This is a great first-time release of a 1964 Oscar Peterson Trio concert.
The Oscar Peterson Trio – Oscar Peterson Con Alma – Live In Lugano, 1964 Two Lions/Mack Avenue Music Group MAC1207LP Limited Edition light blue vinyl (includes digital download), Record Store Day [11-24-2023], 43:49 ****1/2:
(Oscar Peterson – piano; Ray Brown – double bass; Ed Thigpen – drums)
Over an impressive decades-long career, pianist Oscar Peterson has recorded over 200 albums and earned 8 Grammys. Jazz fans have appreciated his many live performances. Peterson (in duos, trios and quartets) became submerged in the music and the intrinsic brand cohesion. Peterson’s technical expertise and musical vision were best reflected in his trio work. Mack Avenue Music Group/Two Lions Records have released a previously unavailable concert album, Oscar Peterson Con Alma. Joining the “Maharaja Of The Keyboard” are double bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen. Recorded in Lugano, Switzerland, this 1964 performance is classic Peterson.
Things get off to a finger-snapping cool start on fellow legend Bill Evans’ “Waltz For Debby”. Peterson’s low-keyed swing and amazing precision are impressive. At the 1;30 mark, he transitions from 3/4 time structure to medium-swing. O.P. balances improvisational flourishes with funky blues accents. The trio maneuvers through tempo changes and moods with fluidity. “My One And Only Love” is a gentle flowing reverie with late-night resonance. Peterson’s alternates right hand trills and flourishes with atmospheric chords. His ability to distill the melodic essence of a song and transform it into exciting jazz is impressive. There is a reference to “Someone To Watch Over me” that is a nice touch. The final verse showcases the chemistry of these three musicians. Picking up the pace, Peterson displays his acuity for The Great American Songbook on “I Could Write A Book”. His bona fide swing credentials are on full display with muscular and percolating runs. The rhythm section is in lockstep as O.P. glides furiously across the keys. The melody remains intact during the formidable improvisation. Brown’s galloping bass lines and Thigpen’s drum fills are compelling.
Dialing up the heat, the original composition “Blues For My Landlady” is funky and replete with soulful grooves that touch on various jazz and blue stylings. At approximately 2:10, the trio shifts into a freewheeling jam. Peterson’s intensity is matched by his band mates. Anchored by the relentless Brown (who solos with the pianist), the audience responds to Thigpen’s Herculean solo. Peterson’s sense of timing and phrasing is impeccable as the up tempo translation never falters. With Brown on bowed double bass, the syncopated nuances of Dizzy Gillespie’s (who has recorded this with Peterson) title cut brings out some of the classical-infused, moody interpretative skills. A mid-song vamp transitions to Latin motifs with great energy. There are ethereal interludes with cool jazz accents. Gershwin has always been a favorite of jazz pianists. In what feels like waltz-time, “It Ain’t Necessarily So” is sinewy and showcases Peterson’s sense of timing and sweeping gospel essence. In essence, the well-known number from Porgy And Bess becomes a Peterson standard. The hushed fade is memorable.
Oscar Peterson – Con Alma is another winning release from Mack Avenue Music Group. New live music from this icon is a welcome addition to jazz lore. The sound mix is vibrant with good stereo separation. Vinyl aficionados will be enthusiastic over the dazzling light blue vinyl and top-notch album cover art.
—Robbie Gerson
Oscar Peterson Trio: Con Alma
TrackList:
Side A:
Waltz For Debby;
My One And Only Love;
I Could Write A Book
Side B:
Blues For My Landlady;
Con Alma;
It Ain’t Necessarily So
More Information through Record Store Day