The Oscar 2024

Oscar Peterson’s trio with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen is widely regarded as Peterson’s “classic trio,” considered by fans as the most popular and in-demand of his long and storied career (featured on releases such as 1963’s Night Train and 1964’s We Get Requests). Recorded during their creative peak in 1964 (5 years into their collaboration), this previously unheard and unreleased live performance is destined to become a fan favorite from the Oscar Peterson vaults.

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."

September 8, 1960 Oscar Pettiford, American bassist/cellist/composer with unparalleled recognition died abruptly at age 38 due to a virus disease in Copenhagen where he had made his permanent residence. He was one of American jazz players Denmark welcomed in in the 60s and 70s. A few weeks after Pettiford's passing a circle of Danish jazz fans organized a memorial concert presented here to raise funds for his children with a star-studded program that included Stan Getz, Alice Babs, among others.

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."