Affinity (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series)

Affinity captures a studio session from September 1962 in Chicago, featuring Peterson on piano alongside his long-time trio partners Ray Brown (bass) and Ed Thigpen (drums). The album offers a refined selection of standards delivered with the assured interplay that defined the Peterson/Brown/Thigpen trio. Peterson's first recorded take on the Bill Evans classic "Waltz For Debby" is a lyrical, nuanced performance - and "Gravy Waltz," (co-written by Ray Brown,) showcases the trio's rhythmic drive and subtle groove. As a whole, Affinity is a tasteful, well-crafted example of Peterson's work in the early 1960s - a strong trio recording that reflects his continued commitment to swing, subtlety, and ensemble balance, making it a valuable piece for any serious jazz collection. Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.