Oscar Peterson, Stephane Grappelli, Joe Pass, Mickey Roker, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - Skol (1979)

This live recording captures an extraordinary collaboration between several of jazz’s most accomplished musicians, combining the elegance of swing tradition with the technical sophistication of contemporary jazz improvisation. Pianist Oscar Peterson and violinist Stéphane Grappelli lead the session with remarkable chemistry, exchanging melodic ideas with fluidity, warmth, and effortless swing. The supporting ensemble—featuring guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, and drummer Mickey Roker—provides an exceptional rhythmic and harmonic foundation that elevates the performance throughout the album. The repertoire centers on classic standards interpreted with spontaneity, lyrical phrasing, and subtle virtuosity, while the closing “Skol Blues” allows the group to expand into a looser and more interactive improvisational setting. Peterson’s dynamic piano work and Grappelli’s graceful violin lines remain central, but each musician contributes meaningfully to the ensemble’s overall balance and momentum. Recorded in a concert atmosphere, the album preserves the immediacy and communication of live jazz performance, making it one of the most memorable collaborations within the Pablo Records catalog.

Tracklist:
1. Nuages
2. How About You
3. Someone To Watch Over Me
4. Makin' Whoopee
5. That's All
6. Skol Blues

Personnel :
Oscar Peterson – piano
Stéphane Grappelli – violin
Joe Pass – guitar
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen – double bass
Mickey Roker – drums