Oscar Peterson Plays Count Basie
Oscar Peterson · 1955
44 min · 10 tracks · blues
A vibrant celebration of jazz piano, blending intricate melodies with the rhythmic swing of Count Basie's big band.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lester Leaps In Start here — This track opens the album with an exuberant energy, showcasing Peterson's swift piano lines that echo Lester Young's playful saxophone style.
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Blues For Basie — A tribute piece that encapsulates the essence of Basie's influence on jazz; it features rich harmonies and improvisational depth, highlighting Peterson's compositional prowess.
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Jumping At The Woodside — This lively arrangement exemplifies Basie's signature swing feel while allowing Peterson's virtuosic playing to shine through intricate solos and dynamic interplay.
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One O'Clock Jump — Closing the album with a classic Basie tune, Peterson's interpretation breathes new life into this standard, featuring tight ensemble playing and spirited improvisation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong compositions with excellent performances, showcasing Peterson's skill in a cohesive manner.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent swing rhythm throughout, with each track maintaining a lively tempo that encourages movement.
- Each piece showcases intricate piano solos that are often complemented by brass and rhythm sections, creating a rich texture.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the piano and other instruments, enhancing the conversational feel of the music.
- The final track, 'Jive At Five', serves as a high-energy conclusion, leaving listeners with an upbeat impression.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- inviting atmosphere for social gatherings
- short tracks for easy enjoyment
- playful rhythms that encourage movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek heavy emotional intensity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish Peterson's reputation in jazz, showcasing his talent.
- Themes
- Count Basie tribute· swinging big band energy· Lester Young influence
- Career context
- Released in 1955, Oscar Peterson Plays Count Basie came at a pivotal moment in Oscar Peterson's career, following his rise to prominence with albums like 'Night Train' and showcasing his unique style within the jazz genre. This album highlights Peterson's virtuosic piano skills while paying homage to the influential Count Basie, positioning him as a key figure in the evolving landscape of jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Herbie Hancock· McCoy Tyner
Tracklist
- 1 Lester Leaps In Start here 4:00
- 2 Easy Does It 6:28
- 3 9:20 Special 3:41
- 4 Jumping At The Woodside 5:41
- 5 Blues For Basie 3:33
- 6 Broadway 4:31
- 7 Blue And Sentimental 2:28
- 8 Topsy 4:22
- 9 One O'Clock Jump 5:49
- 10 Jive At Five 4:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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