I have never cared much for the piano playing of Oscar Peterson. He was of course a superb technician but his playing mostly lacked passion, this being concealed by virtuosity. He was at his best when accompanying vocalists. In 1961 he and his trio members (Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums) recorded with vibraphone master Milt Jackson. Jackson never lacked passion and always spoke the language of blues-rooted jazz and maybe he brought out the best in Peterson. I recommend the Jackson/Peterson recording of the Adderley classic composition ‘Work Song’. Peterson’s solo, simple and John Lewis-like in its economy and Blues tinge, leaves me wishing he and Jackson had teamed up more frequently. Enjoy!
Work Song: By Oscar Peterson
