Know Your Jazz: Oscar Peterson

My favorite Jazz instrument is the piano by far. Piano is used in just about all types of music, but there is something about a piano playing jazz that just blows me away. The way it can carry both rhythm and melody, so much can be expressed with the sounds and nuances of jazz piano. It is, I believe, one instrument that truly bares the character of the person playing it.

Look at pictures of Oscar Peterson and he is usually smiling. Then listen to his music-- even when he plays a ballad-- you can't help but smile. His music is infectious. You hear the phrase "tickling the ivories," but when you hear Oscar Peterson play-- that phrase comes alive.


It sounds so effortless and yet you can instantly recognize the skill that it takes to pull it off. Completely accessible and just plain fun to listen to, Oscar Peterson is perfect for people new to Jazz as well as the seasoned jazz fan.

While he does have several great studio and live albums, I can't sum up his work with one album. I don't normally condone or recommend collections or "best of" albums, but I'll make an exception this time. The couple collections I've heard from O.P. are amazing and a great intro to not only this artist, but Jazz in general.

You really can't go wrong with anything you pick up and that is the sign of a true Master.