Oscar Peterson recorded six albums as part of the landmark “Exclusively for My Friends” live series at the state-of-the-art home studio of MPS Records' Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer. While all were released in 1968, this one stands apart from the others; it's the only solo album among various trio recordings. Deeply influenced by Art Tatum, Peterson’s own amazing technique is all the more clear when it's unfettered from a rhythm section, leaving him to range far and wide in what many regard as his best format. This one is a classic of its kind, featuring nine standards thoroughly remade. “Someone to Watch Over Me” is a wonder of flourishes and feints, while “Peridido” jumps as if it were done in the back of a Harlem bar. Though “Body and Soul” is often associated with horn players and singers, the pianist puts his mark on it with thrilling runs as well as dynamic highs and lows. On down the song list, each is a gem (check out the taut “Lulu’s Back in Town”!). It's now available digitally in the original form for the first time with new mastering.