Oscar…an alien jazz pianist with a Canadian Passport. The world misses him dearly!

Oscar was a real master. I love so much of the cool things he did. The solo, the trio, accompanying Ella & Louis, his little jazz exercise! The joy of playing cool, the joy of virtuous, the joy of imitating Art Tatum style. Great player. Great guy. 💞 Thanks Peter&Adam

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

He wasn’t imitating Art Tatum, he was inspired and invigorated by him. He even said when being interviewed by another famous jazz pianist who’s name escapes me at the moment and I quote: “I never tried to copy what he played, I know maybe one lick of his”! Which he then proceeded to play twice”.. He played what he felt was an approximation or the essence and embodiment of Arts style. Art Tatum was more naturally gifted than Oscar, although both possessed perfect pitch Art peaked very early. Oscar Peterson had the good fortune of being mentored by him and as a consequence he(Oscar) developed his skill set slower over time therefore he was able to refine and mature to a much greater degree, which allowed him to execute rhythms, thoughts and musical ideas to a much higher level than “ALL” of his contemporaries! Take note that this is what set him apart, he was more advanced in almost every area of jazz pianism! Hence, he learned from Art what he could and forged his own style. Yes, make no mistake about it. He was in awe and deeply influenced by him however, he was ALREADY heading down that narrow road of slick SUPERHUMAN, dazzling, breakneck, spellbinding, insane level of virtuosity. I also might add, that to my ears they sound NOTHING alike. Oscar Peterson sounds like he was probably influenced by the great Nat King Cole. Listen to his phrasing and accentuation. He became a more TECHNICALLY BRILLIANT version of Nat and he took that style of melodic, swinging and pristine virtuosity to the fullest extent possible. It’s rather odd/hard for some people to understand but he was overlaying virtuosity on top of a an brilliant MUSICAL genius mindset, one that already existed BEFORE he fully developed and refined his technique! In contrast to Tatum who developed his technique/Musicality simultaneously, in part because he was partially blind and first learned tunes from old piano rolls. His gift was such that he(Art) absorbed everything at once because he had INCREDIBLE EARS, a phenomenal memory and laxer like focus.. Oscar was classically taught in fact in the line straight from Litz his teachers teacher was taught by the great Franz Litz himself. Standing around 6’3 inches he had huge hands, being a big and strong burly man worked to his advantage in that he was physically capable of executing larger intervals spanning over 11ths and you could hear this vigorous STRENGTH in ALL his notes, he was able to play intricate two handed runs and when he walked bass lines you could hear every note in both hands EQUALLY!! This is an very important distinction to make when comparing him to ANYONE else or ANY other jazz pianist! Because I’ve heard so many people talk about his technique and that he copies Art Tatum or that he plays too fast or that it’s just lick after lick after lick without regard to the music. He has inspired tons of pianist’s and hardly any of them swing as hard as him. Personally I have only heard him overplay a balled once I think maybe on the tune: “when I fall in love” or maybe “Lush Life”! Go listen closely, even their runs are different. Art Tatums style: stop, run, change tempo, modulate, run, wash, rinse, repeat.. was vastly different from Oscars bluesy, hard swinging multi faceted groove; sometimes nasty, gritty, grimey, melodious, and soulful but ALWAYS musical!! Now, these are my thoughts and I came to this realization after playing the piano for over 42 years!! I also possess perfect pitch and frequently play tunes after just one or two listens, I say this not to brag but to bring some insight and clarity to help those who struggle to understand just how deep his musicality was and why I believe that he was EASILY the greatest jazz pianist of ALL time. Now, this is not just the musing of just a casual listener but being a jazz pianist myself and someone who has listened and analyzed HUNDREDS of his JAZZ tunes and played jazz for an extremely long time. And there are others who agree with me as well: studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/oscar-peterson-plays-and-discusses-jazz Leonard Feather, probably the most widely read jazz critic in North America, who sums up Peterson’s career simply and positively: “Oscar Peterson is the greatest living jazz pianist.” “Duke Ellington referred to him as “maharajah of the keyboard.” Basie said, “Oscar Peterson plays the best ivory box I’ve ever heard.” The pianist and conductor André Previn called Mr. Peterson “the best” among jazz pianists.”

@Erroll21Oscar25

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrquick6775 Hi there- you hit the nail on the head about 112 times in your essay, yet only 2 likes, now 3, showing the public has been brainwashed and by and large have tin ears, this includes the slick guys from Open Studio, misleading the subscribers by deliberately moving away from the roots, roots that lie with Hines, Waller, Tatum, Willie the Lion Smith, and Nat Cole of course... RHYTHM is what comes first, then try and put notes to them, all from the Ear.

I listen to "Night Train" over and over and it never gets old. He is so relaxed and propulsive at the same time. You can't help but move your body to it. Unmatched

Those artists - like Mr. Peterson - whose creative work one can witness or experience over and and over yet it somehow feels new every time…if nothing else, my fellow travelers, they make this life worth paying attention to.

