OSCAR PETERSON
Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington (Pablo)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The music of Duke Ellington is at the heart of the jazz piano repertoire and it's impossible to imagine any pianist having a significant recording career without leaving behind some memorable performances of Ellington material. It's just as hard to imagine a jazz pianist having a more significant recording career than the phenomenal Oscar Peterson. This collection gathers highlights of Peterson's performances of Ellington tunes over a period of roughly 20 years, ranging from his unaccompanied piano to a performance of Duke's signature tune (composed, of course by the Ellington alter-ego, Billy Strayhorn), "Take The 'A' Train," with the full Ellington band and Duke Ellington himself on hand.

Among the highlights are a 1975 duet with trumpeter Clark Terry on "Satin Doll" and a Juan Tizol medley of "Perdido" and "Caravan" with guitarist Joe Pass joining a 1986 version of the Oscar Peterson Trio. Of course, I admit that I consider any track featuring Oscar Peterson a highlight in its own right. I understand there are those who disagree, but I just don't understand them. I don't think Ellington would have, either.

Track List:

Main Stem * In A Sentimental Mood * Lady Of The Lavender Mist * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Satin Doll * Cotton Tail * Medley: Perdido/Caravan * I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) * Things Ain't What They Used To Be

© 2000 - Shaun Dale