London Concert 1964

Oscar Peterson is featured in a pair of television broadcasts on this European DVD release. The first nine performances find the pianist with his regular trio of 1964, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen. Presumably videotaped for broadcast on the BBC, the audio and video suffer due to being dubs of several generations from the original source, though the selections are well photographed and the music holds up nicely. Peterson takes his time building up a head of steam, as it is not until the fourth song, a blistering interpretation of Ray Bryant's "Cubano Chant," that he really starts to show off his chops. This pace continues through most of the rest of the set, though Milt Jackson's "Reunion Blues" is erroneously credited to the pianist. The final four songs come from vocalist Nat King Cole's short-lived NBC television series in 1957. The singer sings four standards, with Peterson's trio (Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis) being augmented by various Jazz at the Philharmonic All-Stars. Cole's vocals are swinging, though he is generous in featuring his guests. Tenorist Flip Phillips is showcased in "It's Only a Paper Moon" and tenor giant Coleman Hawkins in "Sweet Lorraine," with Peterson prominently featured in "Stompin' at the Savoy" (with backing by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra). Oddly enough, this older video is of better audio and video quality than the 1964 studio set. ~ Ken Dryden|