By any standards, impresario Norman Granz's method of launching Canadian piano virtuoso Oscar Peterson onto the American jazz public was genuinely inspired. Granz wanted Peterson to appear at a Jazz At The Philharmonic concert at Carnegie Hall on a bill featuring Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Flip Phillips, Ella Fitzgerald etc. When the pianist couldn't obtain a US Work Visa in time, Granz came up with perfect ruse: Oscar Peterson would appear as an unbilled non-paid "guest."

On the night in question, Granz planted Peterson in the audience. Then, at a pre-arranged moment, casually announced that Peterson "just happened to be in the audience" and invited the piano man to join him on stage. It was then but a short step to the keyboard and, an even shorter step to stardom. Overnight, Oscar Peterson had become the talk of New York.

This collection includes that memorable occasion plus future sets featuring Ray Brown, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis.

Oscar Peterson (Piano) And Ray Brown (Bass ) / 18 September, 1949 / Fine And Dandy / I Only Have Eyes For You / Carnegie Blues / Oscar Peterson (Piano) And Ray Brown (Bass) 16 September, 1950 / Gai / Padovane / Oscar Peterson (Piano), Barney Kessel (Guitar) And Ray Brown (BASS) 13 September, 1952 / Sweet Georgia Brown / Cheek To Cheek / C Jam Blues / Tenderly / Seven Comes Eleven / Oscar Peterson (Piano), Herb Ellis (Guitar) And Ray Brown (Bass) 19 September, 1953 / Lollobrigida / Pompton Turnpike / Swingin' On A Star / Love For Sale / Swingin' 'Till The Girls Come Home