Oscar Peterson’sNight Train is a bluesy, swinging thing of joy. And as bassist Dave Young (who worked with Peterson for over three decades) told CBC Music, it's also a benchmark for jazz albums. “It appeals to such a wide range of listeners … people identified with it,” said Young. “You could dance to it too!”
Young was speaking to CBC Music on a VIA Rail train en route to a concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the album’s release. Drummer Alvin Queen, another Peterson alumnus, and pianist Robi Botos, a talent Peterson took under his wing, were also on that train. All of the interviews — along with the songs from Night Train played at the concert in Montreal's Victoria Hall — are in the videos below. (You can also see a photo gallery of the entire event here.)
And speaking of joy, these videos capturing the intimate Night Train concert truly are a joy to watch. See if you don’t agree!
"C Jam Blues"
"Night Train"
"Georgia on My Mind"
"Moten Swing"
"Easy Does It"
"Honey Dripper"
"Things Ain't What They Used to Be"
"I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good"
"Band Call"
"Hymn to Freedom"
The Night Train concert will be broadcast on Canada Live March 14 and 15. Listen online at CBC Music right now.
Related:
50 Years on Oscar Peterson’s Night Train: photo gallery
Oscar Peterson’s Night Train turns 50
Q&A: Robi Botos on Oscar Peterson, Branford Marsalis and more
Oscar Peterson in the Black Forest
Giants of Jazz: Oscar Peterson in exclusive interview from CBC's Hot Air archive