Night Train - 2021 European Verve label 11-track LP Reissue

2021 European Verve label 11-track LP reissue of Oscar Petersons magnificent bop classic which originally was recorded December 16, 1962 at Radio Recorders, in Hollywood - with a rhythm section featuring Ray Brown on bass and drummer Ed Thigpen.

From the opening bars of the title track of this beautiful album, Oscar Peterson lays down the kind of piano playing for which he had been famous for well over a decade; the deftness of touch, the almost slight of hand, as he beguiles the listener into making it sound all too easy. Peterson talks through the piano and at his best he makes the piano sing. Just listen to 'Georgia On My Mind' who needs a vocal While Peterson has at times, unfairly, been called an unemotional pianist, that is not a criticism that can be leveled at Night Train. It is a beautifully recorded album that makes the piano, long-time Peterson trio bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen sound as though they are in the room. Despite having sold Verve to MGM two years earlier, Norman Granz produced this album as he was Oscar Peterson's manager; it is a fitting tribute to both performer and mentor.

This reissue is based on the 2013 mastering done at Abbey Road Studios - and is delivered in a picture cover featuring the original 1962 artwork.

Tracklisting:

Side 1.
1. Night Train   4:50
2. C Jam Blues   3:23
3. Georgia On My Mind   3:42
4. Bags' Groove   5:12
5. Moten Swing   2:52
6. Easy Does It   2:45

Side 2.
1. The Honeydripper   2:23
2. Things Ain't What They Used To Be   4:35
3. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good   5:05
4. Band Call   3:51
5. Hymn To Freedom   5:30

Mastered at Abbey Road Studios
Recorded December 16, 1962 at Radio Recorders, Hollywood.

Credits:

The Oscar Peterson Trio

Ray Brown - Bass

Ed Thigpen - Drums

Oscar Peterson - Piano

Technical Credits:

Norman Granz - Production (Original Recordings)

Artwork:

Benny Green - Liner Notes

Pete Turner - Photograph