Steve March, The Velvet Fog's little mist-er, gave the pop-rock lane a try, but eventually found a career learning and then leaning into Dad's musical forte.
So, I never saw Night Court, although I'm certainly aware of its existence. Did Mel appear on NC, and/or was Harry Anderson's character a fan? I really only remember the show as another sitcom turn won by yet another stand-up!
Plus, its '84-'92 run was an era where I wasn't able to do a lot of TV watching....from a return to college '83-'86, then the resultant new career from '86-'92, all pretty much covering the run of the series!
It's been a while since I've seen it, but I believe he popped up in a couple of episodes. Harry Anderson's character was supposed to be his biggest fan. I just looked this up because we're talking about it, but apparently Anderson was a huge Torme fan in real life as well, but it was just a coincidence on the show. They wrote the character as a Mel Torme fan before they cast Anderson or had any idea he was so into the Velvet Fog too. Torme was also in a memorable episode of Seinfeld.
Great piece! First things first, I’ve always loved “Born to be Blue”, so thanks for uncovering Steve’s (the other Steve) cover, which I didn’t know. Love the lush production and bluesy vibe (predictably 😅).
Now, as for Steve -- Lucky Steve, let’s call him -- he was a complete unknown to me, so thanks once again for feeding my ears! The first few minutes of the Lucky “megamix” you shared at the end reminded me ever so slightly of Elton John. I could then appreciate the Beatles influence. There’s definitely something from this side of the pond!
And, your Elton take from the first bars of the mix echoes, I think, my sense of a Broadway/show tune vibe, which would easily slot into some of Elton's efforts ("Funeral For a Friend"?).
Steve's "bounciness" and sense of melody, if not exactly show tuney then, seems natural if we know from whence his talent comes...the mid-20th century jazzy Great American Songbook era, and Steve's ease in capturing that! It's fun to see his songwriting, and how Dad's "jazz genes" merged with Steve's natural "rock'n'blue jeans" to create his writing palette.🎵✔Glad you enjoyed Steve's story!
Aw, shucks. Wow, another Dad phrase just hit me! He called (so my bro and I grew up referring to them this way, too) record jackets and singles sleeves as "shucks" i.e. "Did you put the record back in its shuck?" I have no idea where he got that (he was from upper NY state), but it may be from the def of "shuck" as the outer covering of an ear of corn, like husk or shuck. Whatever memories you dig ME giving you, I appreciate your convos re-kindling MY memories of Dad, Mom, and even bro!
I had his "Lucky" album in '77, and he's long been on my list of artists about whom to write....there are so many who got a contract, had their moment to "catch on," and sans radio play and/or adequate label promotion, just didn't "stick"! But, that doesn't mean they're not talented!
Steve, and Stephen Michael Schwartz, are Exhibits 1 and 2! As I'm sure you're aware, FR&B's Stephen recorded for RCA in '74, and ended up forming children's music trio, The Parachute Express, in the early '80s, having a successful couple-decades career beyond the pop/rock lane!
Perhaps most importantly, how would Judge Harry T. Stone feel about the son of Mel?
Okay, not really important at all. But I can't help it. I can't think of Mel Torme without also thinking about Night Court.
So, I never saw Night Court, although I'm certainly aware of its existence. Did Mel appear on NC, and/or was Harry Anderson's character a fan? I really only remember the show as another sitcom turn won by yet another stand-up!
Plus, its '84-'92 run was an era where I wasn't able to do a lot of TV watching....from a return to college '83-'86, then the resultant new career from '86-'92, all pretty much covering the run of the series!
It's been a while since I've seen it, but I believe he popped up in a couple of episodes. Harry Anderson's character was supposed to be his biggest fan. I just looked this up because we're talking about it, but apparently Anderson was a huge Torme fan in real life as well, but it was just a coincidence on the show. They wrote the character as a Mel Torme fan before they cast Anderson or had any idea he was so into the Velvet Fog too. Torme was also in a memorable episode of Seinfeld.
And, I never saw Seinfeld, either, but that was more of a personal choice! All interesting to know, though...thanks!
Great piece! First things first, I’ve always loved “Born to be Blue”, so thanks for uncovering Steve’s (the other Steve) cover, which I didn’t know. Love the lush production and bluesy vibe (predictably 😅).
Now, as for Steve -- Lucky Steve, let’s call him -- he was a complete unknown to me, so thanks once again for feeding my ears! The first few minutes of the Lucky “megamix” you shared at the end reminded me ever so slightly of Elton John. I could then appreciate the Beatles influence. There’s definitely something from this side of the pond!
And, your Elton take from the first bars of the mix echoes, I think, my sense of a Broadway/show tune vibe, which would easily slot into some of Elton's efforts ("Funeral For a Friend"?).
Steve's "bounciness" and sense of melody, if not exactly show tuney then, seems natural if we know from whence his talent comes...the mid-20th century jazzy Great American Songbook era, and Steve's ease in capturing that! It's fun to see his songwriting, and how Dad's "jazz genes" merged with Steve's natural "rock'n'blue jeans" to create his writing palette.🎵✔Glad you enjoyed Steve's story!
Absolutely! You’ve hit the nail on the head with that analysis. So wise, my friend. Thanks for narrating so well!
Aw, shucks. Wow, another Dad phrase just hit me! He called (so my bro and I grew up referring to them this way, too) record jackets and singles sleeves as "shucks" i.e. "Did you put the record back in its shuck?" I have no idea where he got that (he was from upper NY state), but it may be from the def of "shuck" as the outer covering of an ear of corn, like husk or shuck. Whatever memories you dig ME giving you, I appreciate your convos re-kindling MY memories of Dad, Mom, and even bro!
That’s sweet, and a first for me too! Never heard it being used that way. Cool! And nice memories 😊
Aw, shucks.........................😊💿⏺
Great story about Steve and the era and people of his youth.
I had his "Lucky" album in '77, and he's long been on my list of artists about whom to write....there are so many who got a contract, had their moment to "catch on," and sans radio play and/or adequate label promotion, just didn't "stick"! But, that doesn't mean they're not talented!
Steve, and Stephen Michael Schwartz, are Exhibits 1 and 2! As I'm sure you're aware, FR&B's Stephen recorded for RCA in '74, and ended up forming children's music trio, The Parachute Express, in the early '80s, having a successful couple-decades career beyond the pop/rock lane!
For readers who aren't familiar with Stephen's amazing story (and exclusive '70s Hollywood record biz exploits!), they can start here: https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/career-chord-change-stephen-michael
Thanks, Heather.....happy you're along for the ride, and glad you dug Steve's multi-talented journey!