The Oscar Peterson Trio: West Side Story

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

One of the first Broadway musical scores to be overtly jazz-influenced was Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story, a tale of rival street gangs in the inner city. In 1962, pianist Oscar Peterson put his light-swing signature on the already popular score, making it, in the words of one critic, "a delight to hear again" and earning him a Grammy nomination.

Originally released in 1962

Oscar Peterson, piano
Ray Brown, bass
Toots Thielemans, harmonica
Ed Thigpen, piano, drums