Frank Torren: Moment to Moment

Frank Torren

Moment to Moment
In Tribute

September 29, 2016

Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes

Like many of the sentimental evergreens on this sophisticated, romantic album, the late Frank  Torren was a classic gem, as is this heartfelt pastiche of remembrance. A definitively classy, handsome torch bearer of great songs and refined taste, who was somewhat under-appreciated in an era of fast-paced, ego-driven singers, his erudite and warm shows offered style, substance and a peek into the way we were. With an astounding list of theater and film credits in his career, Torren made his mark in his golden years through sold-out shows in cabaret. Always with silky dignity and an infectious sense of humor, he brought great depth to everything he sang, fused with stories about greats — like his personal favorite singer Felicia Sanders at the Bon Soir, in another era. It’s all contained on this simple tribute album with songs from his last cabaret show at Don’t Tell Mama with longtime musical collaborator Rick Unterberg.

Opening with the title cut by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, his smooth, velvet-toned baritone nails this treasure with panache. A touching “Innamorata” (Harry Warren/Jack Brooks) from the 1955 film Artists and Models with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, is a treat to hear. Once a hit by Martin and Jerry Vale, this romantic ditty is given Torren’s simple spin and is full of heart. Other standouts include a bouncy, uplifting medley of “Sock Life in the Eye” with “I’m Not Through” (both by Michael Brown) in a clever arrangement by Unterberg. This unique pairing fuses two never-give-up tunes that recall a playful sound that is rare. “I See Your Face Before Me” (Arthur Schwartz/Howard Dietz) joined with “Look at That Face” (Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley) is well-paced and heartfelt. The Frank Loesser/Victor Schertzinger beauty “Sand in My Shoes,” about old Havana nights, again recalls another age and is a welcome surprise of a long-forgotten song that is something special. Closing with a tender reading of “Take the Moment” from Do I Hear A Waltz? (Richard Rodgers/Stephen Sondheim) is a valentine to sweet romance, as is most of this very special CD by a committed artist who shared his gifts with the greatest love and left us wanting more. Anyone is lucky to have this poignant tribute to a sincere singer who will not be forgotten.

Unterberg’s always sharp arrangements and musical support are perfect for Torren’s subdued vocals.

Tags: American Songbook, Anthony Newley, Arthur Schwartz, Artists and Models, Bon Soir, Broadway, Broadway Musicals, Cabaret, Cabaret Reviews, Cabaret Scenes, CD, Clubs, Composers, Dean Martin, Do I Hear a Waltz, Don't Tell Mama, Felicia Sanders, Felicia Saunders, Frank Torren, Great American Songbook, Harry Warren, Havana, Henry Mancini, Howard Dietz, I See Your Face Before Me, I’m Not Through”, Innamorata, Jack Brooks, Jazz, Jazz Singers, Jazz Vocalists, Jerry Lewis, Jerry Vale, John Hoglund, Johnny Mercer, Leslie Bricusse, Loesser, Look at That Face, lyricists, Michael Brown, Moment to Moment In Tribute, Musicals, Musicians, Nightclubs, Popular Song, Revues, Richard Rodgers, Rick Unterberg, Sand in My Shoes, Show Tunes, Singers, Sock Life in the Eye, Songbook, Standards, Stephen Sondheim, Supper Clubs, Take the Moment, Venues, Victor Schertzinger, Vocalists

Category: Music, Music Reviews, New York City, New York City Music Reviews, Regional