Oscar Peterson – The History Of An Artist

Oscar Peterson – The History Of An Artist

The History Of An Artist is a 1974 double LP from legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, released on Pablo Records and produced by the great jazz impresario Norman Granz. Rather than attempting to document Peterson's entire career chronologically, the set brings together recordings made between 1972 and 1974, providing an excellent snapshot of Peterson's mature playing during his early years with Pablo.

The album is particularly attractive for fans of Peterson's swinging, blues-inflected piano style, with the programme moving between jazz standards, original compositions and extended blues performances. Peterson's extraordinary technique is present throughout, but the emphasis is firmly on groove, interaction and the effortless swing that became his trademark.

The opening side gets straight to the point with “R. B. Blues”, a Ray Brown composition, followed by the beautifully lyrical “I Wished On The Moon” and “You Can Depend On Me”. The side closes with Peterson's own “This Is Where It's At”, an extended performance that gives the pianist plenty of room to demonstrate his improvisational range.

The blues becomes even more prominent on Side B with “Okie Blues” and “Texas Blues”, separated by the upbeat standard “I Want To Be Happy”. These performances demonstrate Peterson's remarkable ability to combine technically dazzling piano with a deeply rhythmic, blues-rooted approach.

The second record broadens the programme with Duke Ellington material including “Mainstem”, “Don't Get Around Much Anymore” and “In A Sentimental Mood”. There is also a strong tribute element in “Greasy Blues (For Count Basie)” and “Sweety Blues (For Harry Edison)”, while “Swamp Fire” and “Gay's Blues” keep the blues at the heart of the collection.

The musicianship across the set is exceptional. Peterson is joined at various points by some of the finest players associated with his career, including bassists Ray Brown, Sam Jones and George Mraz, guitarists Irving Ashby, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis, and drummers Louis Hayes and Bobby Durham. The combination of Peterson's piano with these heavyweight jazz musicians gives the album an especially rich ensemble sound.

The closing sequence moves from “The Good Life” to Peterson's own “Richard's Round”, before ending with “Lady Of The Lavender Mist”. Across four sides, The History Of An Artist demonstrates why Peterson remained one of the defining pianists of modern jazz: technically astonishing but never cold, capable of delicate ballad playing as well as muscular blues and hard-swinging ensemble work.

For collectors of Oscar Peterson vinyl, Pablo Records, Norman Granz productions, piano jazz, jazz standards and blues, this UK Pablo 2LP edition is an excellent addition. The original UK release carries catalogue number 2625 702, and the gatefold double-album format gives the extensive programme room to breathe.

Tracklist

Side A

1. R. B. Blues – 3:55
2. I Wished On The Moon – 7:36
3. You Can Depend On Me – 7:00
4. This Is Where It's At – 7:50

Side B

1. Okie Blues – 8:45
2. I Want To Be Happy – 4:20
3. Texas Blues – 7:35

Side C

1. Mainstem – 5:10
2. Don't Get Around Much Anymore – 3:12
3. Swamp Fire – 2:52
4. In A Sentimental Mood – 5:09
5. Greasy Blues (For Count Basie) – 5:20
6. Sweety Blues (For Harry Edison) – 2:59

Side D

1. Gay's Blues – 6:00
2. The Good Life – 5:15
3. Richard's Round – 4:20
4. Lady Of The Lavender Mist – 4:15