Search - Shelly Berg :: Will: Tribute to Oscar Peterson

An Excellent Tribute Album By An Excellent Musician

Loren Kaplan | Santa Barbara, Ca | 12/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shelly Berg, Head of the Jazz Studies Department at the exclusive USC Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles, California, is probably best known for his involvement in jazz education. But, besides his great efforts in the education realm, he can really play great jazz piano. "The Will" is a tribute to Shelly Berg's hero, Oscar Peterson. Throughout the disc, Berg demonstrates his mastery of the piano and the advanced language of jazz improvisation, phrasing and swing. Joining Berg on the disc are long-time Oscar Peterson associates Bassist Ray Brown and Drummer Ed Thigpen. Several guest soloists play on the disc as well. Clarinet virtuoso Eddie Daniels, singer Carmen Bradford, trumpeter Jeff Jarvis and the incredible trombonist Bill Watrous. "The Will" is an excellent disc of world-class status."

Shelly Berg

Ryan Vance | Los Angeles, CA | 12/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shelly is a master musician and pianist. Whether or not you study jazz or just love it, this CD is a must. His playing is distinct in sound and will grab you from the start. Shelly's grace on the piano is amazing. You will enjoy this CD."

EVERY JAZZ ENTHUSIAST NEEDS TO HEAR THIS ALBUM!!!

S. Ettinger | 12/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shelly Berg is an amazing musician. Period. I could go on and on about the superlatives in this album, but there is one track that stands out among all of the other songs. L'Impossible is an Oscar Peterson standard, a song he recorded many times over the years. Shelly plays the song accompanied by Eddie Daniels. Following the initial run through, Shelly and Eddie play a transcribed version of one of Oscar's solos, in unison - note for note. It is absolutely incredible. This unison masterpiece is followed by Eddie's own solo - a true work of art featuring such amazing range, control, and passion. Towards the end of Eddie's solo, he plays an incredible upward run which is capped off by the most amazing high note you'll likely ever hear on a clarinet - it is stunningly ephemeral.



Wow.



Buy this album - L'Impossible alone is worth the price, but many of the other tracks are excellent as well.



Are you an Oscar fan? Then get this album, and add it to your collection - you won't be disappointed!

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