Oscar Peterson Trio + One cover

Oscar Peterson Trio + One

Oscar Peterson · 1964

40 min · 10 tracks · blues

A dynamic interplay of virtuosic piano, tight rhythms, and soulful improvisation that defines the essence of jazz in the early '60s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Brotherhood of Man Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Mack the Knife — This track highlights Peterson's ability to reinterpret classic standards with a fresh swing feel while showcasing his technical prowess and playful improvisation.
  • →
    Blues for Smedley — This piece allows Peterson to explore deep blues textures, displaying his emotive playing style and sensitivity to the genre's roots.
  • →
    Incoherent Blues — With its whimsical title and playful execution, this track features intricate exchanges between piano and rhythm section that exemplify the trio's chemistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album blends virtuosic playing with improvisation, showcasing Peterson's skill and influence in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent interplay between the piano and bass, with the drums providing a steady rhythmic foundation throughout.
  • Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes and variations in real-time.
  • The first half of the album maintains a lively tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • soulful improvisation highlights
  • for evening relaxation
  • engaging melodies for conversation

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of fast-paced tunes
  • prefer single tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved for its collaboration and vibrant sound, appealing to dedicated jazz listeners.
Themes
swinging rhythms· jazz improvisation· blues structures
Moods
Chill· Nostalgic
Career context
Released in 1964, Oscar Peterson Trio + One came during a prolific period for Peterson, following his acclaimed album Night Train from 1962. This album showcases his established place in jazz, featuring collaborations with notable musicians like Clark Terry, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Bill Evans· Herbie Hancock· McCoy Tyner

Tracklist

  • 1 Brotherhood of Man Start here 3:35
  • 2 Jim 3:04
  • 3 Blues for Smedley 6:59
  • 4 Roundalay 3:58
  • 5 Mumbles 2:02
  • 6 Mack the Knife 5:20
  • 7 They Didn’t Believe Me 4:24
  • 8 Squeaky’s Blues 3:31
  • 9 I Want a Little Girl 5:13
  • 10 Incoherent Blues 2:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata