Tony Bennett: The Showman
If Tormé was the 'Velvet Fog,' Tony Bennett was the master interpreter who could belt to the back row. A direct contemporary, Bennett shared Tormé’s deep love for the Great American Songbook. Where Tormé’s magic was often in his subtle, cool improvisations,
Bennett’s was in his sheer power and heartfelt, theatrical delivery. He was trained in the Bel Canto school of singing, which gave his voice a unique, ringing clarity and power that could fill any concert hall. For a Tormé fan, Bennett is the next logical step, showcasing how the same classic songs can be delivered with a different, yet equally brilliant, brand of charisma and vocal prowess.
Chet Baker: The Prince of Cool
If you love the smooth, intimate quality of Tormé’s voice, Chet Baker is your next stop. Baker, a famed trumpeter, had a vocal style that was even more minimalist and fragile. His singing had an almost androgynous quality, full of hushed vulnerability that was radically different from the powerhouse vocalists of his era. He didn’t scat or show off with technical fireworks; instead, he drew listeners in with a quiet, melancholic honesty. For those captivated by Tormé's softer side, Baker’s iconic 1954 album 'Chet Baker Sings' is a masterclass in less-is-more, proving that the quietest voices can often be the most profound.
Mark Murphy: The Adventurous Scat Master
Mark Murphy is the artist you turn to when you're ready for a wilder ride. Often considered one of the most daring and influential jazz singers of his generation, Murphy took the art of vocalese and scat singing to its outer limits. While Tormé was a master improviser, Murphy was an avant-garde explorer, known for his edgy vocal pyrotechnics, dramatic recitations, and a free-wheeling style that could shift from a whisper to a shriek. He was a true 'singer's singer,' influencing countless modern vocalists. For a Tormé fan who loves the thrill of improvisation, Murphy’s work is a gateway to the more experimental and thrilling side of vocal jazz.
Kurt Elling: The Modern Torchbearer
Many in the jazz world consider Kurt Elling the natural successor to the legacy of singers like Tormé and Murphy. Hailed by The New York Times as 'the standout male jazz vocalist of our time,' Elling has it all: a stunning four-octave range, a deep respect for the tradition, and an incredible gift for vocalese—the art of writing lyrics to instrumental jazz solos. He combines Tormé's technical precision with Murphy's adventurous spirit, making him a bridge between the classic and contemporary. His ability to swing hard, interpret a ballad with profound sensitivity, and unleash breathtaking improvisations makes him the quintessential modern jazz singer.
Gregory Porter: The Soulful Storyteller
With a booming, warm baritone steeped in gospel, soul, and blues, Gregory Porter is one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists to emerge in the 21st century. While his sound is more rooted in the traditions of Nat King Cole and Bill Withers, he shares Tormé's gift for storytelling and creating an immediate, comforting connection with the listener. Porter’s music has a timeless, classic feel, and his album 'Liquid Spirit' won a Grammy and became one of the most-streamed jazz albums ever. For those who were drawn to the warmth and sincerity in Tormé’s voice, Gregory Porter offers a modern continuation of that soulful, narrative-driven approach to jazz.
