Is Very Tall a good place to start with Oscar Peterson?

Yes, Very Tall is recommended as a starting point for new Oscar Peterson listeners. A vibrant interplay of intricate piano melodies and dynamic rhythms that exemplify jazz's expressive potential. When Oscar Peterson released 'Very Tall' in 1961, he was already an established figure in jazz, known for his virtuosic piano skills. This album followed his critically acclaimed works in the late 1950s, showcasing his ability to blend bebop with blues influences while featuring a notable collaboration with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen.

Who is Very Tall for?

Very Tall works well if you're into steady melodic development throughout, for reflective afternoons and engaging piano interplay and rhythms.

How many songs are on Very Tall?

Very Tall has 6 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Very Tall

Oscar Peterson · 1961

40 min · 6 tracks · blues · funk · bebop

A vibrant interplay of intricate piano melodies and dynamic rhythms that exemplify jazz's expressive potential.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic development throughout
for reflective afternoons
engaging piano interplay and rhythms
inviting atmosphere for conversation

Maybe skip if you want

seeking immediate high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Peterson's rhythmic complexity and improvisational brilliance, marking a high point in his career.
Themes: blue notes· collaborative jazz· intricate piano melodies
Career context: When Oscar Peterson released 'Very Tall' in 1961, he was already an established figure in jazz, known for his virtuosic piano skills. This album followed his critically acclaimed works in the late 1950s, showcasing his ability to blend bebop with blues influences while featuring a notable collaboration with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen.
Stylistic neighbors: Bill Evans· Herbie Hancock· McCoy Tyner
If this clicks, go next to: Something Warm — Continues the vibrant jazz feel with rich melodies and engaging arrangements.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Empyrean Isles by Herbie Hancock — Blends vibrant rhythms with intricate melodies, showcasing a similar jazz experimentation and collaboration.

The Real McCoy by McCoy Tyner — Offers complex piano arrangements and a rich harmonic palette, resonating with the expressive potential of jazz.

New to Oscar Peterson? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Green Dolphin Street".

1 Green Dolphin Street Start here 7:30
2 Heartstrings 5:40
3 The Work Song 7:29
4 John Brown’s Body 7:45
5 A Wonderful Guy 4:54
6 Reunion Blues 7:24

What to play next

This album is considered a Critical Peak in Oscar Peterson's catalog. Showcases Peterson's rhythmic complexity and improvisational brilliance, marking a high point in his career.

Listen next

Something Warm

1962

Continues the vibrant jazz feel with rich melodies and engaging arrangements.

Go back to

The Sound of the Trio

1961

Sets the stage for 'Very Tall' with a similar trio dynamic and intricate piano work.

Full Oscar Peterson discography Where to start with Oscar Peterson Artists like Oscar Peterson

bebop blues funk

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