Search - Oscar Peterson, Harry Edison :: Oscar Peterson & Harry Edison

Beautiful duets from two swing-era masters

William Faust | Columbus, Ohio | 06/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sweets Edison and Oscar Peterson have a recording history that dates back to the early 50's when they were both mainstays of the Norman Granz stable - Jazz at the Philharmonic. But most of that history is rooted in small swing ensembles that included Peterson's trio and any of several of Edison's cohorts from Lester Young to Ben Webster. This recording has them in an altogether different setting playing off one and other's strengths in a series of standard duets. While both are past peak performance-wise by this mid-70's recording date, there's no real evidence of a lack of power or virtuosity and the solos on each cut are inventive and technically interesting. The material is well-chosen, mostly standard ballads but both Edison and Peterson's background in blues-laden swing comes through loud and clear. Highly recommended."