West Side Story: Oscar Peterson Trio
Peterson has been a consummate interpreter of standards from the outset of his career, a talent extensively documented in his Verve Songbook recordings, but his talents shine in a special light on this 1962 recording ofLeonard Bernsteinsongs fromWest Side Story. Part of the surprise comes from Peterson's playing with expectations, propelling Bernstein's art ballads with potent dance rhythms or adding rhapsodic breadth to dance numbers. Bernstein's harmonies provide plenty of fuel for Peterson's improvisations, while bassistRay Brownand drummer Ed Thigpen complement the pianist with their usual balance of poise and power. With a thoughtful approach taken to each of the musical's themes, this is among the most accomplished--and coherent--jazz adaptations ever undertaken of a Broadway score.--Stuart Broomer