Oscar Peterson The Gershwin Songbooks
Label: Verve
Format: [email protected]
In what was a giant undertaking (even for producer Norman Granz), pianist Oscar Peterson recorded ten Songbook albums during 1952-1954 and when his trio changed, nine more in 1959. Both of his George Gershwin projects (one from 1952 and the other from 1959) have been reissued in full on this single CD. The earlier date matches the brilliant Peterson with guitarist Barney Kessel and bassist Ray Brown, while the 1959 session has Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen. The Songbook series found Peterson playing concise (around three-minute) versions of tunes, and he always kept the melody in the forefront. The results are not innovative or unique, but they are tasteful and reasonably enjoyable. Since five of the songs are played by both groups, a comparison between the two units is interesting. ~ Scott Yanow
TRACKLIST
Recorded at Universal Recording Studios, Chicago, Illinois between July 21 and August 1, 1959. Originally released on Verve (V6-2054).
Oscar Peterson (piano); Ray Brown (bass); Ed Thigpen (drums).
01. It Ain't Necessarily So (2:49)
02. The Man I Love (3:09)
03. Love Walked In (2:49)
04. I Was Doing All Right (2:51)
05. A Foggy Day (2:55)
06. Oh, Lady, Be Good (3:02)
07. Love Is Here To Stay (2:59)
08. They All Laughed (2:32)
09. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off (2:20)
10. Summertime (2:58 )
11. Nice Work If You Can Get It (2:08 )
12. Shall We Dance? (2:19)
Recorded in Los Angeles, California in late 1952. Originally released on Clef (MGC 605).
Oscar Peterson (piano); Barney Kessel (guitar); Ray Brown (bass)
13. The Man I Love (3:35)
14. Fascinating Rhythm (3:01)
15. It Ain't Necessarily So (3:18 )
16. Somebody Loves Me (3:25)
17. Strike Up the Band (3:18 )
18. I've Got A Crush On You (2:57)
19. I Was Doing All Right (2:46)
20. 'S Wonderful (2:39)
21. Oh, Lady, Be Good (3:54)
22. I Got Rhythm (3:20)
23. A Foggy Day (3:41)
24. Love Walked In (3:06)