Oscar Peterson is one of the best jazz (blues) musicians ever. It’s simple enough, so people can hear it and enjoy it, without being professional musicians, buts is technically hard enough, so he was not only a composer (improviser), but also a high-level instrumentalist and performer and a stylist. Great harmony knowledge, but served with a taste. Great soul, great music.

Back in the 1970’s as a kid I used to creep downstairs and stay up real late at night watching Oscar and his friends on T.V. I owe him so much. I love what you’re doing too!

For a while I disliked Oscar Peterson for being, I don't know, too generic, too old-fashioned, too much showing off. 20 years later I listen to his stuff in total amazement. Nobody swings harder. Everything's on point. And that feel... truly one of the all time greats.

@begoode2385

2 жыл бұрын

You were just jealous and you needed to justify it.

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

@@begoode2385 😁

@etzenhammer

2 жыл бұрын

@@begoode2385 well... I'm still jealous..

@a-maize-zing

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds generic cause everyone copied him

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

@@a-maize-zing Yep, and imo he was the greatest who ever did it!!

that ride cymbal sound...

I love the album Hello Herbie, with Herb Ellis. Alternates fast/slow tempo tunes, Oscar’s way of cannoning one phrase into another, over and over is really gripping.

Love Oscar. One of my favorites. His 8th note feel is so satisfying to listen to.

Oscar given his much deserved due: So right ..so swingin’ ..You guys are the best !!

With his trio, his style of swing, coming from the Count Basie school, set a standard. His biography is titled "The Will to Swing." He also has an album with the same title. This title, along with his music, pretty much says it all.

You are the best guys

Sirs, is there anything like a PDF of that transcription you made?? 🙏

You two guys get that nasty stank look on your faces when the break down riffs are playing. I love that. Y’all feelin the soul. Can’t get that if you don’t love jazz. Oscar Peterson is a powerful influence on my playing. Love this channel

This is so beautiful

Epic stuff

My favorit pianist, and Errol Garner❤❤❤❤

I remember hearing in the Oscar documentary (Black + White) the guys that played with him said they always tried their best to make him sound better. They knew they would get their solos, so just stay in the background while he played and make sure you don't take away from his playing.

This here…yes, locked in…👏🏾

What a touch. "Mellifluous" doesn't even come close.

If you haven't seen the video w Dick Cavett getting a LESSON, treat yourself. ❤

i feel very click baited good job, ill watch the video now brb

Peter is a funny man man !

Oscar took the best parts of Art Tatum and Count Basie and created his own style.

Decades ago, a friend gave me a cassette which had Fats Waller on one side and Thelonious Monk on the reverse side, Wow 😮, which led me to Art Tatum, Oscar, snd Bill Evans, Herbie, Errol Garner,,,,,,,

Y’all making me want to learn how to play the piano…I hate that I could not get my hands to play different things 😞

@leobird8756

2 жыл бұрын

When you make the fingers and mind strong by practicing scales and arpeggios every day for months, musical ideas start to flow naturally. You can do it!

I am hearing it for the first time

I love you

The swing is 𝕤𝕠 𝕕𝕖𝕖𝕡.

wait, what would you be wrong about here?

@feliperamedeiros

2 жыл бұрын

i think thats the clickbait 😅 but cool video

@gogoteca

2 жыл бұрын

Absolute clickbait 😂

@nickrees4706

2 жыл бұрын

Potential heresy alert 😱

@JoeMuscara

2 жыл бұрын

Perhaps because OP isn't liked in some circles. I've heard of that though I don't know anyone personally.

@soojinl10

2 жыл бұрын

oscar does something other than shred

Night Train is the album to pick if you asked yourself: Oscar Peterson?

@PabluchoViision

2 жыл бұрын

Great choice. For me though it’s Hogtown Blues. Heard it around 14 years old and it put the world in a new orbit for me.

He employs an elastic rhythm that only makes sense against Ray Brown’s solid bass line. Oscar had it all. Master of technique and tremendous sense of musicality that guided every note he played. His goal was to play like Art Tatum. Trying to attain that but never reaching it he ended up as Oscar Peterson, and what a marvel that is.

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

He surpassed him!!

