Search - Oscar Peterson :: Freedom Songbook Oscar Peterson Big 4 in Japan '82

A Great Live Recording of Peterson's "European" Quartet

Rolf Aderhold | Hannover, Germany | 10/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording was done in Japan in 1982, and if you are a fan of Peterson's quartet featuring Joe Pass, Niels Pedersen and Martin Drew, this is a good album for you. I prefer Joe pass' superlative qualities as a solo artist to Herb Ellis' playing, and "Easy Living", which does not feature Peterson at all, is a great solo of his. Pedersen's muscular bass playing is also given space here, especially on "Move", which is a duet with Pass. Peterson himself, however shines on his solo piece, a medley dedicated to Nelson Mandela (Hymn to Freedom/The Fallen Warrior). These tunes, as well as "You Look Good to Me" and "Now's the Time" are all good reasons to buy the CD, but the true knock-out are the tunes "Nigerian Marketplace" and "Nightchild". I have listened them again and again, and I am still not tired of them. "Nigerian Marketplace" begins with Pedersen stating the melody, gently accompanied by Pass. When the piano joins, the tune is picking up speed. Brilliant solos by Pass and Peterson and some superb drumming by Drew make this tune (written by Peterson) a true gem. "Nightchild", which begins gently with Peterson's introduction and which also develops into a great, but not raucous swinger, is perhaps even better, a truly moving tune. Got get it, if only for these two tunes."