When Summer Comes – 2004
Oscar Peterson
Beautiful ballad playing by Oscar Peterson
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Oscar Peterson (1925-2007) was one of the greatest pianists of all time, a brilliant artist who outswung everyone.
In 1993 he suffered a stroke that resulted in a major weakening of his left side including his left hand.
Despite that, by 1995 he was back playing again as more or less a one-handed pianist.
He covered up that deficiency by utilizing a sympathetic quartet and no longer taking unaccompanied solos.
Peterson’s rendition of “When Summer Comes” (one of his finest compositions) is quite touching; it also features guitarist Ulf Wakenius and bassist Niels Pederson with a supportive Alvin Queen on drums.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald