I've Got a Crush on You - Oscar Peterson, Gershwin, George
A Foggy Day - Oscar Peterson, Gershwin, George
Like Someone in Love - Oscar Peterson, Burke, Johnny [Lyri
On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever) - Oscar Peterson, Lane, Burton
I'm in the Mood for Love - Oscar Peterson, Fields, Dorothy
Girl Talk - Oscar Peterson, Hefti, Neal
Track Listings (9) - Disc #2
Robbins Nest - Oscar Peterson, Jacquet, Illinois
Medley: I Concentrate on You/Moon River - Oscar Peterson, Mancini, Henry
Medley: Waltzing Is Hip/Satin Doll - Oscar Peterson, Brown, Ray [1]
Love Is Here to Stay - Oscar Peterson, Gershwin, George
Sandy's Blues - Oscar Peterson, Peterson, Oscar
Alice in Wonderland - Oscar Peterson, Fain, Sammy
Noreen's Nocturne - Oscar Peterson, Peterson, Oscar
In a Mellow Tone - Oscar Peterson, Ellington, Duke
Nica's Dream - Oscar Peterson, Silver, Horace
Track Listings (9) - Disc #3
On Green Dolphin Street - Oscar Peterson, Kaper, Bronislaw
Summertime - Oscar Peterson, Gershwin, George
Sometimes I'm Happy - Oscar Peterson, Caesar, Irving
Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) - Oscar Peterson, Bricusse, Leslie
Travelin' On - Oscar Peterson, Traditional
Emily - Oscar Peterson, Mandel, Johnny
Quiet Nights - Oscar Peterson, Jobim, Antonio Carl
Sax No End - Oscar Peterson, Boland, Francis
When Lights Are Low - Oscar Peterson, Carter, Benny [1]
Track Listings (9) - Disc #4
Someone to Watch over Me - Oscar Peterson, Gershwin, George
Perdido - Oscar Peterson, Drake, Ervin
Body and Soul - Oscar Peterson, Eyton, Frank
Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) - Oscar Peterson, Bricusse, Leslie
Bye Bye Blackbird - Oscar Peterson, Dixon, Mort
I Should Care - Oscar Peterson, Cahn, Sammy
Lulu's Back in Town - Oscar Peterson, Dubin, Al
Little Girl Blue - Oscar Peterson, Hart, Lorenz
Take the "A" Train - Oscar Peterson, Strayhorn, Billy
These four discs collect the material on six long plays of trios and solos that Oscar Peterson recorded in Villingen, Germany, between 1963 and 1968. On standards galore, Peterson never lets up in his rigorous, swinging ap... more »proach. He is at his prime on these recordings, as he himself noted later. The improvisations range from extraordinary to awe-inspiring. The lyricism of Nat King Cole is in there, along with Art Tatum-esque rococoisms and Bud Powell-like attack. Which partners best complemented Peterson's girth, and bowed to it least, is always in dispute. On six tracks here, Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen lay claim against the earlier Brown-Herb Ellis unit. The set comes with a 32-page booklet containing black-and-white historical and original-cover photographs, and a detailed discography. --Peter Monaghan« less
These four discs collect the material on six long plays of trios and solos that Oscar Peterson recorded in Villingen, Germany, between 1963 and 1968. On standards galore, Peterson never lets up in his rigorous, swinging approach. He is at his prime on these recordings, as he himself noted later. The improvisations range from extraordinary to awe-inspiring. The lyricism of Nat King Cole is in there, along with Art Tatum-esque rococoisms and Bud Powell-like attack. Which partners best complemented Peterson's girth, and bowed to it least, is always in dispute. On six tracks here, Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen lay claim against the earlier Brown-Herb Ellis unit. The set comes with a 32-page booklet containing black-and-white historical and original-cover photographs, and a detailed discography. --Peter Monaghan
twinky@start.com.au | Canberra, Australia | 06/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This four CD box set stands as the true benchmark of Oscar Petersons mammoth recording ouput. The recordings were made privately before select audiences from 1963 through until 1968. All of the selections feature Peterson in a trio with the likes of Ray Brown, Sam Jones and Ed Thigpen in support.The material represented here consists almost entirely of jazz standards with just two Peterson originals. Peterson's playing is varied from agressive uptempo romps (Eg. "Travellin' On") to more subdued ballads (Eg. "Emily"). The music on this set is very enjoyable and does not become at all repetative in nature. The recording quality is of a good standard and consistant throughout the set.Overall, I would highly recommend this set to any jazz listener. Peterson's technique is absolutely flawless and swings hard with the bass-drum support (Take "Tin Tin Deo" for example! ). The music documented here is quite simply essential and should form part of any representative jazz collection."
