Oscar Peterson • 1951 CD
Recorded for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and little heard since then, these radio transcriptions (reissued on CD by Just a Memory) feature the brilliant Oscar Peterson when he was just 25, only two years after being "discovered" by Norman Granz. Peterson performs 20 concise duets with Canadian bassist Auston Roberts; only three songs are over three minutes, and five are under two. Although Peterson's style was pretty bop-oriented during this era, he sticks mostly to swing standards. O.P.'s virtuosity was already quite developed, and he rips into such songs as "Flying Home," "I've Got Rhythm," "Seven Come Eleven," "Air Mail Special" and "Get Happy," making every moment of the brief performances count. This melodic and enjoyable set is recommended even to Oscar Peterson fans who already have over 100 of his records.
1 For You (Joe Burke / Al Dubin) 2:05
2 Pennies from Heaven (Johnny Burke / Arthur Johnston) 2:33
3 Whispering (Richard H. Coburn / Vincent Rose / John Schoenberger) 1:50
4 Body and Soul (Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour) 3:22
5 Flying Home (Benny Goodman / Lionel Hampton / Sydney Robin) 1:50
6 Hungarian Dance (Johannes Brahms) 3:00
7 Gypsy in My Soul (Clay Boland / Moe Jaffe) 3:00
8 I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You (Bing Crosby / Ned Washington / Victor Young) 2:30
9 I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles (James Brockman / John Kellette / James Kendis / Nat Vincent) 2:15
10 I Got Rhythm (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin) 2:40
11 Tea for Two (Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans) 2:55
12 The Man I Love (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin) 2:35
13 Rose Room (Art Hickman / Harry Williams) 2:10
14 Yesterdays (Otto Harbach / Jerome Kern) 3:18
15 Seven Come Eleven (Charlie Christian / Benny Goodman) 1:45
16 Just You 2:00
17 To a Wild Rose (Edward MacDowell) 2:35
18 Air Mail Special (Charlie Christian / Benny Goodman / Jimmy Mundy) 1:50
19 Night and Day (Cole Porter) 3:40
20 Get Happy (Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler) 1:40
Just a Memory Records