Oscar Peterson featuring Ray Brown and Major Holley
The Clef/Mercury Duo Recordings 1949-1951
Verve Records
www.ververecords.com
www.hip-oselect.com
By George W. Harris

If you think you’ve heard everything by pianist Oscar Peterson, you’ll
going to send a thank you email to Verve Records for this limited
edition 3 disc set, for it includes a treasure chest of Peterson’s
first US recordings gathered together in toto, along with 2 unreleased
tracks. These are the recordings that began the legend, and the
legendary career of the last artist that achieved world wide fame
simply because he was the best at his field. No gimmicks, no wardrobes,
no special effects or attitude, just masterful technique.

What you have here are the songs from the deservedly famous “discovery”
concert at Carnegie Hall on September 18, 1949 that has Peterson with
Ray Brown on a trio of eye popping tunes that includes a jaw dropping
“I Only Have Eyes For You.” The 1950 follow-up Carnegie Hall gig has
Peterson and Brown rollicking through a triptych of tunes that includes
an inspired “Tea For Two” along with a couple originals. The remaining
two discs , all in exquisite sound for the time, have Major Holley and
Brown taking turns on songs like a cliff hanging “Lover Come Back To
Me” and hard bopping “Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid.” Peterson’s dexterity
was a true wonder of the world; mixing that with the confidence of
youth make this collection one you’ll cherish till they put you in the
pine box.