Oscar Peterson Plays The George Gershwin Songbook

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.com
Oscar Peterson made two trips through the Gershwin repertoire, one in 1952 and another in 1959 after the advent of stereo. As with Oscar Peterson Plays the Duke Ellington Songbook, this disc compiles both sessions, the earlier one with a trio of guitarist Barney Kessel and bassist Ray Brown, the later one with Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen. The later session is programmed first. The earlier group drew its conception from the Nat "King" Cole trio, a lightly swinging blend that benefits from a third highly adept soloist in Kessel. The later group is more conventional, but it sometimes draws meatier, more forceful playing from an older Peterson. The contrast is apparent in the two versions of "It Ain't Necessarily So." On both sessions, the emphasis is on the tunes, and Peterson sparkles on uptempos and ballads alike. --Stuart Broomer

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Customer reviews

review by: Sound Perfectionist date: 2006-04-10 rating:
Oscar 's Trio at Its Best - Ten Stars - A Jazz Album of Beauty & Grace
The 1st 12 songs were the ones actually released on the original album. A Foggy Day when Oscar hits the bridge (Middle Part) where he plays the melody so graciously almost angelic to a point with Ray Brown walking his distinct bass lines the song mezmorizes you. You'll keep playing it over and over. Many of the 1st 12 songs are like that. I believe the trio's interpretation of melody was at its zenith when it recorded this album. Can Jazz be a thing of beauty and grace? This album says so.

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review by: date: 2005-10-10 rating:
My first Peterson album
This is great listening. From a non-Peterson fan, I think I'm hooked!

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review by: date: 2004-11-08 rating:
Fascinating And Lively Rhythms
Anyone who loves jazz will not miss Oscar Peterson in his/her jazz vocabulary. An extraordinary pianist known for his improvisation and distinctive style, Mr. Peterson is one of the greatest jazz icons who has recorded and performed myriads of the best melodies of all-time, most notably the compositions of a musical genius, George Gershwin, who had endless capabilities of composing melodious tunes that are so pleasing to the ears.

This remarkable CD consists of some of the most-loved Gershwin tunes. The last half were recorded in 1952 backed by Peterson's long-time collaborators and two of the best musicians in the jazz scene, Ray Brown and Barney Kessel. The the first twelve were recorded in 1959 with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen. There are two equally outstanding versions of "Love Walked In" (tracks 3 & 24), "It Ain't Necessarily So" (tracks 1 & 15), "I Was Doing All Right" (tracks 4 & 19), "A Foggy Day" (tracks 5 & 23), "Lady Be Good" (tracks 6 & 21) and "The Man I Love" (tracks 2 & 13).

My favorites? These are all lively performances, but my choices include "A Foggy Day," "Love Walked In," "I've Got A Crush On You," "Love Is Here To Stay," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "The Man I Love" and " 'S Wonderful."

This is one great CD to own. I listen to it when I'm in a bubbly mood. I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy listening to it as much as I do. It's more than an hour of listening pleasure not only for Gershwin and Peterson aficionados, but also for anyone who appreciates lively and vibrant piano music.

Wholeheartedly recommended!

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review by: date: 2002-10-17 rating:
An essential album for every collection.
Oscar Peterson + George Gershwin. What a combination! Peterson and his veteran trio sound brilliant on this gorgeous disc. My wife, a recent jazz fan, loves this disc. It has a bouyant, ebulient, feel to it while simultaneously being an essential after hours recording. I have to give props to bassist Ray Brown who just kicks a$$ here. Peterson often sounds restrained here, which is a bit different, yet he is no less inspired or fiery. As for the songs, well, its Gershwin. What more do you need to know?

Essential.


review by: steinweg date: 2001-08-09 rating:
A really (too ? ) accessible Jazz CD
These are great interpretations of Gershwin's standard. They were originally destined to a wider audience and may lack some subtleties of Peterson true style. Jazz newcomers should really try it.

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