Face To Face

Performer: Oscar Peterson
Artist: Joe Pass; Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen
Engineer: Dennis Sands
Producer: Norman Granz
Distributor: Fantasy (distributor)

Notes: Personnel: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Oscar Peterson (piano); Joe Pass (guitar); Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen (bass); Martin Drew (drums). Recorded at Group IV Studios, Hollywood, California on May 24, 1982. Includes liner notes by Norman Granz. Digitally remastered by Joe Tarantino (1997, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley California). Personnel: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Oscar Peterson (piano); Joe Pass (guitar); Martin Drew (drums). Audio Remasterer: Joe Tarantino. Audio Remixer: Andy d'Addario. Liner Note Authors: Norman Granz; Takao Ogawa. Recording information: Group IV Studios, Hollywood, CA (05/24/1982). Photographer: Phil Stern. Unknown Contributor Roles: Joe Pass; Martin Drew; Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. Freddie Hubbard matches his talent with that of the legendary pianist Oscar Peterson on this Pablo recording from 1982. Hubbard, who returned to the straight-ahead jazz fold after a long flirtation with the funk-fusion crossover market, plays as bright and brave as ever. Above Joe Pass on guitar, Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen on bass, and Martin Drew on bass, Hubbard and Peterson trade blistering improvisations that ebb and flow with the confidence of two gifted elder statesmen. There are just five tracks here--the longest of which is a nearly 14-minute take on Miles Davis's "All Blues"--giving the set the loose flavor of a well-polished jam session. The energy never flags however, and each tune is peppered with a playful sense of fun. On Hubbard's "Thermo," Peterson lets loose a solo break with an almost ragtime feel. Hubbard responds with a beautiful airy counterpoint before the two trade their way back to the theme. FACE TO FACE closes with Peterson's full-throttle "Tippin," in which each member of the quintet demonstrates his undeniable credentials. This is a good time shared by some real giants.

Among the most prodigiously recorded artists in all of jazz, pianist Oscar Peterson early on forged a strong relationship with producer Norman Granz, and since the 1950s he has been one of the cornerstones of Granz's labels (Verve, Pablo). Peterson has primarily worked in a trio setting, alternately with guitar & bass or bass & drums, though he has also performed solo, with larger groups, and with a full orchestra. Possessing dazzling technique, Peterson always delivers the musical goods in a powerfully swinging style. Peterson passed away December 23, 2007 at the age of 82.

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