Search - Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass :: Porgy & Bess

A little known classic

Louis | San Francisco, US, Canada | 04/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this album and completely disagree with the first reviewer. To me, what Peterson did with the clavichord is brilliant. At times it sounds like a funky fretted instrument, maybe a mandolin. It's neither harpsichord nor piano. Historically, clavichord predates both. By pressing the keys harder, the player can actually bend strings like a blues guitarist. But clavichord is not a loud instrument-- even an acoustic guitar can overpower it. Oscar Peterson and Joe Pass are, of course, masters. The playing is top notch (the album was recorded in a single studio session). Harmonically they don't take Gershwin anyplace he hasn't been before, but their assured feel combined with the novel acoustic blend make this album a constant delight. It probably rates four out of five stars, but I'm giving it five to help counterbalance the extreme low score from the first reviewer."

Unique

William Sommerwerck | Renton, WA USA | 12/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm adding a five-star review to raise the average rating.



30+ years ago, a friend who loved both jazz and classical introduced me to this recording, and it immediately became one of my favorites.



The metallic "bwang" sound of the clavichord (like the piano, it's a percussion instrument) both complements and contrasts with the "plucked" sound of the guitar. I mean no insult to either performer when I say that this is ideal late-night listening. "Exquisite" is not too far off the mark.



Strongly recommended if you want something out of the ordinary. I don't think you'll be disappointed."