Recorded in 1994, just 14 months after Oscar Peterson's debilitating stroke, the great Canadian pianist's determination and urge to play shines through on this live recording from the Müncher Philharmonie in Germany. Oscar was on a mission to prove that, despite his misfortune, he was still a force to be reckoned with - and he was.
True he couldn't do things with his left hand that he once did but he was still a formidable performer. With NHØP on bass, Martin Drew on drums and Lorne Lofsky on guitar, this was a unit comparable with any of his previous bands. Maybe even better as the once, sometimes over-flamboyant, technique was by necessity reigned in. As the saying goes, it's an ill-wind...
There Will Never be Another You opens with a round of applause as Drew sets the tempo with some crisp brushwork. More applause as NHØP adds a bassline, the applause continues as Lofsky gives an indication of what's to follow. Next time the volume of applause is greater than the combined applause awarded the other three. Peterson sits on the stool of the Bosendorfer grand, his favoured piano of many years, and we're off to the races. I can imagine a first-time listener saying "are you sure he's had stroke?" A good question as he still sounds as wonderful as ever.
The Gentle Waltz is just that, a dreamy original. His right hand at its most dextrous, bass, drums and guitar providing left hand cover. Lofsky solos delightfully, followed by NHØP, at that time the greatest jazz double bassist in the world.
Kelly's Blues, another original - well as original as any blues number can be - has all four digging deep into their twelve bar bag. This is some of the hottest blues playing since Peterson's Blues Etude from way back in 1966. Listen to those rolling piano chords.
Love Ballads, as the title implies simply oozes romance. I don't know if they are new or old to him but they reveal, I guess, Peterson's innermost emotions shared here with the audience and his band. I suspect there wasn't a dry eye in the house. There certainly wasn't in my place.
City Lights, another one in 3/4. Peterson has, over the years, shown an affinity for waltzes. In particular, I remember Waltzing is Hip from the series of albums he recorded in the Black Forest. This one is in that league.
You Look Good to me, sounds good to me. It's a number he has recorded and played live many times. NHØP is amazing on this track. There's various versions on YouTube. It drew the most applause so far.
Samba Petite, composed by NHØP has a long, meandering solo by the bassist before he gradually moves towards samba territory without quite reaching it. He's totally unaccompanied. A tour-de-force of bass playing.
Satin Doll: Lofsky wails, as does Oscar, his quote from Things Ain't What They Used to be maybe a personal reference but nevertheless, even with one hand he sounds like the whole Ellington Band and how the audience responded!
Nightime suggests just that but not in the big city, rather in a quiet village in rural green pastures - at least at first but not for long. The tension builds and soon they're all firing on eight. Will Martin Drew get a solo? So far he's the only one who hasn't although his contribution down in the engine room has been spot on. No, he doesn't get a solo but hey, it would have been a lesser performance without him.
How many stars? Let's give Oscar, Lorne, Niels-Henning and Martin the universe for starters. Lance
Available Nov. 15 (Mack Avenue).
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