Happy Birthday, Oscar Peterson

Pianist Oscar Peterson was born on August 15, 1925, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Peterson won eight Grammy Awards over his career and is one of the few pianists whose technique approaches that of the great Art Tatum, who was a major influence on Peterson. As critic Scott Yanow notes, "Peterson's speed, dexterity, and ability to swing at any tempo were amazing. Very effective in small groups, jam sessions, and in accompanying singers, [Oscar Peterson] was at his absolute best when performing unaccompanied solos."

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.

Peterson plays solo piano here on "I Can't Get Started":

Robert
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