Skol is recording of a concert that Oscar Peterson and Stephane
Grappelli performed on July 6, 1979 in Denmark. Joining them for this show were
Joe Pass on guitar, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass and Mickey Roker on
drums. This a recording of musicians at the top of their game doing what they
so clearly love. It’s a total delight listening to this album. And the
recording is so clear. It was remastered by Joe Tarantino as part of the
Original Jazz Classics Remasters series. This re-issue also contains new liner
notes by Tad Hershorn.
By the way, skol means cheers.
“Nuages”
Skol opens with a great Django Reinhardt composition, “Nuages.” And
as you might guess, there is plenty of great guitar work on this track by Joe
Pass, who begins the song, before Stephane Grappelli takes over on violin. And
that’s when this rendition becomes so beautiful and moving. Seriously, this is
a gorgeous version of the classic tune. The feel certainly changes when
Stephane bows out and Oscar Peterson takes over. But his piano-playing is so
impressive and delightful. And there is a violin solo toward the end of this
track.
“How About You?”
“How About You?” is a
bright, chipper tune. The first thing
that hits me about this track is the great rhythm by Niels-Henning Ørsted
Pedersen on bass and Mickey Roker on drums. But then, holy moly, check out that
great lead on piano by Oscar Peterson. Joe Pass keeps things cooking on guitar,
and then there’s a bass solo by Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen.
I love that music can
still amaze and surprise me. I would not want to live in a world devoid of
music like this.
“Someone To Watch Over Me”
“Someone To Watch Over
Me” is one of my favorite Gershwin tunes. Stephane Grappelli takes over the
vocal line on violin, and it’s wonderful. Oscar Peterson then comes in where he
leaves off. This is a song I always love to hear on piano. It’s a perfect song,
and this is a really good rendition. Check out those high notes on violin.
“Makin’ Whoopee”
“Makin’ Whoopee” begins
with some delicious, mean work on piano, before the violin comes in duplicating
that sweet vocal line. This is always a fun song, and I love Joe Pass’ lead
guitar section. Oscar Peterson then does some fantastic stuff on piano. This is
a joyous rendition.
“That’s All”
This CD also includes a
sweet recording of “That’s All.” I found myself smiling throughout, and
revisiting fond summer memories. It’s interesting that sometimes when something
makes you feel so good, your mind automatically draws parallels with other joys
from your past, just mixing them up, sort of releasing you from the constraints
of time. It’s like a little gift from you to you.
“Skol Blues”
The original album
concludes with a seriously cool tune, “Skol Blues,” written by Oscar Peterson.
It begins with some wild stuff by Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass. And
then Peterson comes in on piano. I love the energy of this tune. And hey, it
includes an excellent bass solo.
Bonus Tracks
This special re-issue
contains three bonus tracks, all of which were previously unreleased. That’s
just over nineteen minutes of extra music. The first is a great version of
“Honeysuckle Rose,” with some excellent work on violin by Stephane Grappelli,
and some tremendous playing by Oscar Peterson on piano.
Things then slow down
with a thoughtful, beautiful version of “Solitude.” This track has probably
Stephane’s prettiest, smoothest playing on the whole CD.
The last track is another
classic Gershwin tune, “I Got Rhythm,” played with great energy. I especially
love what Joe Pass does on this one.
CD Track List
- Nuages
- How About You?
- Someone To Watch Over Me
- Makin’ Whoopee
- That’s All
- Skol Blues
- Honeysuckle Rose
- Solitude
- I Got Rhythm
This special re-issue of Skol was released on September 17, 2013
through Concord Music Group as part of the Original Jazz Classics Remasters
series. Also released on that date, in the Original Jazz Classics Remasters
series, were Duke Ellington And His Orchestra: The Ellington Suites; Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass, Ray
Brown, Mickey Roker: Dizzy’s Big 4;
Zoot Sims: Zoot Sims And The Gershwin
Brothers; and Art Tatum: The Art
Tatum Solo Masterpieces Volume One.
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