The Oscar Peterson Trio at Zardi's
This 1955 Hollywood nightclub recording finds pianist Oscar Peterson, guitaristHerb Ellis, and bassistRay Brownin superbly relaxed form. Except for two Peterson originals, the double-disc program consists entirely of standards. The solos are more concise than on later Peterson albums, with no tune lasting more than about six and a half minutes. But what's truly remarkable here is how the three musicians lend rhythmic support to each other while at the same time carrying on a rapid-paced, melodic conversation. Not many bassists can walk and sing at the same time the way Brown does. No way a drummer could have helped this group swing any harder.--Rick Mitchell