Such truly wonderful music. I don't understand how these three manage to swing so much - the congo beat from Herb Ellis is so relaxed and perfect, and I love how Ray and Oscar just dance around with each other creating effortless and graceful music. These guys really knew how to play the blues - they have a similar arrangement in Bluesology, from 'Live at the Concertgebouw', its an absolute must-listen. Just stunning stuff, they never cease to amaze.
What marvelous and majestic music he gave and left us. I heard Oscar's version of Tenderly as a young boy and that in part sparked my interest in jazz and a life-long love of Oscar's playing. I feel fortunate to hear him a handful of times live. Thank you Oscar for your glorious art!
The sounds that Erroll Garner,Oscar Peterson and other greats made while playing adds to the experience because we know that they are really getting into their playing. Luv it and wouldn't change it one bit!! Miss y'all and look forward to your return!! Thank you for the post cralik.
R.I.P Oscar P. Glad to have met you in real life. It was one of the greatest moments of my life to shake your hand and talk to you. Im sure you are jammin´ it up with the other jazz-cats in jam-session-heaven!
@nixxnutz2 Thought I remembered this song title wrongly from childhood. The charm of a song about a girl dressed in a cotton fabric associated with country folk performed by these gentlemen still remains. Thank you.
I saw Herb sit in with a band on their guitarist's guitar (who never took solos only chords) and Herb killed it! And Oscar blows me away every time I hear him play, what a master on the keys.
I agree, saw them live at Freddies in Mpls. , London House in Chicago and they blew us all away. Love it........sounds better now than when I first heart it. Carry on men, your the best. Rang8
What a great post! Oscar could get more notes in a measure than anyone I've ever heard. (and they were all good!)...and Herb's tone on that 175 is the smoky standard for guitarists. Both Herb and Ray are so engaged and so smooth....as always.
@hookalakah "And Erroll was no Oscar."You took the words right out of my mouth! BTW Herb Ellis - the guitar player on the clip died only a few days ago aged 89)
Oscar Peterson and Buddy Rich I think are the two most rhythmically complex musicians I have ever heard. This trio is awesome though and . . . they look like they are having fun too.
A Gal in Calico ... words by Leo Robin, music by Arhtur Schwartz, 1946. Introduced by Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, and Martha Vickers in the movie musical "The Time, The Place and The Girl." Nominated for an Academy Award, 1947. Popular records by Johnny Mercer, Tex Beneke with the Crew Chiefs and his orchestra, Benny Goodman with vocals by Eve Young who was later known as Karen Chandler ... and Bing Crosby recorded it too!
Young people, this song is entitled "Gal in Calico," composed by Arthur Schwartz in 1946. I can't believe none of the commenters here knew that. Calico is a type of printed cotton fabric.
This is pure gold! As a guitarist I’m naturally drawn to Herb here. 2 things stand out, first how absolutely restrained his playing is during the others solo playing percussion, second how he scars all his lines when soloing - that’s why he always sounds so natural and musical. RIP
Bruno, Errol couldn't read a note of music, fine talent but you can't compare the two. Totally individual, both talented. Happy sounds and have you heard Oscar sing??
paul mcartney is a nice bloke wrote some nice songs plays fair bass guitar but to even talk about him in the same breath as ray brown is a nonsense.ray was a giant on his instrument acknowledged by all.
try Joscho Stephan, Jimmy Rosenberg, Tommy Emanuel, Scotty Anderson (new cd coming soon)...and of course Al Dimeola in addition to Benson and Kevin Eubanks...
Probably somewhat late to reply to this but "cats" is old slang for a "cool person" especially one involved with this kind of music -jourell1: dictonary of the uselss *chuckles*
I think the trio had a better sound with a percussive influence, whether Ed Thigpen in the later trio or the likes of Louis Bellson or Buddy Rich in the verve recordings. There is no doubting however that this was the pre-eminent trio of the 50's.
