Hello Herbie

by Oscar Peterson / Herb Ellis

Product Description:

Personnel: Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Sam Jones (bass instrument); Bob Durham (drums).

Recording information: MPS Studio, Villingen, Germany (1969).

This 1969 Oscar Peterson date finds guitarist Herb Ellis sitting in with the pianist and his rhythm section (bassist Sam Jones and drummer Bobby Durham) for a gloriously stretched-out session. Many of the compositions are based on simple blues progressions, but the sense of cool swing and bop pyrotechnics from Ellis and Peterson approximates the magic the two leaders shared together in the '50s (when Ellis was the regular guitarist for Peterson's then-bassless trio). Though HELLO HERBIE is not an essential addition to the Peterson catalogue, the scads of fine playing here will surely please fans of either musician.