Pianist Oscar Peterson and flugelhornist Clark Terry first teamed up on records got a pair of big band dates in 1962.
However they really made an impact together on their 1964 album Oscar Peterson + One which, in addition to heated instrumentals, had Clark Terry’s first humorous nonsense vocal “Mumbles.”
In 1965, Terry toured Europe as a special guest with the Oscar Peterson Trio which also included bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen; a memorable miniset from March 23 was captured for posterity from their concert in Finland.
First Peterson, Brown, and Thigpen play a “warm-up tune,” following a fast melody chorus of “Yours Is My Heart Alone” by doubling the tempo which makes Brown in particular work quite hard.
Clark Terry then joins the group which launches into a rapid version of “Mack The Knife” as if to test the flugelhornist.
Not only does C.T. take a heated solo but, after Peterson’s spot, he comes back with an even hotter one.
Terry is in the spotlight or “Blues For Smedley” (which includes a “conversation” between his flugelhorn and muted trumpet), a warm rendition of “Misty,” and a version of “Mumbles” that simply cannot be followed.
This is a great way to spend 25 minutes.
-Scott Yanow
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