God Rest Ye Merry, GentlemenOscar Peterson1rank/position

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

This piece is an old English Christmas carol published in the 18th century.

It’s quite famous, so many of you have probably heard it before.

In Japan, the title is translated as “Yo no Hito Wasuruna.” Oscar Peterson has arranged this well-known tune into a swingin’ jazz performance.

Oscar Peterson has a charming way of transforming any Christmas song as if it were his own.

It’s also interesting to compare his version with the original as performed in churches and similar settings.

Days of Wine and RosesOscar Peterson2rank/position

Days of Wine and Roses- Oscar Peterson Trio

Oscar Peterson is a great pianist who received the International Jazz Hall of Fame Award.

His performance skills are said to be unmatched by anyone.

He is also known for the story that, even though his left hand became impaired later in life, he continued to perform.

For those who want to experience his appeal, I recommend “Days of Wine and Roses.” Just by listening, you can tell he uses more keys than usual.

Many artists, including Bill Evans, have performed this piece, so it’s also fun to compare different versions.

Alice in WonderlandOscar Peterson3rank/position

OSCAR PETERSON “ALICE IN WONDERLAND”

Composed by Sammy Fain, it’s the main theme from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.

Oscar Peterson visited Japan in 1953, but this performance is from his visit in 1983, when he was 58.

He delivers a gentle, lighthearted jazz waltz.

All of meOscar Peterson4rank/position

Oscar Peterson plays All of me

“All of Me” was originally a popular song by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons, but it became a big hit with Louis Armstrong’s recording and went on to become a jazz standard.

A cover of this song was used as the commercial jingle for JT’s Seven Stars EX.

Days Of Wine & RosesOscar Peterson5rank/position

Days Of Wine & Roses / Oscar Peterson Trio

The original piece is the theme song for the film of the same name composed by Henry Mancini, a giant of film music, also known in Japan by the title “Sake to Bara no Hibi” (Days of Wine and Roses).

It received high acclaim, including a Grammy Award, and is also famous as a jazz standard.

Among the many versions, the performance by the Oscar Peterson Trio—led by the “Emperor of the Keyboard” himself—is legendary in jazz history.

Backed by his exceptional technique, Peterson’s dazzling playing and irresistibly dance-inducing groove embody the very essence of jazz—simply put, it’s just plain cool.

Why not listen with a wine glass in hand and a touch of swagger?

Fly Me to the MoonOscar Peterson6rank/position

Fly Me to the Moon

Because “Fly Me to the Moon” was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, it may be strongly associated in Japan with vocal jazz or bossa nova.

However, its melodic charm remains fully intact in 4-beat piano jazz as well.

For some listeners, it might even sound refreshingly new.

Georgia On My MindOscar Peterson7rank/position

Georgia On My Mind

This song is not only a jazz standard but also the state song of Georgia in the United States.

It’s often used in Japanese TV commercials, so even people who aren’t into jazz may find it familiar.

Its relaxed tempo is infused with quintessential jazz expressions, making it a compelling masterpiece of jazz piano.