The Oscar Peterson Quartet brought its 1987 European tour to a close with an amazing night of music in Helsinki, Finland.
The pianist/bandleader was in impeccable form during the 12-song set, leading his mighty band — featuring guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Dave Young and drummer Martin Drew — through one stirring number after another.
Peterson, one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, initially focused on his original compositions, opening with “Cool Walk” and then continuing with “Sushi,” “Love Ballade” and “Cakewalk.” He followed with “A Salute to Bach,” then moved onto the Johnny Mandel number “A Time for Love,” Benny Goodman’s “Soft Winds,” a Duke Ellington Medley (including “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”) and other delights.
