Oscar Peterson Plays the Duke Ellington Song Book [Compilation]

Artist: Oscar Peterson
Total time: 72:50
Label: Polygram
Availability: Sold out
Item #: 21050722

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Review

Twice in the 1950s, pianist Oscar Peterson recorded an extensive series of songbooks devoted to one composer. From 1952-53, Peterson, guitarist Barney Kessel and bassist Ray Brown were extensively documented; in 1959, the pianist joined up with Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen to repeat many of the programs (since the group had changed and the music could now be cut in stereo) plus additional songbooks. This 1999 CD brings together both of Peterson's Duke Ellington tributes; the same dozen songs were recorded with each of the two groups. The Duke Ellington-associated material -- which includes two songs by Mercer Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" -- mostly consist of familiar songs, except for Mercer Ellington's "John Hardy's Wife." While the earlier session has a fair amount of variety in tempo and mood, with Kessel offering a competing and complementary solo voice to the pianist, the 1959 album was obviously put together very quickly during a two-month period when Peterson was being recorded constantly. Most of the latter songs are taken at slower and more relaxed tempos that make the playing close to easy listening background music. A comparison of the different versions of most of the songs shows the difference. However, due to the generosity of this reissue (24 concise selections that almost total 73-minutes) and the former rarity of the material (especially the Kessel date), Peterson fans will want to acquire this. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Read About This Recording

One of jazz's greatest pianists, Oscar Peterson became a household name in the 1950s, leading a series of trios that also featured bassist Ray Brown. Peterson's ability to swing at all tempos, his phenomenal technique and his virtuosic yet melodic style made him one of the most popular pianists and he has been a major force on his instrument for over a half-century. With producer Norman Granz in his corner, Peterson also became extremely prolific, recording scores of worthy albums.

Among Peterson's projects in the 1950s were two extensive series of songbooks. Although songbook projects have become quite common nowadays, in the '50s they were still a rarity. Peterson recorded many albums dedicated to the work of one composer with his guitar trios (with either Barney Kessel or Herb Ellis) and later in the 1950s with drummer Ed Thigpen and Brown.

Plays the Duke Ellington Song Book is a particularly generous reissue for, in addition to bringing back Peterson's 1952 project with Kessel and Brown, there is also his complete 1959 set of Ellington tunes with Brown and Thigpen. Peterson recorded the same dozen songs seven years apart but the arrangements and the sound of his groups are quite different, making for fascinating comparisons. Among the gems are such songs as "Things Ain't What They Used To Be," "In a Mellow Tone," "I Got it Bad," "Cotton Tail" and "Take The A Train."

Lovers of the classic American popular song, swinging piano and Oscar Peterson in general will enjoy these two fine reissues.

—Scott Yanow

John Hardy's Wife; Sophisticated Lady; Things Ain't What They Used To Be; Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin'; In A Mellow Tone; I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good); Prelude To A Kiss; Cotton Tail; Don't Get Around Much Anymore; Take The A Train; Rockin' In Rhythm; Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me.

(All tracks feature alternate versions with Thigpen replacing Kessel.)

Oscar Peterson, Piano; Barney Kessel, Guitar; Ray Brown, Bass; Ed Thigpen, Drums.

CD Special Features

"Oscar becomes a melodic machine gun." *** 1/2 —Down Beat 1960

• 2 LPs on 1 CD

• First time on CD

• Meticulous audio restoration

• High resolution, 96 kHz, 24-bit digital transfer

• New liner notes, photographs, original cover art and more

Tracks + Soundclips

Oscar Peterson Plays the Duke Ellington Song Book [Compilation]
	1. John Hardy's Wife	3:24
	2. Sophisticated Lady	3:01
	3. Things Ain't What They Used to Be	3:16
	4. Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'	3:45
	5. In a Mellow Tone	3:09
	6. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)	3:17
	7. Prelude to a Kiss	3:19
	8. Cotton Tail	3:53
	9. Don't Get Around Much Anymore	4:00
	10. Take the "A" Train	3:19
	11. Rockin' in Rhythm	2:56
	12. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me	3:01
	13. Don't Get Around Much Anymore	2:33
	14. Sophisticated Lady	2:26
	15. Rockin' in Rhythm	2:16
	16. Prelude to a Kiss	2:32
	17. In a Mellow Tone	3:43
	18. Cotton Tail	2:26
	19. Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'	2:58
	20. Things Ain't What They Used to Be	3:07
	21. Take the "A" Train	3:05
	22. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)	3:14
	23. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me	2:17
	24. John Hardy's Wife	2:34