Search - Oscar Peterson :: Trio Live in Chicago

Live jazz at its pinnacle

Mike Pawlows | 08/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jazz is one of those genres that thrives on live recordings. Some of the most exciting music in the relatively brief history of jazz has been recorded in concert.



This album stands among the absolute best live jazz ever captured on a soundboard. Oscar was in his prime during the early 60's, a virtuoso who could go from brutally fast swing to gentle, melancholy blues at the drop of a hat. His mastery of dynamics is very much evident on this album.



Peterson was lucky to be backed by Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums. I mean, could someone ask for a better pair to round out a trio? Having this much talent on one stage is a treat for the ears.



The rendition of "Chicago" on this album is THE best interpretation of the song I've ever heard. It progresses from the classic melody to a break-neck swing session, all in a 9 minute span. If you ever buy a disc for just one song, buy "The Trio" for "Chicago."



This should be on the shelf of any serious fan of Oscar Peterson. Actually, all jazz fans should own this album. It's bliss."

Oscar and the trio really swinging!

Movieman | New Zealand | 07/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in July 1961 at a live performance at the London House nightclub Chicago, Oscar's second trio featured drummer Ed Thigpen, who joined the group in 1959 replacing guitarist Herb Ellis. Together with long-time Peterson bassist Ray Brown, the result added a new dimension to the trio's driving sound. The tune "Sometimes I'm Happy" taken at medium tempo swings for nearly twelve minutes, giving Oscar plenty of time to expand on the theme and allow Ray Brown an extended solo on bass. "Soon" is another medium tempo tour de force at over nine minutes and features Ed Thigpen's superb accompaniment on drums. The up-tempo tracks "Woody n You" and Clifford Brown's "Daahoud" are examples of Oscar's keyboard mastery and the backing from Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen is brilliant with solo's from both! The beauty of "In the Wee Small hours of the Morning" shows Oscar's ability with a ballad. The live recording is well balanced with excellent clarity (almost studio-like)at times and the CD comes with an illustrated booklet giving brief details of the Trio and a description of the tunes played with the fold-out cardboard case having a photograph of the trio in action. On the front cover is a picture of Oscar Peterson with a broad grin on his face and when Oscar and the trio are enjoying themselves, so should you! Highly recommended."

Définitif !

Laurent D. | Toulouse, France | 01/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"J'ai ce disque depuis 20 ans, je l'ai écouté des centaines de fois, c'est définitif. Comme j'ai lu dans un commentaire croustillant de "Jazz Party" de Duke Ellington, si ça ne vous fait pas danser (surtout le n°5), "consider therapy" !

Je viens d'acheter d'occasion le fabuleux "London House" en 5 CD, qui contient notamment les morceaux de "The trio", indispensable. Comment un trio peut-il jouer aussi bien ? Après chaque écoute je me dis que j'ai du rêver !

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