Torrie Zito (1933-2009), a jazz pianist, arranger and conductor

Torrie Zito (1933-2009), a jazz pianist, arranger and conductor whose creative intensity and sensitivity made him a talent of choice for James Moody, Tony Bennett, Morgana King, John Lennon and others, died on December 3d in New York. He was 76. Torrie was married to singer Helen Merrill, and since 1980 the two recorded frequently together in both small-group and large-ensemble settings. In many ways, Helen and Torrie were made for each other, with Torrie intuitively providing a rich, supportive background to Helen's yearning, penetrating voice. When I interviewed Helen back in February, I spoke briefly to Torrie on the phone about my fondness for his masterful and embracing arrangements. He was as gracious and as warm as can be. And Helen's deep love for Torrie was evident.

Said Helen at the time about Torrie: "I cannot stand when a piano player starts running lines behind me while I’m singing. What am I supposed to do over that? With a sensitive pianist and arranger like my husband Torrie Zito, he’s always with you. With you, not behind you. There's a big difference." While Torrie could write for large orchestras of up to 45 musicians, he was most at home arranging string sections, building romantic tidal sweeps and sympathetic interludes behind a singer that captured the ear and were as engaging as the vocalist's phrasing.

Torrie Zito-arranged albums and tracks:
Morgana King—With a Taste of Honey (Mainstream), 1964. It's available at iTunes and at online music retailers.
Tony Bennett—For Once in My Life, from the album of the same name (Columbia), 1967. It's available on many different Bennett compilations.
Helen Merrill—Casa Forte (Mosaic), 1980. This is a must-own album. The symmetry between Helen and Torrie is exceptional. It's available here at Mosaic Records.
Helen Merrill—Christmas Song Book (Merrill Music), 1991. It's available here as a download.
http://www.jazzwax.com/2009/11/sunday-wax-bits-4.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Jazzwax+%28JazzWax%29

Here's a clip of Helen singing Falling in Love with Love backed by Torrie on piano