With Respect to Nat cover

With Respect to Nat

Oscar Peterson · 1965

31 min · 12 tracks · blues

A vibrant celebration of jazz standards infused with Oscar Peterson's virtuosic piano and warm, inviting arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When My Sugar Walks Down the Street Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Unforgettable — The track features a lush arrangement that highlights Peterson's intricate piano work while paying tribute to Cole's iconic version, marrying melody with technical prowess.
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    Calypso Blues — This piece showcases Peterson's versatility, blending blues elements with Caribbean rhythms, which reflects his innovative approach to jazz and expands the genre's boundaries.
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    It's Only a Paper Moon — Peterson's interpretation brings a lively energy to this standard, emphasizing both playful lyricism and rhythmic complexity that exemplify his signature style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant jazz standards with skilled piano work, showcasing both composition and performance.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of swing rhythms across its tracks, creating an upbeat and lively atmosphere.
  • Each track showcases Peterson's intricate piano work, often accompanied by subtle yet effective bass and drum arrangements.
  • Several pieces include call-and-response sections between the piano and rhythm section, enhancing the conversational quality of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • vibrant homage to classic standards
  • short bursts of joyful energy
  • swinging rhythms for casual listening
  • playful melodies for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, deeper explorations
  • dislike upbeat and lively tunes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — This album pays tribute to a key influence, showcasing Peterson's artistry at a high point.
Themes
Nat King Cole tribute· swinging jazz rhythms· emotional piano improvisation
Career context
By 1965, Oscar Peterson was already an established figure in jazz, having gained acclaim through his previous albums and collaborations. 'With Respect to Nat' came shortly after his influential work 'Night Train' and showcased his ability to interpret classic songs while maintaining a unique style. This album exemplifies Peterson's continued evolution as a musician during a prolific phase of his career.
Stylistic neighbors
Bill Evans· Herbie Hancock· McCoy Tyner

Tracklist

  • 1 When My Sugar Walks Down the Street Start here 2:20
  • 2 It's Only a Paper Moon 2:30
  • 3 Walkin' My Baby Back Home 2:32
  • 4 Sweet Loraine 1:03
  • 5 Unforgettable 2:38
  • 6 Little Girl 2:36
  • 7 Gee Baby, Aint I Good to You 2:57
  • 8 Orange Colored Sky 2:13
  • 9 Straighten Up and Fly Right 2:27
  • 10 Calypso Blues 3:36
  • 11 (What Can I Say) After I Say I Am Sorry? 2:40
  • 12 Easy Listening Blues 3:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata