Happy Birthday, Oscar Peterson

August 15 is the birthday of pianist Oscar Peterson (1925-2007). Peterson was born in Montreal and won seven Grammy Awards over his career. He is one of the few pianists whose technique approaches that of the great Art Tatum, who was a major influence on Peterson.

Peterson plays "Hymn to Freedom":

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the album, In Concert (Verve - England 2683 063, 2 LPs). Unfortunately, that album is available only in vinyl and not in CD or MP3 format. Jim Determan, who updated the Lyons list for DC, offers no alternatives, and Lyons himself warns that "Good Peterson albums are abundant, but great ones are rare." Nevertheless, Lyons does speak highly of the solo album 'My Favorite Instrument,' which is available from Barnes & Noble, both new and used.


Robert