Classically trained pianist Andrew Litton tips the hat to Oscar Peterson on this collection of jazz standards. The label says this is a “Super Audio CD,” but to my ears the entire recording sounds quite distant and sterile. That doesn’t help Litton as he tries to delve into various Peterson improvisations. The most successful performances are when Litton uses his “legit” chops on material such as “Over The Rainbow” and “The Nearness Of You” having his variations of a theme work best in Broadway settings. A playful stride on “Lulu’s Back in Town” works well, while “Take the A Train,” “Basin Street Blues” and “Things Ain’t What They Used To Be” come across more like black tie affairs in uptown Manhattan. Digital dexterity is in abundance, as on “Little Girl Blue” but very rarely is swing the thing. Less of blues than blue blood is on display here.
BIS Records