Oscar Peterson: 1925-2007 :: Music News :: Articles

[Above: Oscar Peterson and Ray Charles in 1974 - (Associated Press)]

While many were away enjoying the holidays (Paste included), the jazz world lost one of its all-time greats. Pianist Oscar Peterson died from kidney failure on December 23, 2007 in his hometown of Mississauga, Ontario, a Toronto suburb.

Widely considered one of the most influential piano players in jazz history, Peterson rose to fame in the '50s alongside Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald.

Peterson was an active player, and was involved in several successful combos throughout his career. The most famous incarnation of Peterson's trio (1955-1958), which included bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis, was notable as much for its integration of a white musician (Ellis) into a traditional jazz group as it was for the superb level of musicianship it brought to the genre.

Since his death nearly one week ago, many musicians have blogged about his life and work. Of all of the Internet tributes, Herbie Hancock's is perhaps the most moving. In an interview with the LA Times, Hancock said he considers Peterson "the dominant piano player who established [my] foundation," noting that Peterson's ability of blending classical sensibilities with improvisation gave his music an unprecedented sophistication. "Oscar Peterson redefined swing for modern jazz pianists for the latter half of the 20th century up until today," Hancock wrote on his MySpace page. "I consider him the major influence that formed my roots in jazz piano playing. He mastered the balance between technique, hard blues grooving, and tenderness. You’ll find Oscar Peterson’s influence in the generations that came after him. No one will ever be able to take his place."

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