Con Alma: The Oscar Peterson Trio – Live in Lugano, 1964 (Black Friday 2023)

Oscar Peterson’s trio with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen is widely regarded as Peterson’s “classic trio,” considered by fans as the most popular and in-demand of his long and storied career (featured on releases such as 1963’s Night Train and 1964’s We Get Requests).

Recorded during their creative peak in 1964 (5 years into their collaboration), this previously unheard and unreleased live performance is destined to become a fan favourite from the Oscar Peterson vaults. In his memoir Peterson reflects on the dedication that Ray and Ed brought to group:

“In addition to our trio rehearsals, therefore, Ray would call his own rehearsals in his or Ed’s room and they would simply practice ‘time.’ They created a flexible and multi-faceted rhythmical language that they could apply to any musical statement I might make and enhance any direction I might choose. In short, they practiced all the possibles.” – Oscar Peterson