by Ken Dryden
Oscar Peterson's series of recordings for Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer during the 1960s and early '70s are one of many high points in his long career. With George &Jiri& Mraz on bass and Ray Price on drums, Peterson's flashy romp through &I Love You& (complete with a humorous detour into the opera &Pagliacci&) and mid-tempo walk through &All of You& salute Cole Porter in style on Walking the Line. &Rock of Ages& isn't the old hymn but a lively, gospel-inflected Peterson original that will easily get any congregation swinging and swaying to the music. His mastery of the ballad form is heard in his sensitive interpretation of &Once Upon a Summertime,& which showcases Mraz's gorgeous tone, as Price sits out this one.