The Way I Really Play

Reception

Writing for AllMusic, critic Ken Dryden wrote "The influence of Art Tatum is apparent during his intricate runs within "Love Is Here to Stay," while the multifaceted original "Sandy's Blues" (dedicated to his wife) combines a dark mood with a swinging setting. The lighthearted waltzing treatment of "Alice in Wonderland" is pure joy, while another original, "Noreen's Nocturne," is simply a showstopper."

The Penguin Guide to Jazz includes the album in its selected "Core Collection."

Track listing

1. "Waltzing Is Hip" (Ray Brown, Johnny Wayne) – 6:11
2. "Satin Doll" (Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Billy Strayhorn) – 10:05
3. "Our Love Is Here to Stay" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) – 4:54
4. "Sandy's Blues" (Oscar Peterson) – 9:34
5. "Alice in Wonderland" (Sammy Fain, Bob Hilliard) – 4:46
6. "Noreen's Nocturne" (Oscar Peterson) – 9:20

Performance

Recorded at the private studio of Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, Villingen-Schwenningen, West Germany, November 12, 1967:

Production