Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite

Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite

ASIN: B00004ZDQ5

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As part of its new-millennium celebrations, the Canadian government opened a series of linked hiking trails across the country, some 10,000 miles of pathway through every conceivable kind of northern terrain. The Trail of Dreams suite, composed by the country's most famous jazz musician, was commissioned to commemorate the trail. Oscar Peterson has explored nationalistic themes before, and, like his 1964 Canadiana suite, this one is inspired by the changing landscape and shifting cultures encountered in crossing so vast a country, from the Celtic reel of "Dancetron" to a minuet. Michel LeGrand provides string arrangements for Peterson's themes, expanding and supporting the work of Peterson's quartet: guitarist Ulf Wakenius, bassist Niels Henning-Orsted Pedersen, and drummer Martin Drew. The strings only add to the warm glow that's already present in Peterson's tunes, from the engagingly swinging "Open Spaces" and "Cookin' on the Trail" to the limpid serenity of "Banff the Beautiful" and "Harcourt Nights." Peterson, celebrating his 75th birthday, is not the powerhouse at the piano he once was, but there are sparkling moments throughout that show he retains his vibrant rhythmic sense. Much of the lead and solo work goes to Wakenius. The latest in a string of fine Peterson guitarists, he's more than up to the task. --Stuart Broomer

Tracks:

Open Spaces
Morning In Newfoundland
The Okanagan Valley
Dancetron
Ballad To P.E.I.
Cookin' On The Trail
Banff The Beautiful
Lonesome Prairie
The French Fiddler
Harcourt Nights
Manitoba Minuet
Anthem To A New Land

Amazon.com

As part of its new-millennium celebrations, the Canadian government opened a series of linked hiking trails across the country, some 10,000 miles of pathway through every conceivable kind of northern terrain. The Trail of Dreams suite, composed by the country's most famous jazz musician, was commissioned to commemorate the trail. Oscar Peterson has explored nationalistic themes before, and, like his 1964 Canadiana suite, this one is inspired by the changing landscape and shifting cultures encountered in crossing so vast a country, from the Celtic reel of "Dancetron" to a minuet. Michel LeGrand provides string arrangements for Peterson's themes, expanding and supporting the work of Peterson's quartet: guitarist Ulf Wakenius, bassist Niels Henning-Orsted Pedersen, and drummer Martin Drew. The strings only add to the warm glow that's already present in Peterson's tunes, from the engagingly swinging "Open Spaces" and "Cookin' on the Trail" to the limpid serenity of "Banff the Beautiful" and "Harcourt Nights." Peterson, celebrating his 75th birthday, is not the powerhouse at the piano he once was, but there are sparkling moments throughout that show he retains his vibrant rhythmic sense. Much of the lead and solo work goes to Wakenius. The latest in a string of fine Peterson guitarists, he's more than up to the task. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Just pure, gorgeous, and moving........2006-02-14

One of my favorites. Peterson's composition and Legrand's direction couldn't be more perfectly matched. Also hands-down great are the orchestra.

Ewald-something would have you believe that followers of syrupy-stuff would like this album. Well, don't. (Maybe he's into rap or garage bands?) I like be-bop (east and west)and classical, and love this album! The work has huge scope - from folksy to heart-breakingly beautiful. Emotion isn't necessarily sappy.

If you go for music that is lush but unpretentious, listen to this!

Never wrote a review before, but I just got annoyed about the bad one. For shame!

Michel Legrand = Schmalz.......2004-01-24

The sound quality of this recording is exceptional. I enjoyed the compositions, but Michel Legrand's strings ruined this recording as far as I am concerned.

If you are a lover of James Last or Lawrence Welk, I suspect that you will love this recording. But I found the string arrangements were totally unimaginative, pure sappy schmalz. I just couldn't help but be irritated whenever I heard them.

Masterpiece musically and technically.......2002-11-25

This album was one amongst the slew of other SACD albums I bought in order to try out the SACD format. This one however stands out to the test of time. Each one of the performances is immaculate, tasteful; each sound is there because it needs to be there. If you have an SACD player buy the SACD version as it is a dual layer and thus contains also the Standard CD version if you want to listen in your car. I could not recommend more this genuine masterpiece.

Very Beautiful and Powerful Music.......2001-04-21

When I seen this Cd, I just had to have it. It has not disappointed me. Peterson has written some of his best music for this album. The passion of his writing is matched by his performance which is augmented by Michel Legrand's beautiful strings. Mr. Peterson is obviously devoted to Canada.

millennium smash.......2000-11-12

Wow! I first heard this cd on my local jazz station, and it absolutely transported me. The blending of Mr. Peterson's piano along with Michel Legrand's strings, makes me want to pour a nice Cabernet Sauvignon and listen to this beside a slow-burning fire, next to the one I love. The best part, for me, is knowing the Candian government subsidized a series of music for the millennium, and they backed a winner on this one. A definite buy recommendation for this original work.

Average customer rating:

Just pure, gorgeous, and moving.
Michel Legrand = Schmalz
Masterpiece musically and technically
Very Beautiful and Powerful Music
millennium smash

Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite
Oscar Peterson
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Orchestral Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00004ZDQ5
Release Date: 2000-10-24