C Jam Blues – 1964
Oscar Peterson
Superb swinging by the mighty pianist
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Oscar Peterson was quite simply one of the greatest pianists of all time, and it is doubtful if any other pianist could ever outswing him.
Peterson’s superb technique and his very prolific recording career led some to think that O.P. was a bit overrated while some others seemed to take him for granted.
However this performance, a version of “C Jam Blues” from a Danish concert in 1964 with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen, is so outstanding that one can only imagine a bare handful of pianists playing at this level.
Peterson’s effortless virtuosity (check out his unaccompanied solo at the beginning), his creative ideas during the many two-bar breaks, and his tightness with his illustrious trio make this a classic performance that is impossible not to enjoy.
-Scott Yanow
