Michael Blum Quartet - Chasin' Oscar: A Tribute To Oscar Peterson (2016)

A loving celebration of the artistry of one of the great jazz masters, Oscar Peterson, by a young jazz guitarist who truly appreciates those who have come before him.
Blum has utilized his approach on five other tunes. Oscar’s original “Nightingale” opens the proceedings-a simple, spritely groove that alternates with a more mellow melodic line that the guitarist plays in seamless transition with sensitivity and a sense of romance. And speaking of these qualities, there’s a gorgeous rendition of Gershwin’s “I Loves You, Porgy.” Here, as on all of the tracks, the band members are ever responsive to the needs of the tune, knowing when to come forth and when to lay back.
“You Look Good to Me” comes from Peterson’s bestselling "We Get Requests." On the original, Oscar and Ray Brown (playing with a bow) state the introduction before the band launches into a gently shuffling theme (with Ray now plucking) reminiscent of “When You’re Smiling.” On "Chasin’ Oscar," Stinnett takes over the solo bass role, with Blum tackling the beautifully structured Peterson solo that seems perfectly suited for the leader’s guitar. Equally lovely, both in sound and feeling, is Jobim’s classic “The Girl from Ipanema.” Blum proves that he, too, can sound right in a variety of styles and textures. Kudos to pianist Smith, who, in many places throughout, makes his piano a sympathetic complement to Blum’s guitar.

The other tunes are something else again. As on his previous recording, "Commitment," Blum demonstrates his ease and graceful comfort with singing. The Jerome Kern ballad “Tenderly” is another Peterson tribute, and Blum successfully negotiates the delicate highs and lows of this timeless melody with the deft assistance of Stinnett and drummer Moio, whose taste shines throughout the recording. “East of the Sun and West of the Moon” is another melody on which Blum effortlessly vocalizes, giving the tune a different pulse than it’s used to. Stinnett takes a happy, bouncing solo to help celebrate the song’s romance.

In addition to his invaluable instruction, understanding bass playing and smart production, Jim Stinnett has contributed two fitting, yet somewhat contrasting, compositions. “Pine” is a gentle and wistful bossa line that is simple, elegant and replete with the longing its name suggests. Blum keeps his guitar focused on the gentle mood, while Stinnett and Moio, knowing how much depends on touch, gracefully create a soft, but powerful, texture. The set closes with another ballad, this one more mysterious and slightly dark, but poignantly beautiful. “Whisper” keeps the emotions in line with the quiet of the title, but the playing is powerful and direct. Blum and his cohorts prove again that they mesh beautifully and get the most out of the music. As Oscar Peterson put it, “It’s the group sound that’s important, even when you’re playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That’s jazz.”

TRACKLIST
1. Nightingale (6:46)
2. I Loves You, Porgy (6:08)
3. You Look Good To Me (4:55)
4. The Girl From Ipanema (4:03)
5. East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon) (5:01)
6. Tristeza (3:11)
7. Pine (5:00)
8. Tenderly (5:29)
9. Whisper (5:29)