| Jazz |
The Mack Avenue label delves into its catalog to bring us this gem on November 14th, allowing us to rediscover Oscar Peterson in a live trio performance. We find OSCAR PETERSON: piano – NIELS-HENNING ØRSTED PEDERSEN: bass – LOUIS HAYES: drums. Producer: Kelly Peterson. As always, the Mack Avenue label has taken special care with the audio files, and despite the analog recording from 1971 being evident, the sound is refined and precise enough to create a work that we will enjoy listening to over and over again.
This is a true novelty that had never been unveiled to the public before, and one wonders why, given how modern and exciting this recording is. Gradually, Mack Avenue is reconstructing the Peterson legend, having released “Oscar With Love” in 2017 and “A Time for Love” in 2021. This live performance in Helsinki is equally captivating because Oscar Peterson embodied the link between historical jazz and contemporary jazz, inspiring thousands of musicians who all admire his genius.
It is always important to have access to these albums, whether as a subject of study (and there is certainly material for an entire musical education!) or simply for the pleasure of listening for enthusiasts of this genre of music.
Oscar Peterson never fails to leave an impression. His music, often joyful and filled with love, can be enjoyed without moderation and reads like an excellent novel. The musicians who make up this trio are all exceptional and highly talented. Allow yourself to be tempted, and you won’t regret it!
The editorial teams of Paris-Move and Bayou Blue Radio particularly appreciate the historical documentary aspect of this album, the quality of the recording, the musicians’ prowess, and the atmosphere of the Zurich audience, perfectly captured, which led us to add the “essential” logo to the cover.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 18th 2023
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