From Voice of America’s Doug Levine: Jazz pianist and composer Oscar Peterson died near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 23, of kidney failure. He was 82. Often compared to Erroll Garner and Art Tatum, Peterson modernized the jazz piano. His career spanned more than 45 years, and included dozens of albums with trios and orchestras, as well as numerous appearances in concert halls and festivals around the world…
Though I never appreciated jazz piano growing up, it was during my former years working at Tower Records that I learned of the jazz greats. When it came to learning and knowing the Who’s Who of jazz piano, Oscar Peterson was definitely one of the top of the list. I had the greatest pleasure of watching Mr. Peterson live at the 49th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, CA back in 2006. Though his mobility was limited, he still provided a wonderful set. Another highlight at that festival was the special encore with Oscar Peterson featuring Clint Eastwood performing solo on piano, plus Hank Jones and Glenn Zaleski, the Brubeck Institute pianist (who then took over for Clint Eastwood). Wow, I can still replay that moment in my head.
