This release of cover songs from Oscar Peterson, recorded and released in 1959, features his trio of the era, Ray Brown on double bass and drummer Ed Thigpen.

When Jim Davis started producing records at Verve, he changed the company's recording philosophy toward its most prolific instrumentalist. Where Norman Granz had produced countless Oscar Peterson albums dedicated to the popular song, Davis was more interested in making albums closer to how the Peterson trio sounded live. His first Peterson records were the legendary London House sessions. By the time of this album, there had been no personnel change in the trio for five years - so it is no surprise that the rapport among the musicians here is telepathic.

This 1955 recording finds pianist Oscar Peterson delving into the Count Basie songbook, one of several albums Peterson recorded in the 1950s dedicated to specific composers. He is surrounded by a stunning line-up of talent here, namely Ray Brown on double bass, guitarist Herb Ellis and legendary drummer Buddy Rich.

An accomplished and classical pianist in his own right, Litton connected with not just the technique but with the vivid colors presented in Peterson’s harmonic soul. "A Tribute to Oscar Peterson" is a stirring improvisational riff on the man, the music and his indelible mark on the music world. The tunes are here but expected and somewhat eclectic and this is what makes the release special. Solo piano as a tribute to Oscar Peterson kicks it up a notch. Andrew Litton pulls it off with style, flair and a harmonic reach not as an imitation but as his own riff on the master. That is why this release works so well, it is from the heart.

Oscar Peterson has thoroughly assimilated not just every piano style that preceded him buy every ensemble idiom as well: swinging big bands, gospel, European classical, and, of course, the blues. Having mastered all of this, Peterson found the standard piano trio the perfect vehicle for exploring all of these types of music. In this classic album, the crowning achievement in his greatest year, Peterson doesn't just explore these styles – he conquers them. "Night Train" is one of Peterson's most commercially successful recordings.

Oscar Emmanuel Peterson, CC CQ OOnt was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer. He was called the "Maharaja of the keyboard" by Duke Ellington, but simply "O.P." by his friends. He released over 200 recordings, won eight Grammy Awards, and received numerous other awards and honours. He is considered one of the greatest jazz pianists, and played thousands of concerts worldwide in a career lasting more than 60 years.