Customer Reviews

Extraordinary Jazz Pianist

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This has become possibly my favorite CD, at least for now, maybe edging out Joe Pass-- and you have to be damned good to do that for me. Oscar Peterson's control of the piano is one of the most exquisite I've ever heard. In his runs, even though they're at least as rapid as any I've heard from classical pianists-- Mr. Peterson did have classical training for a while until his teacher wisely suggested that he move to playing jazz-- you can hear every single note clean and clear, which I don't always hear elsewhere. Someone mentioned his performance on "Just a Gigolo." This song is full of contrast, and a simple song becomes an exhibition of the universe of human emotion. There are waves of exuberant playing suddenly followed by soft, reflective playing, and it all seems logical. "Laura" is also an example of fine, imaginative piano playing. In the tracks where Mr. Peterson is playing with his trio, the transitions between the solos are some of the smoothest I've ever heard. His trios have a wonderful sense of balance and follow each other perfectly dynamically, knowing how to highlight the soloist to best effect. Unlike so many I've heard who use beautiful music to make jazz, Oscar Peterson is one of the few who use jazz to make beautiful music. I emphatically recommend this CD to those who are studying to play jazz and want to hear some exquisite stuff to learn from; and to those who want to have pleasure from an album of beautiful music to "unwind" to.

Peterson owns the instrument. Remember the old movies? The suave, seductive, New York penthouse apartment and gorgeous leading man waiting for his woman? Well, this will bring it back to mind. Good quality recording, nice selection of pieces. Recommended.

if you want to hear nasty piano, buy this cd, it has nice relaxing standards as well as quite possibly the best piano playing ive ever heard on the song the gigolo......GREAT CD

I love Oscar Peterson but as a wannabe pianist myself I often wish he would slow down a bit! He tends to play faster than the speed of light or at least the speed of my fingers when trying to play from the various note for note transcription books- I can hardly move my eyes across the page that quickly , never mind my fingers on the piano! Also I prefer listening to jazz in a slower tempo-picture yourself in a sleazy nightclub circa 1959, it's 2 in the morning and you are staring into your drink and telling the piano player to play it again. That's the sort of jazz I like so it is good to find Oscar playing slightly slower than usual, but still with plenty of virtuoso Tatumesque runs. Particularly like On the Sunny Side of the Street, especially as I have the transcription in one of the Hal Leonard books. All in all a good find for any fan of the immortal Oscar Peterson.

This is a collection of sweet jazz, a type of music I happen to like, by one of the greatest swing pianists. It couldn't miss with me.

I love this CD. It is very soft and relaxing. There is almost no avangard stuff, but very nice piano jazz. I very recomend it.