R.I.P. Oscar Peterson

[jgraz]

http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Jazz_giant_Oscar_Peterson_dead_at_8_12242007_af.html

Jazz giant Oscar Peterson dead at 82

Legendary jazz pianist and composer Oscar Peterson has died at the age of 82, friends said Monday, sounding the final note for one of the most celebrated musical careers of the 20th century.

The Canadian, who reportedly died of kidney failure late Sunday, played with all the greats during his six decades in the business with a versatile style that ranged from boogie-woogie to stride to bebop.

Jazz musician Oliver Jones bemoaned the "terrible, terrible loss" of his long-time friend.



:cry: Oscar Peterson is the reason I started playing jazz piano. Even if you don't like jazz, do yourself a favor and listen to one of his albums. Then you can tell people you know what pure joy sounds like.

[charlie]

1. Dude's a monster

Too much talent, technique, and heart packed into one soul. Only Art Tatum was his peer.

Bummer.

[NanceGreggs]

2. What a beautiful eulogy ...

... after all is said and done, it doesn't matter what a gifted musician does for the World of Music, but what he does for the many individuals he inspires.

[shadowknows69]

3. Afraid I'm not familiar

And, yeah, what Nance said. All musicians speak with the true voice of the Gods. Good journey jazzman.

[MonkeyFunk]

4. A real loss

I got to see him a few years back, and have lots of his recordings.