"After Oscar Peterson's serious stroke in 1993 he didn't record again for Telarc until 1995, though he was evidently recorded without authorization in a 1994 concert in Florida (he had signed an exclusive contract with Telarc in 1990), which appears on this CD. The pianist's lightning-like speed is gone and his left hand provides minimal accompaniment, though his hard swinging right handed lines are more than satisfying, especially on a crowd-pleasing "Fallin' In Love With Love," a sparkling "Stella By Starlight," and the energetic "Sweet Georgia Brown." Originals like his lush ballad "Wheatland" and the more obscure "Celine's Waltz" are also enjoyable. Old friends Lorne Lofsky on guitar, Niels Pedersen on bass, and Martin Drew on drums are very supportive of their leader. This release marks the beginning of a valiant comeback by a highly respected pianist who clearly demonstrates that he still has a lot to say musically after his major illlness." (Allmusic)
"The Easter Suite has remained one of the least known compositions by Oscar Peterson, even though virtually all sources mention it as one of his major works. It was commissioned by the South Bank Show, London Weekend Televisions flagship arts programme, and broadcast nation-wide on Good Friday, April 24th, 1984. Its eight movements follow the events related in the gospel story. This recording of the world premiere performance also features an interview with Peterson, explaining how he went about composing the suite, his initial scepticism about interpreting such a topic in the medium of jazz and his relation to spiritual music. He also describes in detail the various motifs of the work. If the passion and resurrection seem surprising as topics for a longer jazz work, Oscar Peterson with his Easter Suite appears in a long line of other jazz greats, who at least in their later works created religiously inspired works. (bron: Arthaus)
"This two-CD set finds Peterson leading a quartet that employs Joe Pass (g), Martin Drew (d), and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (b). There are no dull or weak moments; the bop-oriented quartet soars on material that ranges from Walter Donaldson's "You Look Good to Me" and Charlie Parker's "Now's the Time" to Peterson's own "The Fallen Warrior," which he dedicates to freedom fighter Nelson Mandela. At the time, Mandela was still in prison and we could only dream about a world in which he was president of South Africa. Not all of the musicians are present on all of the songs, which is a good thing because it makes the concert less predictable. Peterson plays unaccompanied solo piano on Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight" and a medley of Michel Legrand's "Watch What Happens" and pianist Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby," while Pass is by himself on "Easy Living." And bassist Pedersen is the lone wolf on the brief "Future Child." A consistently rewarding document of his 1982 visit to Japan." (Alex Henderson, Allmusic)
"The pairing of Oscar Peterson and Benny Carter in the studio turns out to be a neat and trim session of mutual respect between these two titans of American music. Six standards and a blues jam has Peterson deferring to Carter's alto sax in most instances, as the horn takes the lead with Peterson happy to follow. Guitarist Joe Pass seems an afterthought on most of this material, while Toronto bassist Dave Young and British drummer Martin Drew turn in a reliable and steady rhythmic performance. Young is particularly inspired, with big shoes to fill treading footprints of the brilliant Peterson at the time, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, and is more than up to the task. Considering his age (almost 80,) Carter sounds splendid, as lyrical as ever, and with a slight hint of vibrato or legato inflections and flourishes. This is a sturdy album, spectacular in spots, consistently tasteful, and swinging from top to bottom." (Michael G. Nastos, Allmusic)
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