Oscar Peterson: Things Ain't What They Used to Be
Musicians:
Oscar Peterson (piano), Ray Brown (bass), Ed Thigpen (drums).
Composed by Mercer Ellington & Ted Persons
.Recorded: Los Angeles, December 16, 1962
Rating: 92/100 (learn more)
Miles Davis once famously suggested that Oscar Peterson sounded like he had to learn how to play the blues. To which I reply: dang, he certainly learned 'em. There are flashier blues by Peterson available on the marketplace—for example, check out "Blues Etude" if you want fireworks. But this version of "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" shows that this pianist could also play a more subdued blues. This is Oscar in a Basie vein, just strutting over the changes. Bassist Ray Brown does not solo, but you will be forgiven if you find yourself focusing on his walking lines, as reliable as Greenwich Mean Time, and much, much hipper. The piano trio has changed a lot since this band recorded Night Train, but this music is timeless.
Reviewer: Ted Gioia
If you liked this track, also check out
- Oscar Peterson: Blues for Big Scotia
- Oscar Peterson: Night Train
- Oscar Peterson & Joe Pass: Just You, Just Me
Related Links
Oscar Peterson (1925-2007) by Ted Gioia
Tags: 1960s jazz · ellington covers · piano trio · things ain't what they used to be · verve
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