Oscar Peterson - Somebody Loves Me [4CD Box Set] (2005)

This ranks right up there with the better Oscar Peterson CDs (namely the "Exclusively for my friends" CDs) the sound is excellent for the most part and the performances are top notch.

The selections, recorded between 1950 & 1954, are mostly standards, and mostly 3-4 minutes. CD1, except for one track, are duets with bassist Austin Roberts. Most of CD2 is with the trio consisting of the impeccable Ray Brown on bass and Barney Kessel on guitar. There are a few longer tracks, giving Oscar a chance to stretch out a little, and featuring an uncredited Lester Young on tenor sax. Things pick up on CD3, where halfway through we suddenly get a beautiful "Bounce Blues" featuring Ben Webster on tenor. Then the remaining trio sides feature a more swinging Herb Ellis replacing Barney Kessel on guitar. CD4 is the best: most renditions stretching over 4 minutes. The last track really shines; a 15 minute jam on "What Is This Thing Called Love", featuring Charlie Parker, Charlie Shavers, Benny Carter, Flip Phillips, Ben Webster, Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, and J.C. Heard from Norman Granz's JATP "Charlie Parker Jam Session".

Tracklist:

CD 1
01. Oscar's Blues (3:11)
02. For You (2:06)
03. Pennies From Heaven (2:33)
04. Whispering (1:50)
05. Body And Soul (3:23)
06. Flying Home (1:52)
07. Hungarian Dance (3:03)
08. Gypsy In My Soul (3:00)
09. (I Don't Stand A) Ghost Of A Chance With You (2:33)
10. I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles (2:20)
11. I've Got Rhythm (2:44)
12. Tea For Two (2:57)
13. The Man I Love (2:35)
14. Rose Room (2:11)
15. Yesterdays (3:19)
16. Seven Come Eleven (1:45)
17. Just You (2:00)
18. To A Wild Rose (2:35)
19. Air Mail Special (1:52)
20. Night And Day (3:40)
21. Get Happy (1:38)

CD 2
01. Laura (3:28)
02. These Foolish Things (3:24)
03. You Go To My Head (3:55)
04. Seven Come Eleven (3:51)
05. S'Wonderful (2:37)
06. Oh Lady Be Good (3:50)
07. I Got Rhythm (3:16)
08. A Foggy Day (3:37)
09. Love Walked In (3:07)
10. Ad Lib Blues (5:51)
11. Just You, Just Me (7:38)
12. Tea For Two (7:43)
13. The Man I Love (3:31)
14. Somebody Loves Me (3:20)

CD 3
01. Strike Up The Band (3:15)
02. I've Got A Crush On You (2:53)
03. Fascinating Rhythm (2:57)
04. Prelude To A Kiss (3:17)
05. Just A-Sittin And Rockin' (3:41)
06. Cheek To Cheek (3:02)
07. It Ain't Necessarily So (3:13)
08. What Is This Thing Called Love (3:09)
09. Night And Day (3:40)
10. Long Ago And Far Away (3:46)
11. Easter Parade (3:14)
12. Bounce Blues (4:33)
13. The Song Is You (2:26)
14. Blue Moon (2:55)
15. Without A Soon (2:54)

CD 4
01. The Lady Is A Tramp (2:54)
02. I Want To Be Happy (5:35)
03. Lover (7:16)
04. I Only Have Eyes For You (4:08)
05. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (5:07)
06. You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby (4:06)
07. Come Rain Of Come Shine (4:28)
08. I Can’t Give You Anything But Love (5:24)
09. John Hardyґs Wife (2:34)
10. What Is This Thing Called Love (15:50)