Steve March Tormé will star in a one-night only performance at the downtown supper club. Though he looks remarkably like his father, the younger Tormé has a style and vocal range uniquely his own and has been an active member of the music scene on his own standing since the late 1970s. In his career, Tormé has written and produced material for a number of well-known acts, including Liza Minnelli’s 1977 album, Tropical Nights. He has also released a number of his own jazz/swing/pop recordings, from his debut album, Lucky, to his latest efforts, 2000’s Swingin’ At The Blue Moon Bar and Grille and The Night I Fell For You. Swingin’ features the track “Straighten Up & Fly Right,” a duet recorded with his father. It was the last song ever recorded by the legendary crooner, who died in June, 1999.

In addition to his recordings, Tormé — who is also the stepson of actor and television host of “The $64,000 Question Show,” Hal March — has taken a turn to acting, having appeared in two feature films and more than 20 television shows, including a two-year stint as a featured vocalist on “The New $100,000 Name That Tune” and the pilot “Moscow and Vine” with Milton Berle.

Tormé has also taken his show on the road. In recent years, he has toured with Phyllis Diller and has performed in such notable clubs as Hollywood’s Cinegrille, The Sands Hotel in Atlantic City, Chicago’s The Black Orchid, and Feinstein’s in New York City. Most recently, Tormé performed in Florida for a set of five nights with the Palm Beach Pops Orchestra as part of the Orchestra’s “A Tribute to the Music of Mel Tormé” concert event.

Steve March Tormé will be at the St. Moritz Club in Harrisburg on July 7. Tormé will be performing two shows, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 232-9949. The St. Moritz Supper Club is located at 714 North Third Street, Harrisburg.