A Jazz Odyssey

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Oscar Peterson - A Jazz Odyssey - CD

AMAZON
A Jazz Odyssey is both a book and a CD from Oscar Peterson, although Richard Palmer edited the book and chose this CD reissue compilation. On both counts he can say to have excelled himself, for the book is absorbingly concise and this CD is a healthy and balanced cross section of Peterson's main musical activities and proclivities.

To say that Peterson has recorded prolifically would be an understatement, but few would argue against his most definitive period being between 1950 and, say, 1968. Most of that time was covered by Norman Granz's various labels, while Limelight and the MPS label, both now owned by the Verve group, cover the latter years in the period.

In this CD, Peterson is heard as a soloist, group leader, vocal accompanist and instrumental accompanist. His great trios with Ray Brown and guitarists Herb Ellis or Barney Kessel are highlighted, as is the superb group with Brown and Thigpen. He supports stars like Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie as well as essaying some of his best-known numbers in a fine collation that includes four tracks new to CD. --Keith Shadwick