Universal Music Group releases a re-mastered vinyl of an iconic collaboration.
The Oscar Peterson Trio With Milt Jackson – Very Tall – Verve Records V6-8429 (1962)/Universal Music Group B0037378-01 (2023) 180-gram stereo vinyl, 40:56 *****
(Oscar Peterson – piano; Ray Brown – double bass; Ed Thigpen – drums; Milt Jackson – vibes)
Universal Music Group has released a 180-gram vinyl of the 1962 Verve album, The Oscar Peterson Trio With Milt Jackson – Very Tall. This is the first collaboration between Peterson and Jackson…and it is simply great!. Accompanied by Ray Brown (double bass) and Ed Thigpen (drums), the “quartet” covers two Jackson songs and four covers. Side One opens with the jazz standard, “On Green Dolphin Street”. From the onset, it is apparent that Peterson is trying to bring the vibraphonist into the ensemble. In a gentle swing arrangement, the trio lays down a finger-snapping groove that launches Jackson’s first percolating solo. His playing is bluesy and fluid. Peterson follows in a laid-back run that is not customary, but still very impressive. His sense of delicacy and higher-register articulation is flawless. Brown and Thigpen are in lockstep and Jackson finishes with stylish reverberation. “Heartstrings” exudes a late night ballad resonance. Jackson takes the first verse with Peterson’s tender counterpoint..His feathery touch distills the tenderness of the composition. At the 4:00 mark, the tempo gains a slight uptick before a gossamer finale. The innate chemistry of this group is undeniable. Picking up the pace, Nat Adderley’s groove fest, “The Work Song” swings with attitude. Here, Brown and Thigpen are one of the tightest rhythm sections in the jazz world. Jackson’s scintillating lead and soloing (with Brown’s racing double bass) are compelling. Peterson comes in with ferocity injecting bluesy chords and dextrous notation. Both of these legends exchange and complement each other seamlessly.
Laying down a funky gospel template, “John Brown’s Body” (a takeoff on “Battle Hymn Of The Republic”) is a master class of medium swing, jazzy blues. Jackson (like many of the arrangements) handles the first and third solo with his relaxed, precise execution. Peterson is dynamic with his vibrant, soulful and at times soaring accents., It feels like this group has been playing together for years. Jazz artists have had a tradition of covering Broadway tunes. Peterson and Jackson shine on the relentlessly cheery “A Wonderful Guy” from South Pacific. In this translation, a sprightly 3/4 time signature gives the jam a breezy countenance. Again, the dynamic of the two soloists trading solos and improvising with each other really works. Ray Brown kicks off the finale, “Reunion Blues” with a lithe run. Both Peterson and Jackson join in as the band transitions to swing. Thigpen powers the quartet. Jackson’s angular, magnetic solo is framed by the trio. It is colorful and performed with alacrity. Peterson embraces the head-nodding celebration with his unique blend of right-hand techniques and “cool” shading. Jackson and Peterson both deliver call and responses with their band mates. A slow fade ending is a nice touch.
Very Tall is more than a jazz album…it is an historical document of jazz icons at their peak. The re-mastered sound mix (Ryan Smith/Sterling Sound) is excellent with great stereo separation. The vibraphone tonality is captured with attention to the echo and reverberation. The hi-gloss gatefold packaging is top notch and makes this a valuable addition to any vinyl jazz collection.
—Robbie Gerson
Very Tall
TrackList:
Side One: Green Dolphin Street; Heartstrings; The Work Song
Side Two: John Brown’s Body; A Wonderful Guy; Reunion Blues.
