Peterson's Tenderly, issued on Justin Time's historical imprint, Just a Memory, features the revered pianist alongside guitarist Herb Ellis and bassist Ray Brown, recorded live in concert in 1958 at Vancouver, Canada's Orpheum Theatre. The trio, one of the most popular small groups in jazz, delivers a rousing program that includes such favorites as “Alone Together," “A Foggy Day," “My Funny Valentine" and the title track. Also included are two Ellis originals, “Patricia" and “Pogo." Arranged with zest, these numbers give the trio a large sound and add interest to each interpretation.
As with any Peterson performance, the pianist works with his warm, ringing tone, coaxing forth amazingly fluid, rhythmic and tuneful statements. Both Ellis and Brown, who recently died at age 75, offer succulent solos, and the interplay between the three is nothing short of astounding. Also, Peterson introduces each number, letting fans hear his rich, melodious voice.
Tenderly is the third Peterson album personally approved for release by the pianist on Just a Memory. The previous releases are Oscar Peterson 1951 and Oscar Peterson Trio: Live at CBC Studios, 1960.
Jean-Pierre Luduc, Justin Time's International Director of Artists and Repertoire, is again deeply pleased to release a Peterson recording. “Being a Canadian label specializing in jazz, we naturally would want to be associated with Oscar Peterson," says Luduc. “It's a thrill to have his blessing with these releases."
The Montreal-born Peterson studied classical piano from age six and won a local talent contest at age 14. Soon, his jazz style, influenced by Art Tatum, Nat Cole, Teddy Wilson and others, was drawing scores of Montreal fans. But it was in 1949, when impresario Norman Granz presented Peterson at Carnegie Hall, in a performance with bassist Brown, that his career truly took off.
Subsequently working first with Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic then starring with his trio, Peterson became one of the world's most popular jazz artists, a position he maintains to this day. As a leader, he has made numerous excellent recordings. Tenderly will no doubt be viewed as one of his best.
Carmen Lundy, the spirited vocalist whose enthralling performances of standards, jazz songs and compelling originals have made her one of the top current jazz singers, adds Good Morning Kiss to her previous Justin Time release - This Is Carmen Lundy, issued in 2001.
Good Morning Kiss is Lundy's long out-of-print debut recording, first released on Blackhawk Records in 1985. The album, which has been a highly-desirable collectible, is an invigorating, enticing collection of originals and standards. Lundy's originals include the riveting “Time Is Love," the finger-popping “Perfect Stranger" and the tender title track. Among the standards are vibrant versions of Antonio Carlos Jobim's “Dindi" and Cole Porter's “Love For Sale." On these songs, Lundy employs her luscious alto voice, injecting meaning and vitality into every rendition.
Good Morning Kiss also features a superb ensemble comprised of such first-rate modern musicians as trumpeter Jon Faddis, trombonist Steve Turre and saxophonists Bobby Watson and Rene McLean. Watson's horn arrangements add brio to the sessions.
“I always loved Carmen Lundy," says Luduc “When I found she available to sign, I jumped at the chance. She's one of the greatest living jazz singers."
Carmen Lundy, sister of the fine bassist and Justin Time recording artist Curtis Lundy, was born in Miami, Fla. After initial opera studies, she turned to jazz while attending the University of Miami. Moving to New York, Lundy worked with two highly-regarded jazzmen, pianist Walter Bishop, Jr. and conga drummer Ray Barretto, and earned praise from such esteemed New York critics as Gary Giddins, who said of her, “She's got it all." During her New York days, Lundy, who has also been an actress, appeared on stage in Sophisticated Ladies and They Were All Gardenias. During this period, she recorded Good Morning Kiss . Moving to Los Angeles in 1991, Lundy recorded for Moment to Moment for Arabesque and Self Portrait and Old Devil Moon on JVC before signing with Justin Time and recording This Is Carmen Lundy. Long in-demand for live appearances, Lundy has performed at major jazz rooms and festivals around the world.
For superior audio reproduction, the Peterson and Lundy recordings have been remixed and remastered using 24-bit/96kHz technology.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
