Oscar Peterson Quartet: A Time For Love – Live In Helsinki, 1987

Rating: ★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Dave Young (b)
Joe Pass (g)
Oscar Peterson
Martin Drew (d)

Label:

Two Lions/Mack Avenue

December/January/2021/2022

Media Format:

2CD, 3LP, DL

Catalogue Number:

MAC1151

RecordDate:

Rec. 17 November 1987

It probably helps to think of Peterson as the Buddy Rich of the keyboard – with absolute technical mastery of every aspect of his chosen instrument, and the desire to demonstrate that mastery at every opportunity.

Actually, that’s slightly unfair to both of them, since they each were capable of discreet accompaniment in numerous Clef/Verve sessions of the 1950s, but on this occasion Peterson is certainly letting it all hang out on the last night of a long tour.

Recorded by Finnish Radio, the concert separates out into a second half of standards (including a 19-minute medley of six Ellington tunes) and a first half consisting of original material, but this comprises considerable variety from the opener ‘Cool Walk’ (a dead ringer for the 1919 standard ‘Ja-Da’) to a three-part suite ‘Salute To JS Bach’ lasting 20 minutes. Many of these individual items include passages of unaccompanied piano that cover several different moods, including subdued chording and jaunty stride-style, although it’s the workmanlike group sound that sets the seal on the outing. Canadian bassist Young has but one solo and Drew none and, while there’s quite a lot of impressive Pass, they’re all ultimately there to serve Peterson, which they do superbly.

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