Oscar Peterson: 1925-2007
If you love great music, and even if you're not a huge jazz fan (I'd say I'm a modest fan; love me some MJQ), you have to love Oscar Peterson. For seven decades, he made some of the best music you'll ever hear, and we're fortunate that as we say goodbye to him, we have not only many recordings but some video as well. Here are two to salute him:
The first, live in Italy, 1961, with Ray Brown (bass) and Ed Thigpen (drums). (It takes the vid about 45 seconds to get to the music. Then, the player window will give you more of the same.)
The second, on tv with Nat King Cole, Ray Brown, Herb Ellis (guitar) and Coleman Hawkins (sax). Hell, I may not know my jazz that well, but I know this is a kickass piece of history.
Even when they're with us for so long, it still seems a short time. I know who I'll be listening to over the next week or so. I hope you do, too. (And head over to YouTube; there's a lot more of Oscar to watch and hear.)
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December 24, 2007 |
T.A. Barnhart | Comments (2 so far)
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Posted by: Nina | Dec 27, 2007 10:53:53 AM
I was introduced to Oscar Peterson by accident over 10 years ago when I picked up a compilation CD of jazz pieces. When I heard his piece, I stopped what I was doing and said "WHO is that? He's AMAZING!" As a lifelong pianist myself, I have a pretty good ear for authentic, pure talent and this man had it. Wherever he is, I'm sure he's jamming with others.
Posted by: Michael Wilson | Dec 24, 2007 4:57:15 PM
Just listening to him on the radio.
Peace on earth.
M.W.