1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Happy Birthday Mr. Peterson!, August 15, 2007
This review is from: 1951 (Audio CD)
"Both fans and critics are unanimous about Peterson: his fans attend his concerts and buy his records, while critics, after quibbling a bit, finally bow before his phenomenal artistry and give him his due." ~ Jacques Réda, French poet and Jazz Lover ~
Today, August 15, 2007 is the 82nd birthday of Oscar Peterson, a living legend and an icon of great jazz music. And as my tribute to his very special day, I have written a review on one of his earliest recordings simply titled "1951" for the obvious reason that it was recorded fifty-six years ago by "Just A Memory Records" exclusively for broadcast over CBC-Radio Canada. It presents a mix of jazz that is so heartwarming and nostalgic. It is a set of duos played by the artist himself on piano together with Montreal bassist, Austin Roberts.
Writer/Biographer/Lyricist Gene Lees once described Oscar Peterson as an artist "the greatest pianist in the history of jazz" and his musical style as "the best jazz damn piano in the whole wide world." Others compare him to Art Tatum or Erroll Garner or Teddy Wilson or Bud Powell, but I beg to disagree. I don't like comparing artists to one another. There might be some influences but I believe they have each own originality and distinctive style. I remember when I was taking piano lessons in my formative years, my teacher used to compare me with my sisters, but my parents believed that each of us has our own distinctive style of playing. My teacher once told me: "You haven't been practicing. You haven't perfected your pieces. If you're not interested anymore, just say so and don't waste your parents' money." She didn't give me new pieces unless I have played my pieces to perfection. Oh memories! . . . But I loved her so because I have learned perfection from her. If it weren't for her (she's a graduate of Conservatory of Music and truly a great pianist) and of course my dear parents, I wouldn't have greatly and passionately appreciated piano music - classical and jazz in particular.
With 20 all-time favorite and remarkable standards, the listeners are transported back in time to 1951 - the early stage of Mr. Peterson's career but he was already making waves in the jazz scene and in the process establishing himself to be one of the greatest jazz pianists ever. According to Gilles Archambault on Liner Notes, "he plays with taste, and with the knowledge that he was playing to an intelligent audience." He is dubbed as the "King of Jazz" - a title bestowed upon him in Canada, his homeland. I believe that he well-deserved the title not only in Canada but worldwide as well for all his musical achievements, numerous awards, honors and recognitions given to him by the music industry and not to mention several honorary degrees from various universities in North America.
This CD has an absolute curb appeal as in the real estate business lingo. The charm of the opener and my all-time favorite "For You" sets the beautiful tone and flows gently through the rest of the tracks. A classically trained pianist, Peterson included classical pieces such as "Hungarian Dance" by Brahms which he plays in a jazzified fashion, and a fascinating rendition of Edward MacDowell's "To A Wild Rose," one of my very own piano pieces back then from "Woodland Sketches, Op. 51 No. 1."
"Night And Day," the most famous Cole Porter classic is played so sophisticatedly enchanting and it is my top favorite track in this collection. "Body And Soul" is a turn-key gem and if you're a classical music lover, you will hear the infusion of classical snippets from Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune," Artur Rubinstein's "Romance" and Ernesto Lecuona's "The Breeze And I." It is so beautiful!! You'll be impressed with Peterson's creativity on these gorgeous pieces.
"Pennies From Heaven," "Tea For Two," "I Got Rhythm" and "Whispering" are lush and extravagant yet tastefully exquisite, while "Gypsy In My Soul," "The Man I Love," "I Don't Stand A Ghost of A Chance With You" and "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" are expressions of Peterson's extraordinary artistry in improvisation and glibness.
Peterson's masterful hands are truly terrific, rhythmic and dynamic. His effortless playing leaves the listeners wanting for more listens!
This CD is a worthy addition to any jazz collector's portfolio. Wholeheartedly recommended!
"Peterson is a top-class virtuoso, he is a true romantic in the 19th-Century sense, with addition of the 20th-Century Afro-American jazz tradition." ~ Lalo Schifrin, Film Composer/Classical and Jazz Pianist ~
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
