Oscar Peterson – Travelin' On

Oscar Peterson's Travelin' On stands as a testament to his virtuosic command of jazz piano and his trio's cohesive interplay. Recorded in 1968 as part of the Exclusively for My Friends series, the album captures Peterson's fluid technique and dynamic expression. The trio, featuring Sam Jones on bass and Bobby Durham on drums, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, highlighting their synergy and individual talents.

The album's selection of tracks showcases Peterson's versatility and interpretive depth. From the traditional title track to the nuanced rendition of "Emily," each piece is executed with precision and heartfelt expression. The trio's rendition of "Sax No End" is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating their ability to convey the energy of a larger ensemble through their tight-knit performance.

On the final volume of the "Exclusively For My Friends" series, Oscar Peterson once again sets very different highlights with his colleagues Sam Jones (b) and Bob Durham (dr). The exuberant, propulsive title track cannot deny its gospel roots and is contrasted with the simple yet profound ballad "Emily". With the Jobim composition "Quiet Nights" (originally "Corcovado"), the trio demonstrates the finesse with which it is capable of adapting the bossa nova.

The otherwise dreamy number undergoes an astonishing metamorphosis here with a rapid, swinging light-heartedness. By selecting "Sax No End", Peterson bows to European jazz: the composition was written by Belgian big band leader Francy Boland and is virtually set on fire by Peterson's rousing, very muscular playing. For the finale, "When Lights Are Low" by Benny Carter: the trio plays this pensive composition thoughtfully and confidently for over ten minutes, with Sam Jones once again playing a special role with his delicate accompaniment figures.

Reviews

"One can almost hear a larger ensemble by listening to Peterson's virtuoso interpretation in an uptempo setting, assisted by Jones' agile bass and Durham's steady percussion." – AllMusic