Requisites

The Trio ~ The Oscar Peterson Trio | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s record from the library is a live album featuring three jazz giants. The Trio (Pablo Records 2310 701) is aptly named because it captures Oscar Peterson on piano, Joe Pass on guitar, and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass in performance during three nights at the Chicago jazz club, London House. What makes this album unique is the exceptional chemistry between each musician. Oscar Peterson’s virtuosic piano playing, Joe Pass’s innovative guitar techniques, and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen’s melodic bass lines all shine through in this album. My copy is the 1973 U.S. Stereo release.

Side One starts with the first of two tunes by Oscar Peterson. Blues Etude begins at a brisk clip, with Joe and Niels-Henning firing on all cylinders before Oscar joins them for the melody. Oscar reveals his broad range in the song’s only solo, enhanced by Joe and Niels-Henning’s accompaniment. Chicago Blues is a delicious dish of soul food beginning with a lengthy piano introduction ahead of the trio’s slow-paced melody. Oscar opens with a tasty invitation for everyone to come to the table. Joe takes charge with a delicious second course next. Oscar adds another scrumptious dish to the meal, and then Niels-Henning provides the final course with a succulent solo preceding a luscious ending.

Side Two opens with Easy Listening Blues by Nadine Robinson. The trio gets things started with a polite melody. Oscar begins the song’s only solo with a warm caress of the keys, creating a beautiful musical landscape. Meanwhile, Joe and Niels-Henning tail him closely until the theme’s restatement and conclusion. Come Sunday is a beautiful jazz standard by Duke Ellington that becomes the sole showcase of Joe Pass. The guitarist approaches the theme and song’s only solo with a simple directness, resulting in a wonderful expression of incredible beauty culminating with a tender ending and appreciative applause from the audience.

Secret Love by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster is a lively tune that will have you tapping your toes from the trio’s opening ensemble. Oscar is up first with a happy groove that makes a lasting impression on the listener. Joe steps up next and gives a splendid statement; then Oscar adds a few final comments ahead of the theme’s reprise and the audience’s approval. Norman Granz produced The Trio, and it’s unknown who supervised the live recording. However, the album’s sound quality is excellent with a soundstage that transports the listener to the London House audience as the trio is performing.

If you’re discovering the music of Oscar Peterson and are in the mood for a live album where you become part of the live audience at the London House. I invite you to check out The Trio by The Oscar Peterson Trio the next time you visit your favorite record store. It’s a fantastic album that captures three of the most renowned musicians at the top of their game. The Trio is a title highly recommended for a spot in your library, as it not only showcases the individual brilliance of each musician but also their exceptional chemistry, making it a must-have for any jazz enthusiast!

~ Come Sunday – Source: JazzStandards.com

~ Secret Love – Source: Wikipedia.org

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter

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