Oscar Peterson - Somebody Loves Me (4 CD, 2005/FLAC)

Oscar Peterson was one of the greatest piano players of all time. A pianist with phenomenal technique on the level of his idol, Art Tatum, Peterson's speed, dexterity, and ability to swing at any tempo were amazing. Very effective in small groups, jam sessions, and in accompanying singers, O.P. was at his absolute best when performing unaccompanied solos. His original style did not fall into any specific idiom. Like Erroll Garner and George Shearing, Peterson's distinctive playing formed during the mid- to late '40s and fell somewhere between swing and bop. Peterson was criticized through the years because he used so many notes, didn't evolve much since the 1950s, and recorded a remarkable number of albums. Perhaps it is because critics ran out of favorable adjectives to use early in his career; certainly it can be said that Peterson played 100 notes when other pianists might have used ten, but all 100 usually fit, and there is nothing wrong with showing off technique when it serves the music. As with Johnny Hodges and Thelonious Monk, to name two, Peterson spent his career growing within his style rather than making any major changes once his approach was set, certainly an acceptable way to handle one's career. Because he was Norman Granz's favorite pianist (along with Tatum) and the producer tended to record some of his artists excessively, Peterson made an incredible number of albums. Not all are essential, and a few are routine, but the great majority are quite excellent, and there are dozens of classics.  

CD 1
01. Oscar's Blues (3:11)
02. For You (2:06)
03. Pennies From Heaven (2:33)
04. Whispering (1:50)
05. Body And Soul (3:23)
06. Flying Home (1:52)
07. Hungarian Dance (3:03)
08. Gypsy In My Soul (3:00)
09. (I Don't Stand A) Ghost Of A Chance With You (2:33)
10. I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles (2:20)
11. I've Got Rhythm (2:44)
12. Tea For Two (2:57)
13. The Man I Love (2:35)
14. Rose Room (2:11)
15. Yesterdays (3:19)
16. Seven Come Eleven (1:45)
17. Just You (2:00)
18. To A Wild Rose (2:35)
19. Air Mail Special (1:52)
20. Night And Day (3:40)
21. Get Happy (1:38)

CD 2
01. Laura (3:28)
02. These Foolish Things (3:24)
03. You Go To My Head (3:55)
04. Seven Come Eleven (3:51)
05. S'Wonderful (2:37)
06. Oh Lady Be Good (3:50)
07. I Got Rhythm (3:16)
08. A Foggy Day (3:37)
09. Love Walked In (3:07)
10. Ad Lib Blues (5:51)
11. Just You, Just Me (7:38)
12. Tea For Two (7:43)
13. The Man I Love (3:31)
14. Somebody Loves Me (3:20)

CD 3
01. Strike Up The Band (3:15)
02. I've Got A Crush On You (2:53)
03. Fascinating Rhythm (2:57)
04. Prelude To A Kiss (3:17)
05. Just A-Sittin And Rockin' (3:41)
06. Cheek To Cheek (3:02)
07. It Ain't Necessarily So (3:13)
08. What Is This Thing Called Love (3:09)
09. Night And Day (3:40)
10. Long Ago And Far Away (3:46)
11. Easter Parade (3:14)
12. Bounce Blues (4:33)
13. The Song Is You (2:26)
14. Blue Moon (2:55)
15. Without A Soon (2:54)

CD 4
01. The Lady Is A Tramp (2:54)
02. I Want To Be Happy (5:35)
03. Lover (7:16)
04. I Only Have Eyes For You (4:08)
05. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (5:07)
06. You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby (4:06)
07. Come Rain Of Come Shine (4:28)
08. I Can’t Give You Anything But Love (5:24)
09. John Hardyґs Wife (2:34)
10. What Is This Thing Called Love (15:50)

Recording Dates:
Track 1-1: New York, March, 1950
Tracks 1-2 to 1-21: Montreal, 1951
Track 2-1: New York, January 19, 1951
Tracks 2-2, 2-3: Los Angeles, January 26, 1952
Tracks 2-4 to 3-2: Los Angeles, between November 01 and December 04, 1952
Tracks 3-3, 3-11: Los Angeles, December 1952
Track 3-12: New York, May 21, 1953
Tracks 3-13 to 4-3: Hollywood, December 1953
Tracks 4-4 to 4-7: Hollywood, November 15, 1954
Track 4-8: Hollywood, November 16, 1954
Track 4-9: no detailes available
Track 4-10: Los Angeles, July 1952