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Jazz Portrait of Sinatra
Oscar Peterson
Jazz Portrait of Sinatra
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

A Jazz Portrait of Frank Sinatra may not be top-shelf OP, but it is a most attractive and illuminating set. Recorded in Paris in May 1959, it marked drummer Ed Thigpen's Peterson debut--though such is the group's three-in...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Oscar Peterson
Title: Jazz Portrait of Sinatra
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Polygram Records
Release Date: 10/25/1990
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Swing Jazz, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 042282576927

Synopsis

Amazon.com
A Jazz Portrait of Frank Sinatra may not be top-shelf OP, but it is a most attractive and illuminating set. Recorded in Paris in May 1959, it marked drummer Ed Thigpen's Peterson debut--though such is the group's three-in-one empathy that you'd never think so. Three months later they recorded over 100 titles in the space of a fortnight, the majority a reprise of Peterson's 10-album Songbook series from 1952-1954, and the ethos of this precursor is very similar, with its accent on beautifully crafted tributes to the American popular song at its finest. The performances are short, but anything but perfunctory: Peterson's arrangements are as distinguished for imagination as for appositeness, and those arrangements--even more than his glorious pianism--are the key to this portrait's enduring success. Bassist Ray Brown is just awesome, and not even the decidedly modest playing time should stop you from adding this to your collection without delay. --Richard Palmer

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CD Reviews

The Perfect Break From Listening To Sinatra :)
Barkley Kern | Alexandria, VA USA | 08/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If for some reason you ever max out on listening to Sinatra you can put this CD on to take a short break. You won't be disappointed because Mr. Peterson's arrangements are fabulous and the musicianship is spot on. This disc will have special appeal to Sinatra fans because it's a beautifully crafted tribute to a relatively young Frank (it was recorded in 1959 when Frank was 43), but any jazz lover will know these tunes as well and will appreciate the trio's performances.Enjoy!"
Old But New!
J. A Iverson | 07/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this cd a while ago and then ran across a taped copy of Oscar Peterson's "A Jazz Portrait Of Frank Sinatra" from a two LP set out of England. Why they didn't release a two CD set to include the missing 18 songs, I'll never know. Some of the songs are on other CDs, but they are some of Frank's best and are timeless. The current CD, although lacking the original release, is very listenable. One of the best is "Witchcraft". Oscar Peterson is at his best on these recordings."
What Chopin Is To Classical, Peterson Is To Jazz
Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 03/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

""For years I have been an ardent admirer of Frank Sinatra. I've been thrilled by his singing and I've respected the taste that goes with his singing. As a musician I've further admired his choice of tunes and as a fan I've recognized that certain tunes are forever, at least in my mind, inextricably linked with Sinatra, both by usage and interpretation and by that special magic that is his alone. This album is not only a tribute to Frank Sinatra, but also my emotional interpretation of the feelings I get when I hear him. I have tried, therefore, to paint as well as I can a portrait, told in my personal jazz terms, of Frank Sinatra." ~ Oscar Peterson ~



I'm in accord with Oscar Peterson's sentiments about Frank Sinatra and his music especially coming from a jazz icon himself who earned a very impressive mark in the history of jazz.



This album, which was recorded in Paris on May 18, 1959, is worthy to any jazz aficionado and Oscar Peterson and Frank Sinatra enthusiasts. It's one of the best Sinatra tributes ever recorded and one of the greatest piano jazz albums of all-time. Yes, this recording is definitely old - recorded almost 49 years ago, but the sound quality is outstanding. Thanks to the marvel of today's sound engineering and mastering. Oscar Peterson, a legendary pianist and one of the most respected names in the jazz world, did a sublimely exceptional job in "painting a jazz portrait" of another musical legend and Entertainer of the Century, Frank Sinatra.



The master of the ivories, together with his long-time creative partners, Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums play some of the signature tunes made popular by Sinatra most notably "You Make Me Feel So Young," "Come Dance With Me," "It Happened In Monterey," "Just In Time" and "I Get A Kick Out Of You."



You'll totally enjoy listening to a dozen of terrific tunes as he tickles the ivories and gives you that remarkably familiar jazz piano and I call it "Distinctively Peterson Sound" - that effortless and powerful piano playing. Each interpretation is so enjoyable to listen to. Oscar Peterson turns these tunes into ear-catching melodies with his spontaneity and artistry in piano playing.



With Oscar Peterson on the ivories, there's never a dull moment. Although these tunes were recorded countless times, he made each melody so special with its respective rhythms that are so infectious and highly-spirited.



This is one great CD jazz fans wouldn't want to miss. Listen now and enjoy!"