Personnel includes: Oscar Peterson (piano); Rick Wilkins (conductor); Jack Schantz (flugelhorn); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Lorne Lofsky (guitar); David Young (bass); Jerry Fuller (drums).
Recording at Manta/Eastern Studio A, Toronto, Canada between January 15 and July 30, 1995. Includes liner notes by Alyn Shipton.
Personnel: Oscar Peterson (piano); Lorne Lofsky (guitar); Jack Schantz (flugelhorn); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Jerry Fuller (drums).
Audio Mixer: Michael Bishop .
Liner Note Author: Alyn Shipton.
Recording information: Commercial Recording Studios, Clevelan (01/15/1995-07/30/1995); Eastern Studio A, Toronto, Canada (01/15/1995-07/30/1995); Manta (01/15/1995-07/30/1995); Master Sound Astoria Studios, Astoria, NY (01/15/1995-07/30/1995).
Editor: James Bonney.
Photographer: Edward Gajdel.
Oscar Peterson takes it easy during his relaxed set. He had not completely recovered from his stroke but he was still an impressive pianist. Peterson, who is assisted by guitarist Lorne Lofsky, bassist David Young, and drummer Jerry Fuller, is joined by a 20-piece string section arranged and conducted by Rick Wilkins. The 14 holiday tunes (which include "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," "White Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") are given tasteful and lightly swinging treatments and there are guest appearances by vibraphonist Dave Samuels and flugelhornist Jack Schantz. But no real surprises or chancestaking occurs and the music is mostly just pleasant. ~ Scott Yanow
Professional Reviews
Musician (1/96, p.88) - "...relaxed groove. A sympathetic rhythm section simmers on the up tunes and cools down with taste on the ballads....[Peterson's] solos probe the harmonic corners of the tune, with plenty of space, an unhurried feel, and only the occasional hair-raising embellishment.."
Jazziz (12/95, p.28) - "...holy, holy, holy....Every cut is a gem on this recording..."
