Search - Oscar Peterson :: Summer Night in Munich

Without doing the math, it seems likely that Oscar Peterson has recorded more albums than anyone over the last 50 years--period. A 1993 stroke may have diminished the effectiveness of his left hand, but ultimately not even that could slow the man down. This quartet date, recorded at the München Philharmonika in July 1998, shows his amazingly fleet and fertile right hand can still keep the notes and ideas coming rapidly, even if the misses come more frequently, and he's still capable of delivering lines of exquisite beauty. The program includes seven O.P. originals (three of which are new) plus a thoroughly exciting reading of Ellington's "Satin Doll." It's not exactly news that Peterson's best days are behind him, and this album won't change anyone's mind about that. However, with his longtime rhythm section of sturdy bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer Martin Drew plus new addition Ulf Wakenius on guitar behind him, Peterson can still shine brightly in many spots. Even at its worst, his work will almost always be worthwhile, but the fact remains that there are dozens of O.P. records to buy before this one. --Marc Greilsamer