Oscar Sings: The Vocal Styling of Oscar Peterson

Oscar Sings: The Vocal Styling of Oscar Peterson collects vocal tracks from pianist Oscar Peterson's 1956 full-length vocal album Romance: The Vocal Styling of Oscar Peterson, 1957's Soft Sands, and selected singles. While Peterson was an adroit, immensely talented pianist and improviser, he was also an adept and warm-voiced singer whose voice bore a striking resemblance to the subject of his 1965 vocal tribute album to pianist/singer Nat King Cole, With Respect to Nat. While that album is not featured here, these mid-'50s tracks are superb vocal jazz recordings perfectly suited for a romantic afterglow vibe. Joining Peterson are his longtime trio associates of guitarist Barney Kessel and bassist Ray Brown. Fans of Peterson's playing as well as aficionados of straight-ahead vocal jazz will most likely find Oscar Sings to be a must-have addition to their collections. ~ Matt Collar