Oscar Peterson - Exclusively For My friends

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These first recordings with the Canadian pianist were created in a legendary living room session in 1961. After a concert in Zurich, Peterson was led through the Black Forest night to MPS-founder Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer‘s villa in Villingen, where he was received by a small group of enthusiastic friends. And that‘s how he can be experienced on this ‚pilot‘ album from the box set Exclusively For My Friends, in a markedly cosy atmosphere with his accompanists Ray Brown (b) and Ed Thigpen (drums). Cole Porter‘s „At Long Last Love“ bubbles over with liveliness, while the two Gershwin adaptations „I‘ve Got a Crush on You“ and „Foggy Day“, are at once lyrical and dreamy while still possessing a tender exuberance. The balanced interaction of the trio is clearly audible in the ballad „Easy Walker“ which strides along in an almost outrageously relaxed mood. On „Like Someone in Love“, Peterson allows his wealth of modulation and eloquent improvisations to cite his role model, Art Tatum, but also offers Thigpen room for an excellent solo. However, the star of this record is without a doubt the rousing, Latininfected „Tin Tin Dao“ with its fantastic rolling figures and flying improvisations. The recording of that legendary night in 1961 (after it was allowed to appear seven years later due to Peterson‘s contractual obligations) was the starting point of the MPS catalogue.

Musicians:
Oscar Petersen - piano
Ray Brown - bass
Ed Thigpen - drums

Recorded in the private studio of Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer
Recording director & engineer: Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer

Label: MPS