Oscar Peterson Trio – Walking The Line (180g LP)

MPS – 86MSW 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl, AAA 100% Analogue
Pressed in Germany – Limited Edition
This, another trio album and one with Peterson solo, were recorded at the Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer Studio in Villingen, Germany on November 10 through 13, 1970.
“Walking The Line” came about during the middle of this period of their work. An added bonus to this vinyl release is Hubertus Mall’s fantastic drawing of Peterson featured on the cover.
In a world of legendary jazz pianists, Canadian Oscar Peterson easily stands among his peers as an equal. With eight Grammys, numerous honorary teaching degrees and a sixty year performance career, O.P. brought technical mastery and dynamic elegance to his craft. Among his peers (most notably Ray Charles), he is regarded as the technician who was closest to Art Tatum in pure talent. He participated in duos, quartets and accompanied vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald. But it was his trio work that helped to define the legacy. Peterson’s early recording career made him a valuable addition to Verve records. As with a lot of American jazz players, he migrated to Europe to capitalize on an adoring fan base. It was there where Peterson enjoyed a prolific relationship with MPS (16 albums in 16 years). The label has been reissuing several recordings from their estimable catalog.
Peterson is joined by bassist Georg Mraz and drummer Ray Price for this release which is bookended by two Cole Porter Classics, “I Love You,” and “All of You.” Each of the tracks in between is a masterpiece in its own right, especially the irresistible version of “Rock of Ages.”