Nice Work If You Can Get It
Oscar Peterson · Eight Classic Albums [2010]
Beneath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strollin' with the one girl
Sighin' sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then takin' that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
Holdin' hands at midnight
Beneath a starry sky
And strollin' with the one girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then takin' that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
Nice Work If You Can Get It - Oscar Peterson
Oscar Peterson's rendition of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" stands as a quintessential example of his mastery over the ballad style within the hard bop genre. Recorded for the compilation "Eight Classic Albums [2010]," this track showcases Peterson's signature ability to blend technical virtuosity with deep emotional resonance. The song, a standard from the Great American Songbook, was originally written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Ned Washington. Peterson's interpretation is characterized by his fluid piano technique and a vocal delivery that emphasizes the song's underlying melancholy and resilience. This recording captures the essence of mid-20th-century jazz, where the interplay between the soloist and the rhythm section creates a dynamic yet intimate atmosphere. The performance highlights Peterson's reputation as a pianist who could navigate complex harmonic structures while maintaining a conversational, human touch that defined his career.