
As far as technique goes, Peterson was certainly one of the most impressive pianists in jazz. The man could play literally anything. He was extremely well-versed in various jazz piano styles, and could execute them with stunning precision, even at impossible tempos. He played with the power of a freight train, and so it's not surprising that he worked mainly within small groups (duo or trio) or solo. Nobody wants to stand in front of a freight train. Peterson will perhaps be best remembered for his trio work with another legend, bassist Ray Brown. Together, Brown and Peterson created one of the hardest-swinging combos that you'll hear anywhere. Below are just a couple clips from the wealth of Peterson videos on Youtube. The first is Peterson in full-throttle swing mode, ripping through a blues at an unknown concert, probably in the late 70s/early 80s.
Finally, and fittingly, here is the Peterson Trio, with the great Ray Brown, performing the Benny Goodman staple "Goodbye." Goodbye, indeed.
1 comment:
Ooh, that first video was bad! Hurt me, Oscar!!!
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