Can Oscar tickle the Ivories!!!
R. Shaff | USA | 09/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In these four incredible discs recorded in Villingen, Germany, between 1963 and 1968, Peterson truly plays the spectrum here with the standards and a few originals. With Brown, Thigpen and Jones in tow, Peterson captures the aura of true jazz emotion. Peterson stands with the great jazz pianists but this set proves this claim.Regardless the dated recordation, the sound and clarity on these discs is excellent. Many times, older recordings become muted and tinny. This one surpasses that taboo. In addition to the four discs, this set comes with a 32-page booklet containing historical photographs, original-cover photographs, and a detailed discography. The value of this set is truly outstanding.I highly recommend this set for purchase."
CONSUMMATE PERFORMANCES FROM THE GREAT MASTER
Brian D. Fitzpatrick | Medford, MA | 03/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If your a Peterson fan,this is the 'loin cut'.In this well-rounded collection,there are two trio formats, including the high calibre playing of SAM JONES and RAY BROWN,BOBBY DURHAM,ED THIGPEN,AND LOUIS HAYES on bass and drums respectively. All provide exceptional support throughout this collection.And in addition,Peterson presents us with a beautiful set of solo piano pieces which could well be considered the 'companion' to his other brilliant solo recording,'TRACKS'.This comes very highly reccommended, as it represents the quintessential example of piano performances in the trio and solo platforms at the very highest level from one of the greatest legends of the piano in modern jazz history. Highlights for me were 'AT LAST LONG LOVE',and'TIN TIN DEO',which are great examples of how much can be done in the 'trio platform'with good arranging,and gorgeous solo interpretations of 'I SHOULD CARE','WHO CAN I TURN TO', and 'BODY AND SOUL'.On all three Oscar starts in a rubato format,where he lays down those 'fat' sonorities which only the largest of hands can pull off,those lush and dense voicings,the prototypic signature voice of Oscar Peterson.Then some more reflective pieces'LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE',and,'I'M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE'(an exhaustive study of the possibilites in the approach to the re-harmonization of chords,especially in the alteration of dominant functions),'LITTLE GIRL BLUE'for it's plaintive and recflective aura,as it floats away on Debussy/Ravel-like harmonic textures.'BYE BYE BLACKBIRD',in which Oscar provides us with a virtual masterclass in the art of 'block-chord' playing.And finally,'LULU'S BACK IN TOWN',a great example of genuine stride-piano.Peterson 'digs' right through this one. EXCLUSIVELY FOR MY FRIENDS is a marvellous collection you can return to again and again over the years for your listening pleasure.The whole package is a real treat!Enjoy.Health and Happiness.
"
Best Peterson, Period!
L. J. Allen | Atlanta, GA United States | 01/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
When Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer decided to record and produce Oscar Peterson on several albums in the 1960s, Peterson was given free reign to play the way he wanted to play. Brunner-Schwer (the founder of Polygram Records) managed to record what are arguably Peterson's finest recordings.
Peterson plays a hybrid of swing, bop, and rag on these exquisite recordings. With a combination of Art Tatumish ornamentations, block chord improvisations, and orchestral highs and lows, Peterson managed to be subtle and showy without ever compromising his musicianship or insulting the intelligence of listeners.
There are almost too many highlights to mention in these recordings. Yet a few stand out. Peterson glistens and swings on Gershwin & Gershwin's "SUMMERTIME". His brooding and lengthy interpretation of McHugh & Fields' "I'M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE" is without comparison and is perhaps the definitive Jazz piano interpretation. He displays his perfection at dynamics with the Benny Carter chestnut "WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW" which begins with solo piano, merges into a slow soft-shoe trio, then builds to a blues-drenched crescendo. This compilation features a diverse array of standards as well as Peterson's own compositions "SANDY'S BLUES" and "NOREEN'S NOCTURNE". Disc Four grants the listener the treat of Peterson playing solo piano.
No serious Peterson fan can afford to not own his recordings from this period. No serious Jazz fan will find a more coherent and listenable compilation. The Non-Jazz fan will be converted. Worth every penny!!"
The sensational Oscar Peterson - 10 stars.
Flavio Cipparrone | Sao Paulo, Brasil | 08/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album (4 CDs) has several of the masterworks of Oscar Peterson who is (without any doubt) the greatest jazz piano virtuose ever.
Since I was a child I listen Oscar Peterson albums and I can guarantee you that it is a very nice emotional experience.
As a pianist I know that it will be very difficult for the world to produce another pianist with the dexterity and sensibility of Oscar Peterson.
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
