This is a sampler of the famous trio’s justly celebrated London House “live” sessions available (with dreadful graphics) on five Verve CDs, and includes four additional tracks not on the original LP.
Highlights of a varied and well-chosen programme are a pensively swinging “Whisper Not”, a boisterous “Chicago”, and a gently meandering “Wee Small Hours”. Two of the bonus tracks – “Moanin’” and “Scrapple from the Apple” – are particularly exhilarating. Brown and Thigpen (who both solo on “Apple”), also provide subtle but rock-steady support throughout.
A maturing Oscar eschews earlier monotonous pyrotechnics for more considered and varied performances. A tasty hors d’oeuvre.
Discography
Peterson (p); Ray Brown (b); Ed Thigpen (d).London House, Chicago, 27 July – 6 August 1961.
Poll Winners Records 27384
