| Jazz |
Regularly, our friends at Mack Avenue unearth a hidden gem from the greatest names in jazz. This isn’t the first time with Oscar Peterson, yet this new release is remarkable, as the mixing and mastering lend it a freshness that belies its age. Although recorded in 1994, a time when recording techniques were quite different, the result is absolutely stunning. Throughout his decades-long career, Oscar Peterson achieved what seemed nearly impossible: crafting greatness in every note and captivating new generations of fans worldwide, despite life’s challenges. In 1994, only a year after a stroke weakened his left hand, Peterson took the stage in Munich to demonstrate to his collaborators, his fans, and himself that the title of “Maharaja of the Keyboard,” bestowed by Duke Ellington, still held true. Reinventing his playing style at the age of 68, he revealed his undiminished creative genius and unparalleled mastery of pianistic prowess.
One must remember that Oscar Peterson recorded over 500 albums in his lifetime, and, truly, having listened to most of them, there is not one to discard. Peterson was ahead of his time and remains an enduringly relevant and innovative genius, still a beacon for younger generations. Imagine, if you will, a very young pianist suddenly playing alongside the greatest artists of his era: this was Oscar Peterson’s path, performing with legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Roy Eldridge, Herb Ellis, Clark Terry, Lester Young, and Lionel Hampton. It takes an extraordinary artist to reach such heights, and by all accounts, Oscar Peterson was that rare marvel who left everyone in awe.
Oscar Peterson’s legacy remains powerful. His music is taught in schools across the globe. Thanks to the dedication of Kelly Peterson (The Estate of Oscar Peterson), several projects have been realized, including three previously unreleased archival concerts, the exceptional solo piano project ‘Oscar, With Love’ (featuring internationally renowned artists playing Peterson’s compositions on his cherished Bösendorfer Imperial), the world premiere of ‘Africa Suite’ (with original arrangements by John Clayton), and numerous concerts in Canada and beyond. In 2025, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Peterson’s birth with a series of tribute concerts, and I feel that his true successor is pianist Emmet Cohen, who possesses that same rare ability to craft deeply personal works while elevating every artist he collaborates with. Numerous brilliant examples of Emmet Cohen’s performances with various artists can be easily found online, each marked by a striking intelligence.
This new recording by Oscar Peterson is not only a historical artifact deserving of our utmost respect, but also a profound artistic lesson. We owe gratitude to the Mack Avenue label for upholding the legacy of contemporary art in this way. While I cannot definitively say if this album surpasses the last, I perceive a deeply human, almost vibrant, quality here—a stronger poetic form than in the previous works I discussed, like [this release](https://www.paris-move.com/reviews/oscar-peterson-con-alma-oscar-peterson-trio-live-lugano-1964/) or the one from 2021 https://www.paris-move.com/reviews/oscar-peterson-a-time-for-love-3lp-2021/. Each of these albums is a true marvel, yet Peterson’s genius allows both classic jazz aficionados and modern jazz enthusiasts alike to fully appreciate his work. We therefore bestow upon this album an “Essential” of honor—a title that, indeed, could apply to his entire career.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, November 6th 2024
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Producer: Kelly Peterson
Oscar Peterson – piano
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen – bass Lorne Lofsky – guitar
Martin Drew – drums