Peterson's new and permanent trio line-up emerged on the third album in the MPS series with Sam Jones and Bobby Durham. "The best trio that I've ever had" said the Canadian, and raved about the intuitively developed feeling of togetherness. It's fitting then that this third volume is entitled The Way I Really Play. It's apparent on these recordings that Jones and Durham sit back and serve as an ideal surface for Peterson's piano playing, but that they can also step out with solo moments. The opening track "Waltzing is Hip" captures a refined alternation between 3/4 and 4/4, as well as an exuberant drum solo. Peterson shines with a complete reinvention of Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll", both thoughtful and harmonically rich. With "Sandy's Blues", the protagonist distinguishes
himself as a writer, and he dedicates this splendid, ornamented blues to his wife. "Noreen's Nocturne" is likewise from his pen, but far from being a nocturnal serenade, the trio blazes its way through a thoroughly exuberant five minutes. On "Alice in Wonderland", made famous by Miles Davis, Peterson furnishes proof of his swing artistry. And as a final dramatized masterpiece, Gershwin's "Love is Here to Stay", which follows along a magnificent arc of suspense between free lyricism and a gripping mood.
Artist:
Oscar Petersen - piano
Sam Jones - bass
Bob Durham - drums
Recorded in the private studio of
Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer
Recording director & engineer:
Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer
Listen to music samples
01. Waltzing Is Hip | 02. Satin Doll | 03. Love Is Here To Stay |
| 04. Sandy's Blues | 05. Alice In Wonderland | 06. Noreen's Nocturne |
3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Hard to fault
Showcases the man's repertoire and skill. If you don't have any of his work, this is a good,place to start.
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Let Oscar take your love for jazz and make your heart melt....
I once had the pleasure of shaking hands with the the master....after a concert in Rochester, NY at the now defunct (sadly) Midtown Tower. I was absolutely astonished at how he could transfix my emotions as he played..how he could make the piano come alive with his interpretations...and how much he made me love jazz even more than I already did....I was 10 at the time...And my beloved father was so right in saying how this man's playing will affect you...If you want to go to a place that only Oscar can take you and swing forever...just close your eyes...and listen to "The way I Really Play"....and be engulfed by his rapturous rendering of "Satin Doll" and the other tracks here....As long as your heart is beating and your hearing works...you will be in Heaven...
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Fantastic!
I swear Oscar Peterson was born with ten fingers on each hand, and he knew just how to use each of them at rapid speed.Other great pianists could swing, some had great technique, but Oscar bettered them all in both categories. We'll miss you, Oscar, for you have no peer.
