Customer Reviews

Walking the Line (24bt) (Mlps)

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Despite this album's title, you'll find a lot more running than walking. Even a traditional ballad like "Windmills of Your Mind" comes roaring at you in a double-time feel. But the warm, laid-back side of Oscar is here too - check out "Once Upon a Summertime" and "I Didn't Know What Time It Was." And for some nice, straight-ahead swing, there's "Teach Me Tonight" and "All of You." "I Love You" is a great opening track, and "Rock of Ages" is a frenetic blues.
As with much of Oscar's work, you have to keep reminding yourself that you're listening to a trio, not a big ensemble. It's sometimes hard to believe that all that motion and those fully chorded solos are coming from one player with the normal number of fingers.
The most interesting arrangement on the album is "Just Friends," which moves along at a good clip, includes some nice melodic twists, and features a bowed bass solo that manages to keep the energy level up.
This is some of Oscar's finest work. If someone tries to tell you that his playing is all technique and no soul, tell them to listen again. And again. Each time, you'll pick up on more of the ingenious ideas that are flying by.

These reissued albums are essential Peterson albums to get. This one recorded in 1970 captures Peterson in fiery form, with Jiri "George" Mraz on Bass and Ray Price on drums. Certainly its not one of Petersons better known trios.

The first track is smoking version of "I Love You" (Cole Porter). This is five minutes of high class playing. Just when you thought it couldn't get any more swinging the second track starts. "Rock Of Ages" is a simple funky blues at heart, but Peterson takes it to places that other pianists wouldn't go - truly unbelievable playing - incredible block chord solos and then just when you think even Peterson hasn't got another gear he finds it, playing double handed single line improvisations.

The cynics will say this is exactly what you should expect from Oscar Peterson, fireworks with no soul. Well the cynics are wrong and there is some lovely ballad playing on the album, noteably on "I didn't Know What Time It Was". Its also on this track that you might notice Georg Brunner-Schwer great Piano sound (which can also be heard on the "Tracks" album made in same year). Its a beautiful Piano sound that is especially noticable on the less frenetic tracks!

Buy buy buy. Another great finger flyin, keyboard slappin cd from the O man. If dig all the other stuff from the trio you will dig this, ya dig. My personal favorite is "Rock of ages" but they are all rather outstanding! Buying this cd is a win win situation that you should make yourself a part of.