There are albums that come along and I simply love right off the bat, but then there's this album by The Oscar Peterson Trio that redifines jazz excellence.
Originally issued on Verve, Night Train contained 11 tracks that featured Mr. Peterson on piano, Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums. The three men formed a tight, bright and lively focus that perfectly expressed the music and themes before them.
This re-issue adds 6 tracks, an alternate take of Night Train, and a rehersal take of Moten Swing. Their rendering of My Heart Belongs to Daddy will replace all previous memories of that standard, guaranteed.
What might have been the biggest surprise of the album is the second track, C-Jam Blues. This track is so full of life, it hops, makes you want to hop and eat up life to its beat.
I was giving this disc as a gift, but had to get it for myself, and then have supplied copies to a number of family members. I feel that this is the best jazz album I have ever heard, I know it's the best one I own.
I would wish this album on you, as a friend, a stranger, a passerby.
Catch the Night Train, you won't be sorry you did.