Oscar Peterson's spotless, fiery technique can fool you. He's also a jazz pianist with a sensitive side. And on this disc, Telarc gathers some of his best ballad cuts and reveals just how versatile Peterson can be. In his hands, these original tunes are infused with grace, warmth, and just a hint of swing, and they're all worth hearing. "Harcourt Nights" gets a lush orchestral backing thanks to the Michel Legrand Strings. "If You Only Knew" features Peterson and Benny Green together, weaving long, lyrical piano lines, and "Nighttime" features the pianist at his most soft-hued. As usual, Peterson's lightening-fast fingers are astounding, as is his accompaniment (especially tracks featuring Roy Hargrove and Herb Ellis). All of these recordings have been previously released, but it's nice to have so many soulful and gorgeous ballads on one CD. A rare glimpse at Peterson's lesser-heard playing style. --Jason Verlinde
Oscar's Ballads,Oscar Peterson,Telarc,Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Mainstream Jazz,Pop,Swing
Jazz Music:
- Other Side of George Benson [Import]
- Play Bill Holman
- Plays the Music of Elmo Hope
- Polydemic
- Poncho at Montreux [DualDisc] [Enhanced] [Live]
- Power Source
- Priceless Jazz
- Resonance [Live]
- Retrospective 1934-53 [Box set]
- Right Chemistry
Jazz Music
Very Best of [Original recording remastered] [Import]
Piano Sonatas Of Ludwig van Beethoven
Not over Yet 1999, Pt. 1 [CD-single] [Import]
Shades of Purple (+1 Bonus Track) [Import]