The pairing of pianists Count Basie and Oscar Peterson might seem unlikely, given their stylistic differences. Basie’s notoriety resulted from his ability to say a lot with a little, while Peterson has been celebrated as a modern technical master, whose solos were full of riveting phrases, lines, and statements. Yet the duo made effective partners on this reissued 1978 session and often played against their reputations. Basie has several solos where he demonstrates impressive technique, while Peterson, often accused of overkill, shows he can utilize restraint and delicacy with as much flair as bombast and flash. ~ Ron Wynn
This classic 1978 recording pairs two stylistically dichotomous piano legends: Count Basie, the master of understatement, and Oscar Peterson, the partisan of power & embellishment. Also featured on this landmark session are drummer Louis Bellson & John Heard
Tracks:
01 – I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)
02 – Soft Winds
03 – Rent Party
04 – Indiana
05 – Hey, Raymond
06 – After You’ve Gone
07 – That’s the One
Personnel:
Oscar Peterson – piano
Count Basie – piano
Louis Bellson – drums
John Heard – bass
Recorded at Group IV Studios, Hollywood; February 21 and 22, 1978.
Quality: eac, flac, cue, log, artwork