Oscar Peterson: Plays The Cole Porter Songbook

Rating: ★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Barney Kessel (g, 12 tracks)
Ray Brown (b)
Herb Ellis (b, one track)
Alvin Stoller (d, one track)
Ed Thigpen (d, 13 tracks)
Oscar Peterson (p, v, one track)

Label:

20th Century Masterpieces

June/2022

Media Format:

CD

Catalogue Number:

170057

RecordDate:

Rec. 25 November 1951–1 August 1959

This is a typically well-researched and intelligently assembled compilation from the people who process their productions through Andorra. It leads off with the 12-track LP of 1959, adding another Porter item from Peterson’s Jazz Portrait Of Frank Sinatra, before moving on to his 1952 mono LP with Kessel instead of Thigpen, preceded by two more titles from the same period, and concluding with one of Peterson’s few vocals from when Ellis had replaced Kessel.

Very thorough, with only six duplications of material. But especially the 1959 sessions sound dutiful rather than inspired, sticking closely to Porter’s melodies with simple and rather glib arrangements lasting on average three minutes. The earlier material is perhaps slightly more stimulating, because of the presence of the guitar, although its improvised solos are few and far between. Compared to the many available examples of Peterson grooving or stretching out, this seems like something these guys could play in their sleep.

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