Search - Oscar Peterson :: Live From Chicago

Nearly Great

S J Buck | Kent, UK | 04/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"At this stage of his career (1961) Oscar Peterson was at effortless peak that he maintained for an incredibly longtime (basically the 1950's to the mid 1980's.



This is best represented by 'Chicago'. Starting with an inspired introduction which keeps you guessing what the tune will be, followed by a gradual change up through the gears until at 7:13 top gear is reached and the band are absolutely swinging. Now Oscar is really flying, bits of stride Piano, double handed parts that require virtuoso technique... This is an astounding performance that everybody should have in their Jazz Piano collection.



The sound is pretty good but the the limitations of a club recording from 1961 are clearly evident (chinking of cutlery/glasses etc) on the quieter tracks. However this should not stop from purchasing the album. I have only given it 4 stars as there is a remastered edition with another five tracks on it available in the UK and this is a much better buy.

"