Oscar Peterson Albums (119)
'Oscar Peterson Plays the Jerome Kern Songbook'
Release Date 6/9/2009
Tracks 12
Label Verve
See Album Tracklist and Review
'What's Up?: The Very Tall Band'
Release Date 2/27/2007
Tracks 7
Label Telarc
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Very Tall, the initial 1961 summit that found pianist Oscar Peterson and vibist Milt Jackson combining forces (with Ray Brown on bass), is considered by many to be among the most artistically successful collaborations in the careers of both musicians. A long 37 years later, and despite Peterson's 1993 stroke, all three were still going strong when they hooked up as "the Very Tall Band" to play a series of dates at New York's prestigious Blue Note. Telarc previously released one set of recordings made at the shows, simply called Live at the Blue Note, but this sequel, What's Up?: The Very Tall Band, repeats none of the material from that album, and serves as proof that everything the trio produced on those dates -- with young drummer Karriem Riggins keeping pace -- was nothing less than sublime. Peterson and Jackson (who has since died, as has Brown) allow each other all the space required to stretch out, but the brightest sparks come from the spontaneous interactions. On the Dizzy Gillespie standard "Salt Peanuts," Jackson is particularly sparkling, and Peterson makes the most of Lester Young's simple, unhurried "Ad Lib Blues." But when the quartet is locked into a groove together, as on "Limehouse Blues" and "The More I See You," that's when the specialness of this rare occasion is made clear once again. ~ Jeff Tamarkin, All Music Guide
'Last Trio: Oscar Peterson in Tokyo'
Release Date 12/21/2005
Tracks 10
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
One of a handful of recordings that Oscar Peterson made for release exclusively in Japan, Last Trio: Oscar Peterson in Tokyo is a rare opportunity to hear the pianist with fellow Canadian Michel Donato on bass, plus Louis Hayes on drums. Peterson is the center of attention with his rhythm section mostly in a supporting role, seemingly as if they had not worked together extensively prior to playing at The Palace Hotel in Tokyo. Hayes had already recorded several albums with the pianist for MPS, though this seems to be one of only two recordings featuring Donato (the other being the obscure Australian CD Nightingale). Peterson does not disappoint, delivering a number of terrific performances, including a blazing "Strike Up the Band" a soulful if breezy take of Horace Silver's "The Preacher," and lyrical treatments of "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" and his own "Wheatland." While this trio lacks the potential of groups that featured either Ray Brown or Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, it will please Peterson's fans. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Oscar Peterson's series of recordings for Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer during the 1960s and early '70s are one of many high points in his long career. With George "Jiri" Mraz on bass and Ray Price on drums, Peterson's flashy romp through "I Love You" (complete with a humorous detour into the opera "Pagliacci") and mid-tempo walk through "All of You" salute Cole Porter in style on Walking the Line. "Rock of Ages" isn't the old hymn but a lively, gospel-inflected Peterson original that will easily get any congregation swinging and swaying to the music. His mastery of the ballad form is heard in his sensitive interpretation of "Once Upon a Summertime," which showcases Mraz's gorgeous tone, as Price sits out this one. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Good '70 session from pianist Oscar Peterson, arguably the most recorded mainstream stylist ever. He's made so many albums over the years, with a great deal sounding similar, that while they're never bad, sometimes they're for keyboard freaks only. That's something of the case here, although Peterson spins some fabulous solos. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Oscar Peterson's trio with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis lasted from 1953 to 1959 and is well documented on records, but the appearance in 2003 of this previously unreleased 1958 concert at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver is welcome news to the pianist's fans. Buoyed by a receptive audience and always in the mood to play to the best of their abilities, the musicians outdo themselves throughout the set. Among the highlights are lengthy explorations of "How High the Moon" (which is centered around Brown's tasty solo) and Peterson's "The Music Box Suite," cooking interpretations of a pair of the late Clifford Brown's best-known compositions ("Joy Spring" and "Daahoud"), and a pair of little-known originals by Ellis (including a lovely solo ballad, "Patricia," and the blistering "Pogo"). Add it all up and any fan of Oscar Peterson will want to add this Just a Memory CD to his or her collection. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)'
Release Date 11/19/2001
Tracks 9
Label Wesgram
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite'
Release Date 10/24/2000
Tracks 12
Label Telarc
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite is hardly a typical Oscar Peterson album. This time, the Canadian pianist doesn't play any standards and doesn't take a bop-oriented approach; in fact, Trail of Dreams isn't a straight-ahead jazz album but rather combines jazz with elements of pop, classical, and symphonic music. Recorded in April 2000, this CD finds Peterson joining forces with Michel Legrand, who conducts a lush 24-piece string orchestra. Legrand is famous for composing gems like "You Must Believe in Spring" and "Once Upon a Summertime," but the French icon doesn't do any composing on this album; his role is strictly that of a conductor/arranger, and all of the writing was done by Peterson himself. The compositions were meant to paint an aural picture of Peterson's native Canada; they were inspired by places that range from Quebec in eastern Canada to British Columbia in the western part of the country. The music is generally likable, and even though Peterson doesn't have a great deal of room to stretch out and improvise, he manages to get in some decent solos here and there. Nonetheless, Trail of Dreams never pretends to be a hardcore bop date, which is why it's pointless to judge the CD by bop standards. This release isn't recommended to bop snobs, although more broad-minded listeners will find it to be an interesting, if imperfect, departure for the veteran pianist. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Oscar Peterson & Jon Faddis'
Release Date 4/4/2000
Tracks 6
Label Pablo/OJC
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
In the mid-'70s, Oscar Peterson recorded duet albums with veteran trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, Clark Terry, and Harry "Sweets" Edison. He paid the young Jon Faddis a huge compliment by also recording a set with him. Faddis, very much under Gillespie's influence but already displaying a wide range, clearly enjoyed the challenge, and on a set of standards and basic material, he often tears into the songs with reckless abandon. The Peterson-Faddis encounter is generally quite exciting and a high point in the early career of Jon Faddis. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'The Very Tall Band: Live at the Blue Note'
Release Date 8/24/1999
Tracks 9
Label Telarc
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Oscar Peterson's landmark meeting with Milt Jackson in the mid-'60s produced the very successful studio date Very Tall. They've played and recorded together on a number of occasions since then, joined by Ray Brown more often than not, but these live tracks recorded at the Blue Note are among their most satisfying sessions. Peterson continues his strong comeback from the serious stroke that he suffered in 1993, replacing his once ferocious tempos with an uncanny lyricism. Brown's introduction to "Blues for JR" and his bass solo medley are superb, while Jackson remains a master of the blues. The finale of "Caravan" features drummer Karriem Riggins and brings the session to a thunderous climax. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
