The Oscar Peterson Quartet (Album#1, Album#2 and one more...)

Heretofore, one of the disadvantages of making jazz records has been the restrictions of the ten inch 78 r.p.m. record, because all that you could do was three and one-half minutes of music, and your musicians had to produce their best in that short period. As a result, many musicians felt inhibited, and the excitement that comes from improvisation and from building to a climax has pretty generally been lost in this type of recording. 

I thought it a good idea to utilize the Long-Play record with Peterson, and I told him to play as long as he chose, (up to fifteen minutes), and forget the time. "Just play the way you feel". 

I'm sure you'll agree that "The Astaire Blues"’ is some of the most exciting jazz of any type put on record, and certainly nothing like it has been done before with the piano. And, try to restrain your foot from tapping to "Stompin' At The Savoy". Impossible! the beat is just too much!! 

Oscar is complemented by Barney Kessel, his analogue on guitar, and both are assisted by Ray Brown, probably one of the two or three greatest bassists in the country, and Alvin Stoller, a drummer with a thorough background in jazz from Tommy Dorsey's big band to Oscar Peterson's Quartet. If you own a phonograph that plays good records, then this is a must for your collection. *Norman Granz (liner notes)*

Oscar Peterson

The Oscar Peterson Quartet

This 1952 studio session is one of a few recordings made during guitarist Barney Kessel's brief tenure working with Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. Expanded to a quartet for this session by the addition of drummer Alvin Stoller, the group's extended workouts allow for a lot of showmanship, starting with Peterson's rapid-fire "The Astaire Blues", where the pianist's volcanic technique never fails to dazzle. The leader gives Kessel a bit more space in the subdued but swinging renditions of "Stompin' at the Savoy" and "Body and Soul." Brown provides his usual strong pulse, while Stoller's rather light touch is welcome. Although reissued as a Book-of-the-Month Club LP during the '70s, this enjoyable session has been strangely overlooked for reissue on CD. *Ken Dryden*

1 - The Astaire Blues

(Peterson)

2 - Stompin' At The Savoy

(Sampson, Webb, Razaf, Goodman)

3 - Body And Soul

(Green, Heyman, Sour, Eyton)

4 - Oh, Lady Be Good!

(G. and I. Gershwin)

5 - Tea For Two

(Youmans, Caesar)

Oscar Peterson (piano), Barney Kessel (guitar), Ray Brown (bass), Alvin Stoller (drums).

Recorded in Los Angeles, California, February 26, 1952.