Oscar Peterson - Plays Duke Ellington Song Book (Verve, 1952)

MP3/320kbps

This CD combines two LPs devoted to the same Duke Ellington material recorded by different versions of the Oscar Peterson trio. The first is of particular interest. Dating from 1952, it was a special event, exploiting the then-new LP format to include a dozen of Ellington's most familiar tunes and featuring a superb band. The young Peterson could generate the swing of a big band, while the similarly virtuosic bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Barney Kessel complement him brilliantly. Together they combine boppish approaches and inspired interplay (and a kinetic energy that you would never expect from a trio without drums) to staples like "In a Mellow Tone," "Take the 'A' Train," and "Rockin' in Rhythm." The second half of the CD is a 1959 stereo remake of the original 1952 session, but with drummer Ed Thigpen taking Kessel's place. Despite the similarity in the material, it's an utterly different session, typical of the masterful manner that Peterson gradually developed. It's well-made music, played with consummate polish and ease and clear regard for the material, though without the inventive edges of the earlier group. --Stuart Broomer

Original recordings produced by Norman Granz
Tracks 1-12 recorded December 1952, probably at Radio Recorders, Hollywood
Tracks 13-24 recorded between July 14 and August 9, 1959 at Universal Recording Studios, Chicago


Track Listing:
1. John Hardy's Wife 3:24
2. Sophisticated Lady 3:01
3. Things Ain't What They Used To Be 3:16
4. Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin'3:45
5. In A Mellow Tone 3:09
6. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 3:17
7. Prelude To A Kiss 3:19
8. Cotton Tail 3:53
9. Don't Get Around Much Anymore 4:00
10. Take The "A" Train3:19
11. Rockin' In Rhythm 2:56
12. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me 3:01
13. Don't Get Around Much Anymore 2:33
14. Sophisticated Lady 2:26
15. Rockin' In Rhythm 2:16
16. Prelude To A Kiss 2:32
17. In A Mellow Tone 3:43
18. Cotton Tail 2:26
19. Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin' 2:58
20. Things Ain't What They Used To Be 3:07
21. Take The "A" Train 3:05
22. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 3:14
23. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me 2:17
24. John Hardy's Wife 2:34