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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The two Songbook series (1952-4 & 1959) represented in Oscar Peterson Plays The Gershwin Songbook were not just major enterprises but badly misunderstood ones. Even critics sympathetic to the pianist have bemoaned the brevity of the tracks and consequent thinness of improvisation; that is fundamentally to ignore Oscar's overriding purpose, which was to focus on the composers' art, not his own. So forget about OP the concert virtuoso and wallow instead in two dozen immaculately intelligent tributes to an incomparable talent, incorporating a succession of arrangements that commemorate the imagination and depth of Peterson's musical brain. If wishing to sample, go for the 1959 "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off", a miniature masterpiece distinguished for its wit, exquisite touch and infallible pulse. But don't hang about: the 1952 album appeared (briefly) on vinyl in the mid 1980s, while its 1959 companion has been unavailable for well over a generation. --Richard Palmer
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The 2 albums on this disc were recorded in 1959 and 1952 and both feature Ray Brown on bass. The first 12 tracks have Ed Thigpen on drums and the second 12 have Barney Kessel on guitar.
Gershwin was a great choice for Oscar Peterson to interpret and song after song gets a definitive treatment. It is so good to have these 2 albums on a single CD as 24 of the greatest make it a real steal and a collectors bag. Crisp sound overall. Search this one out and snap it up!
Gershwin was a great choice for Oscar Peterson to interpret and song after song gets a definitive treatment. It is so good to have these 2 albums on a single CD as 24 of the greatest make it a real steal and a collectors bag. Crisp sound overall. Search this one out and snap it up!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I really enjoyed some songs but overall it isn't as good as the Cole Porter songbook Oscar Peterson Plays The Cole Porter Songbook
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
11 reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Fascinating And Lively Rhythms
8 Nov 2004
Format:Audio CD
Anyone who loves jazz will not miss Oscar Peterson in his/her jazz vocabulary. An extraordinary pianist known for his improvisation and distinctive style, Mr. Peterson is one of the greatest jazz icons who has recorded and performed myriads of the best melodies of all-time, most notably the compositions of a musical genius, George Gershwin, who had endless capabilities of composing melodious tunes that are so pleasing to the ears.
This remarkable CD consists of some of the most-loved Gershwin tunes. The last half were recorded in 1952 backed by Peterson's long-time collaborators and two of the best musicians in the jazz scene, Ray Brown and Barney Kessel. The the first twelve were recorded in 1959 with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen. There are two equally outstanding versions of "Love Walked In" (tracks 3 & 24), "It Ain't Necessarily So" (tracks 1 & 15), "I Was Doing All Right" (tracks 4 & 19), "A Foggy Day" (tracks 5 & 23), "Lady Be Good" (tracks 6 & 21) and "The Man I Love" (tracks 2 & 13).
My favorites? These are all lively performances, but my choices include "A Foggy Day," "Love Walked In," "I've Got A Crush On You," "Love Is Here To Stay," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "The Man I Love" and " 'S Wonderful."
This is one great CD to own. I listen to it when I'm in a bubbly mood. I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy listening to it as much as I do. It's more than an hour of listening pleasure not only for Gershwin and Peterson aficionados, but also for anyone who appreciates lively and vibrant piano music.
Wholeheartedly recommended!
This remarkable CD consists of some of the most-loved Gershwin tunes. The last half were recorded in 1952 backed by Peterson's long-time collaborators and two of the best musicians in the jazz scene, Ray Brown and Barney Kessel. The the first twelve were recorded in 1959 with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen. There are two equally outstanding versions of "Love Walked In" (tracks 3 & 24), "It Ain't Necessarily So" (tracks 1 & 15), "I Was Doing All Right" (tracks 4 & 19), "A Foggy Day" (tracks 5 & 23), "Lady Be Good" (tracks 6 & 21) and "The Man I Love" (tracks 2 & 13).
My favorites? These are all lively performances, but my choices include "A Foggy Day," "Love Walked In," "I've Got A Crush On You," "Love Is Here To Stay," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "The Man I Love" and " 'S Wonderful."
This is one great CD to own. I listen to it when I'm in a bubbly mood. I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy listening to it as much as I do. It's more than an hour of listening pleasure not only for Gershwin and Peterson aficionados, but also for anyone who appreciates lively and vibrant piano music.
Wholeheartedly recommended!
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
An essential album for every collection.
17 Oct 2002
Format:Audio CD
Oscar Peterson + George Gershwin. What a combination! Peterson and his veteran trio sound brilliant on this gorgeous disc. My wife, a recent jazz fan, loves this disc. It has a bouyant, ebulient, feel to it while simultaneously being an essential after hours recording. I have to give props to bassist Ray Brown who just kicks a$$ here. Peterson often sounds restrained here, which is a bit different, yet he is no less inspired or fiery. As for the songs, well, its Gershwin. What more do you need to know?
Essential.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Oscar 's Trio at Its Best - Ten Stars - A Jazz Album of Beauty & Grace
10 April 2006
Format:Audio CD
The 1st 12 songs were the ones actually released on the original album. A Foggy Day when Oscar hits the bridge (Middle Part) where he plays the melody so graciously almost angelic to a point with Ray Brown walking his distinct bass lines the song mezmorizes you. You'll keep playing it over and over. Many of the 1st 12 songs are like that. I believe the trio's interpretation of melody was at its zenith when it recorded this album. Can Jazz be a thing of beauty and grace? This album says so.
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