Oscar Peterson
's series of recordings for
Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer
during the 1960s and early '70s are one of many high points in his long career. With
George "Jiri" Mraz
on bass and
Ray Price
on drums,
Peterson
's flashy romp through
"I Love You"
(complete with a humorous detour into the
opera
"Pagliacci"
) and mid-tempo walk through
"All of You"
salute
Cole Porter
in style on
Walking the Line
.
"Rock of Ages"
isn't the old hymn but a lively,
gospel
-inflected
original that will easily get any congregation swinging and swaying to the music. His mastery of the
ballad
form is heard in his sensitive interpretation of
"Once Upon a Summertime,"
which showcases
Mraz
's gorgeous tone, as
Price
sits out this one. ~ Ken Dryden