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

And it sounded good with the greatest bass player ever: Oscar Orsted Pederson

@odie1123

8 ай бұрын

What I would say is Art Tatum is so out there it’s unfathomable what I like about Oscar Peterson is like the difference between Rembrandt and Frans Hals ;with Frans Hals, it’s fathomable ,jaw-dropping accessible, enjoyable, and you don’t have to work too hard.

so weird , I just started transcribing " i got it bad .... " from this album 48 hours ago. Has the world Jazz ether linked our minds ?? Are ya'll spying on me !?!?!? jk jk jk

If you want to know what Monk thought, read Rob van der Bliek: "the Thelonius Monk Reader." If you want to know what Bud Powell thought, read "Dance of the Infidels" by Francois Paudras. My opinion is not worth two cents. I'm not a pianist, though I wish I were. I tend to like those who I can learn from, like Youse Guys! Peter Martin playing "Blues for Alice", Adam playing "It could Happen to You." I've bought a lot of Oscars books over the years, and they are too difficult for me. My favorite tune he does is "In the Still of the Night." To me, that is perfection! The rest of what Oscar does is just a blur of notes or Bluesy licks that pianists seem to dig but are kind of cliche for a horn or guitar.

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

D’ONT TAKE THIS PERSONALLY: “The rest of what he does is just bluesy” 😯So you relegated the greatest jazz pianist to ever play down to blues notes?? I’ve been playing piano almost since I was born over forty years and I still hear no one that moves me like him.. Yea your right what he played went over your head..☺️

@murraywilloughby7116

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrquick6775 that's not what I said at all. As far as being the "greatest?" I measure Greatness by Compositional Skill, not Virtuosity. You've been playing piano for over 40 years, almost since you were born. I've been teaching myself piano for over 40 years, since I was in college at 22, but even though I'm a jazz musician, I started with Chopin. Frankly, there is no Jazz Pianist that measures up to Him. Perhaps Keith Jarret comes closest. You've been deluded by the luxury of recording technology. If we could listen to Improvisations by Beethoven, Hummel, Chopin, Liszt or even Clementi or Czerny, Oscar wouldn't stand a chance. I'd like to add that to Me, Monk is difficult listening, but on the printed page His Beauty is Astounding, same with Bud Powell, Same with Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata! I'd also suggest you check out the "En blanc et noir" channel here on You Tube. I just checked out Beato's vid of "the Greatest Solo of all Time." To me, everything he talked about was "sensation." I would compare two albums: "Duke Ellington and John Coltrane" versus "Oscar Peterson * Stephane Grappelli Quartet." The way Oscar Accompanies versus the way Duke Accompanies. The solos they take. And last of all the compositions. Oscar is a great Interpreter, but what has he written that compares with the tunes Duke wrote just on that one album? Why don't you see Oscar on any Miles Davis albums?

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

@@murraywilloughby7116 I see, I see you are not able to focus on one point long enough to understand what’s being said.. we are talking about two different things conversation is over..

@murraywilloughby7116

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrquick6775 No, I understand pretty well Mr "Quick:" "What he played went over your head." I'm happy down here at the Deep end of the Pool. You are welcome to all the splashing and Surfing at the shallow end.

@newagain9964

2 жыл бұрын

@@murraywilloughby7116 why are you comparing Peterson to Chopin? That’s like comparing joe Montana to Ricky Henderson. And U said u were not a pianist...but then claim to have been playing for 40 yrs...are u high?

I can't divide Peterson and Gould. Two CDN boys - (in US terms) one black and one white. They came up at the same time in Canada, which in my opinion gave them the interest in their music. To this day in Canada the cultural (TV, web, political - think) is there with the Canadian's 'noisy neighbour to the south'. Yet both Peterson and Gould used that as a leverage-point for their own views. Very Canadian. When you get two esteemed artists from Canada literally making comment on the the US (being black/African American - but Canadian; Being someone who did not follow the cannon of Bach - and both just didi it). Mm. Brilliant. I would add a couple of artists, who really followed that mind=set of Peterson/Gould. Those are Yo-Yo Ma (commercially) : Bach's CSN1-GP kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y6Sm2ceNaZizn5M.html And Steve Reich's Music for 18: (btw - Steve played this at my venue in nyc) kzread.info/dash/bejne/aWV1wdWmZ5TFcqw.html

Someone thinks Oscar is not a piano God? Who the fuck can say that?

@andybutton1515

2 жыл бұрын

Yer. I don’t really understand the title. Is there loads of people who thought he was shit?!??

@andybutton1515

2 жыл бұрын

Just read more of the comments. Now I understand how clickbait works

They both look like they were shoveling snow.

How in the hell is anyone supposed to transcribe such big block chords with accuracy...can anyone please share this secret

Oscar is the cornucopia of Jazz

This video makes no sense

Oscar’s playing was impeccable. The only criticism is that he had no pianistic content of his own.

@obergssin

2 жыл бұрын

Then how come his playing is instantly recognizable …? He was a stylist … There is nothing “new” under the sun ….

@TorrieSeager

2 жыл бұрын

@@obergssin exactly 🙌

@mrquick6775

2 жыл бұрын

Your writing is impeccable. The only criticism is that you obviously don’t have the ears to hear his pianistic content!🙄

@slapmyfunkybass

2 жыл бұрын

You must be kidding bud, you know it’s Oscar after two bars.