album · November 19, 1959

Oscar Peterson Plays the Jerome Kern Songbook

Oscar Peterson

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This 1959 album features Peterson's signature intricate improvisations and sophisticated arrangements, tackling the classic melodies of Jerome Kern. It's a masterclass in jazz piano trio performance, highlighting the synergy between Peterson, Ray Brown, and Ed Thigpen.

• The album was recorded in New York City, produced by Norman Granz. It reached number 17 on Billboard's Top LPs chart. This recording was part of a larger series of "Songbook" albums released by Verve Records, exploring the works of major American composers.
• Peterson's trio for this session comprised Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums, a lineup that had been together for several years. The album showcases Peterson's ability to interpret standards with both deep respect for the original melody and his own unique harmonic and rhythmic inventiveness.
• This release further solidified Peterson's reputation as one of the most technically gifted and versatile pianists in jazz, equally adept at swing, bebop, and sophisticated popular song interpretation.

Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer known for his virtuosic technique and melodic improvisation. By 1959, he had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz piano, with a prolific output and a significant international following.