There’s a new book out about Norman Granz and Verve Records, which got me thinking about the late, great Oscar Peterson. who is one of my musical heroes. He was, quite simply, the best pianist in any genre, ever.

The genius of Verve Records when Granz was running the show was packaging Jazz for a mainstream audience without diluting the quality of the music. Verve LPs were known for their innovative and stellar artwork and this 1962 cover is no exception:

Here’s the opening track of the album featuring Oscar on piano, Barney Kessell on guitar, Alvin Stoller on drums, and Ray Brown manning the stand-up bass: