Dwain

• Night Train merges blues and swing in a way only The Oscar Peterson Trio could. This album is the pinnacle of what a jazz piano trio is capable of when led by one the greatest pianists that jazz music has ever known. While Oscar clearly stands out on the album, we would be remiss not to mention how incredible the playing from Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen is on this album. They complement Oscar in a way that is so musical and so swinging. Ray’s playing is ever-swinging, deep-pocketed and insightful. Ed’s playing is all the same while has such a unique style and ability to keep up with Oscar.

• There is no doubt that this album is based in the blues as is Oscar’s playing. Yet, the album never feels boring or repetitive. The compositions are usually brief but musical and exciting. The dynamics are ranging as are the emotions elicited.

• There could have been a little bit of opening up on one or two of the arrangements to really let the band loose but you know that that’s not Oscar’s intentions on this album and if that’s what you’re looking for there are plenty of OP albums that will give you lots of that.

• Oscar’s influences are evident and his influences on the music and language are ever-present till this day. His feel, technique, dynamics, emotion, and communication with the rhythm section are one of a kind and this album will forever be regarded as one of the greatest piano trio albums to be recorded.

Overall score: 9.6/10

Max

• The iconic album Night Train: The Oscar Peterson Trio is an incredible representation of what you can do with the blues in a piano trio setting. Oscar’s time, rhythm, swing, arranging, and overall dynamic drive is solid throughout, delivering an effortless performance from start to finish. OP’s style is unmatched.

• The album’s song selection is blues-drenched, yet each tune brings a different aspect of this music to life with Oscar’s arrangements and the trio’s treatments of the tunes. The title track, along with “C Jam Blues” and “Honey Dripper,” are clear examples of what I’m talking about. The ballad “Georgia on my Mind” is a standout recording, along with the Kansas City-style jazz standard “Moten Swing.” Also, with “Band Call” and “I Got it Bad and That ain’t Good,” a clear reverence for Duke Ellington is much appreciated.

• Ray Brown is featured quite nicely on upright bass, and his accompaniment to OP’s playing is unique and on-point. Ed Thigpen’s cymbals are a key component to the album’s overall sound, and he also has a few nice, albeit brief moments. From the original “Hymn to Freedom,” we get a sense of everything that makes up Oscar Peterson. Somewhere, I could’ve used a drum solo, and I believe 1 or 2 of the tracks could be stretched out just a bit further; yet, nothing is necessarily missed.

• This record has influenced an array of musicians and jazz listeners alike. To me, this is the pinnacle example that comes to mind when you bring together the music and influence of piano giants like Nat “King” Cole, Art Tatum, James P. Johnson and Teddy Wilson. Oscar is the epitome of all of them put-together and then some. A number of his other recordings and live concerts feature busier solos and arguably too much arranging. Here, we get just the right amount of everything.

Overall score: 9.3/10