Ray Brown Trio

This two-CD set combines two separate concerts by the Oscar Peterson Trio. The bulk of this Jazz Lips compilation is devoted to The Complete Tokyo Concert 1964, previously only available as a Pablo LP or CD in Japan. With Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen providing their usual sterling support, covering favorite standards, time-tested jazz compositions (many of which were still relatively new at the time) like "I Remember Clifford" and "Bags' Groove," plus Peterson's stirring, gospel-infused "Hymn to Freedom." Peterson does his share of showing off his tremendous chops, though he is remarkably restrained on the ballad features, except for the rollicking setting of "Tonight" (from the musical West Side Story) and a ridiculously fast "Yours Is My Heart Alone"…

This two-CD set combines two separate concerts by the Oscar Peterson Trio. The bulk of this Jazz Lips compilation is devoted to The Complete Tokyo Concert 1964, previously only available as a Pablo LP or CD in Japan. With Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen providing their usual sterling support, covering favorite standards, time-tested jazz compositions (many of which were still relatively new at the time) like "I Remember Clifford" and "Bags' Groove," plus Peterson's stirring, gospel-infused "Hymn to Freedom." Peterson does his share of showing off his tremendous chops, though he is remarkably restrained on the ballad features, except for the rollicking setting of "Tonight" (from the musical West Side Story) and a ridiculously fast "Yours Is My Heart Alone"…

Although the music here was originally said to be recorded in Europe, it actually comes from a Chicago concert, and the five additional selections were supposedly performed in Chicago, but are from an appearance in Los Angeles. Despite the geographical mixups, the music is consistently brilliant and often wondrous. The trio of Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, and Ray Brown had been together for over four years, and these would be among the threesome's last (and finest) recordings. The very tricky arrangements sandwiched remarkable solos, with pianist Peterson sounding especially inspired. Together with the Trio at Stratford Shakespearean LP of the previous year, this set features the trio at the peak of its powers. Highlights include "The Lady Is a Tramp," "Budo," and "Daahoud."

Although the music here was originally said to be recorded in Europe, it actually comes from a Chicago concert, and the five additional selections were supposedly performed in Chicago, but are from an appearance in Los Angeles. Despite the geographical mixups, the music is consistently brilliant and often wondrous. The trio of Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, and Ray Brown had been together for over four years, and these would be among the threesome's last (and finest) recordings. The very tricky arrangements sandwiched remarkable solos, with pianist Peterson sounding especially inspired. Together with the Trio at Stratford Shakespearean LP of the previous year, this set features the trio at the peak of its powers. Highlights include "The Lady Is a Tramp," "Budo," and "Daahoud."

West Side Story was a bit of an unusual session for several reasons. First, the popularity of both the Broadway musical and the film version that followed meant that there were many records being made of its music. Second, rather than woodshed on the selections prior to entering the studio, the Oscar Peterson Trio spontaneously created impressions of the musical's themes on the spot. "Something's Coming" seems like a series of vignettes, constantly shifting its mood, as if moving from one scene to the next. Ray Brown plays arco bass behind Peterson in the lovely "Somewhere," while the feeling to "Jet Song" is very hip in the trio's hands. The snappy interplay between the musicians in the brisk setting of "Tonight" turns it into a swinger. "Maria" initially has a light, dreamy quality, though it evolves into a solid groove…

West Side Story was a bit of an unusual session for several reasons. First, the popularity of both the Broadway musical and the film version that followed meant that there were many records being made of its music. Second, rather than woodshed on the selections prior to entering the studio, the Oscar Peterson Trio spontaneously created impressions of the musical's themes on the spot. "Something's Coming" seems like a series of vignettes, constantly shifting its mood, as if moving from one scene to the next. Ray Brown plays arco bass behind Peterson in the lovely "Somewhere," while the feeling to "Jet Song" is very hip in the trio's hands. The snappy interplay between the musicians in the brisk setting of "Tonight" turns it into a swinger. "Maria" initially has a light, dreamy quality, though it evolves into a solid groove…