A grab bag? Maybe, but classical music nevertheless
Nikica Gilic | Zagreb, Croatia | 10/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not an album of Ellington's music, this compilation of Peterson's unique interpretations will nevertheless please all fans of mainstream and swing;
hardcore Peterson fans will probably go for widely available albums by this exciting pianist, but this CD will give a lot of pleasure to all the rest.
It can also serve as an fine introduction to Peterson's work - we can hear him playing solo, in small rhythmic ensembles, with happy horns of Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie and, last but by no means least, as a special guest on a Duke Ellington orchestra concert.
Great album; admittedly a sort of grab bag many companies compile to cash in on their artists, but that does not diminish listening pleasure..."
An Almost Perfect Compilation If Only...
Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 04/10/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Produced by Norman Granz in 1999 under Pablo Records, a prestigious recording company known for its quality jazz recordings, "Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington" is a compilation of Duke Ellington compositions that Oscar Peterson recorded between 1967 and 1986 under Pablo Records. All the original sessions were taken from seven different albums which he recorded with an impressive all-star-cast who are amongst the greatest musicians in the jazz world namely: Duke Ellington himself on the opening chorus of "Take The 'A' Train;" guitarist Joe Pass; trumpet players Dizzie Gillespie, Clark Terry, Herb Jones, Cootie Williams, Mercer Ellington and Cat Anderson; trombone players Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors and Lawrence Brown; drummers Louis Hayes, Bobby Durham, Martin Drew and Chris Columbus; saxophonists Johnny Hodges, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Harry Carney, Russell Procope, Jimmy Hamilton and Paul Gonzalves; bassists Sam Jones, Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson, John Lamb and Davis Young.
Oscar Peterson displays his astounding techniques on the ivories as he articulately and brilliantly interprets the music of Duke Ellington. I simply loved his sublime unaccompanied piano solos on "Lady of The Lavender Mist" and "I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good" with the same level of appreciation for his duet with the King of Trumpet Clark Terry on "Satin Doll," one of the most engaging jazz pieces from this collection. The two jazz giants complement each other's playing without overshadowing one another. They play in total harmony that brings out sheer virtuosity in their respective instruments.
I'm not quite familiar with "Lady of The Lavender Mist," but after a few repeated listening, its beauty has finally captured my ears. It is a remarkable jazz piece. And to quote Ken Dryden's Liner Notes about his astute observations on this beautiful tune...
"Lady of The Lavender Mist" is a rather obscure work premiered by Ellington in a 1947 Columbia studio session and played only a handful of times before it was retired from his book in 1952. While Duke played very little on his original version, allowing the orchestra to portray the colors and moods of this alluring mysterious lady, Peterson takes a different approach, maintaining the subtle romanticism of the work but adding musical embellishments that add to the appeal of this beautiful but overlooked composition."
While playing "In A Sentimental Mood" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," two of my choicest Ellington gems, Oscar Peterson together with Sam Jones and Louis Hayes create a lovely and refined musical atmosphere by approaching the tunes in subtle manner full of finesse and elegance.
For fans of Oscar Peterson's piano artistry and Duke Ellington's compositions, this is a welcome addition to your collection. It would have been an absolutely perfect compilation if "Mood Indigo," "Sophisticated Lady," "All Too Soon," "I Didn't Know About You," "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" or "I'm Beginning To See The Light" were included on the selection. If only I were the compilation producer...but then again, six beautiful tracks out of ten is not bad at all.
"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1