As far as I can see the Tokyo concert performance, presented here over two CDs, has only previously been issued on Japanese Pablo LPs and CDs so its appearance here is to be welcomed. For many this version of the OP Trio, the first with a drummer instead of a guitarist, was the most accomplished and rewarding, each member at one with the others, their efforts perfectly dovetailed as was their propensity for swing. The latter quality is beautifully illustrated on the opening ‘Reunion Blues’, the initial piano statement over a broken rhythm before bass and drums lock in as Peterson begins to pour out the notes. His Tatum-like complexity is paragraphed by stomping phrases, before Brown solos adroitly and at length and Oscar duets with Ed. Peterson was quoted as saying, “the trio with Ed and Ray; that was six years of unbelievable music”. And on this evidence it's easy to see why he would place this evaluation on their work together. The playing is simply outstanding, the level of inspiration quite dazzling, without any signs of ennui or inertia, the collective momentum a wonder to behold, as each of these 17 pieces is explored at length. Of course, there will be some, in fact there were many, who cavil at what the English critic Burnett James called Peterson's ‘flowery fussiness’. Let them do so if they wish, and allow the rest of us to enjoy this feast of improvisation and swing. Given the extent of the trio's touring and recording commitments during this period, they could be excused the occasional off day. Not so this time. The Japanese loved it all and so should you. As is customary with what I take to be a label of Andorran origin, there are a further seven tracks, none of which duplicate any of the Tokyo tune choices. They're from a Copenhagen concert that took place the following year and which apparently marked the final bow for this particular trio. Unbeatable music.