Search - Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Herb Pedersen :: Good Life

A landmark recording in Peterson's celebrated career....

L. Barden | Oakland, CA United States | 07/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At Chicago's London House, in May of 1973, the trio of Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, and Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen made their public debut. How lucky the jazz world is that their performance was preserved for history in this recording, for the 3-P trio would go on to become one of the most celebrated jazz groups of the 70s.Early live performances from new jazz combos, more often than not, make for hit-and-miss records, with the musicians not yet entirely comfortable playing together. No such problems on this recording; the players are loose, the chemistry is tight, and the result is an extraordinary collection of stellar tracks, even by Peterson's own standards.Of particular interest is the song "Wheatland." This is actually a Peterson composition, the sixth part of an eight-part suite "Canadiana," which was presented as a concert work in 1964. In his jazz interpretation of his own theme, the song begins as, frankly, little more than pleasant piano noodling, perfect for background music while dining; you can actually hear the clinking of glasses and plates on the recording, as people continued to enjoy their dinner during the performance. The mellow tone continues into Peterson's solo, but within 60 seconds the trio has built the song into a driving, bluesy, hard bop tour-de-force, with Peterson unleashing his peerless chops on the unsuspecting and shell-shocked audience (sadly, the recording fails to pick up the sounds of people's jaws dropping). When Joe Pass begins his solo four minutes later, you realize that you've been holding your breath during Peterson's solo."Wheatland" will have you reaching for the "replay" button on your CD player more than once. And it's just the first track on this excellent, essential recording."

Piano Jazz played Fast and Furious

Dave Deubler | Pennsylvania | 06/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an inspired live performance by Peterson, accompanied by just guitar and bass. The opening "Wheatland" is terrific - a bullet-train ride through the Midwest, with Peterson playing lightning-fast runs with perfect precision. Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Wave" has a more relaxed theme, but Peterson still provides fireworks aplenty. "For Count" is another Peterson composition, which he attacks full-tilt. "The Good Life" features a more measured tempo and some quieter moments, letting the guitarist carry some of the load, while "On a Clear Day" features a terrific guitar solo. Not the most introspective of recordings, but a prime choice for those who like their piano jazz fast and furious."

AMAZING! (one of the best, if not the best one)

E. Golan | 08/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an album you can acutally listen to with your earphones on you while you're on the go...



Lots of jazz albums are great, but not great enough that you can listen to them with earphones and give them your full attention.



Oscar Peteron at his best."