Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux Presents Oscar Peterson Trio '77

AMG Review of Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux Presents Oscar Peterson Trio '77

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

Oscar Peterson was in prime form during this performance at the 1977 Montreux Jazz Festival, joined by two of his favorite bassists, Ray Brown and Niels-Henning Řrsted Pedersen. Following Peterson's breathtaking solo interpretations of three standards (ending with a breakneck "[Back Home Again In] Indiana"), the pianist introduces the two men, who take turns playing rhythm and soloing, with Peterson playing unaccompanied during the transitions between them to avoid overly cluttering the performances. All three men are obviously enjoying this unique format and there is no clash of egos, just three masters playing to the best of their abilities. Peterson not only does a great job with standards, but even makes something of the often trite allad "People," though the crowd-pleasing dash through "Reunion Blues" takes top honors during this portion of the concert. Except for Peterson's opening solo tracks, all of this music was initially issued by Pablo on Oscar Peterson & the Bassists: Montreux '77, though "Soft Winds" (which appeared on the earlier album) is omitted. The photography and editing are superb throughout this DVD, though its sound is strangely inferior to the album, possibly due to deterioration of the master videotape. But this amazing DVD should be considered an essential acquisition for any fan of jazz piano.