album · June 24, 1953

Oscar Peterson Plays Irving Berlin

Oscar Peterson

Play 30s preview

Verve ReissuesSee this day

jazzbebopcool jazz

This 1953 session captures Peterson's remarkable ability to interpret the Great American Songbook with his distinctive jazz sensibility. He tackles the often-overlooked Berlin catalog with a pianist's insight, transforming familiar melodies into swinging jazz statements.

• The album was recorded in New York City, featuring Peterson with his regular rhythm section of Ray Brown on bass and Buddy Rich on drums. Buddy Rich was brought in specifically for this session, replacing_{\n}standard drummer_{\n}Charlie Smith. This was one of Peterson's earliest explorations of a single composer's work, paving the way for later projects like_{\n}"A Jazz Version of_{\n}Cole Porter_{\n}Songs" and_{\n}"Oscar Peterson^{\prime}s_{\n}Hamp_{\n}The_{\n}Ball".
• The album was originally released on the Mercury Records subsidiary Clef Records in 1953, before Verve Records took over its distribution and reissues. It was later reissued on CD with bonus tracks including alternate takes.
• Despite the success of Peterson's piano trio, this album was a departure, focusing solely on Berlin's compositions and showcasing Peterson's skills as an interpreter rather than a composer.

Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer known for his virtuosic technique and impeccable swing. In 1953, Peterson was at the height of his powers, a fixture on the jazz scene and a prolific recording artist for the Verve label.