"Live At The Northsea Jazz Festival, 1980" is a captivating live album by the legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, originally released in 1980 and reissued in 2006. This album captures the essence of Peterson's virtuosity and his mastery of cool jazz and bebop, as he performs a set of timeless standards and original compositions at the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Netherlands.
The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Ray Brown on bass and Mickey Roker on drums, who join Peterson in delivering an electrifying performance. The setlist includes classics such as "Straight, No Chaser," "There's No You," and "(There Is) No Greater Love," showcasing Peterson's incredible technique, improvisational skills, and deep understanding of jazz tradition.
With a runtime of over an hour and eighteen minutes, this live recording offers an intimate glimpse into Peterson's artistry, as he navigates through a diverse range of tempos and moods. The album's dynamic energy and spontaneous moments make it a thrilling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to Oscar Peterson's music. Recorded in 1980 and released under the Pablo label, this album is a testament to Peterson's enduring legacy as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.