Mr. Peterson is easily one of the most intelligent people to ever to walk this earth. His gifts are simply beyond measure. Please notice just how much he pays attention to his surroundings and the people he speaks with. He has a gift so great he should be studied by all musicians!!
We have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise. You never get tired of replaying Oscar, dare I say it - the greatest Jazz pianist, a man of inventive genius who hasn't real left us when we have all of those great recordings to enjoy.
Oscar and Andre delightfully manage to make every pianist in the world feel like a schlump and at the same time inspire all of us to reach for whatever sliver of greatness is within each of us.
The soft tone of Oscar and Andre talking to each other as if there's no audience, no one in the room and with all the time in the world to spare. Their memories about all these wonderful musicians, their friendship-like effortless chatting. And then every once in awhile the pure gold of them playing. Sigh! :)
I heard oscar wanted to drop out of school because he told his father all he could think about was chords. His father said ok if you're going to be the best. I'd say he fulfilled that requirement!!
Beautifully said, Joan . . . musically speaking, this conversation is a smile AND a MASTERCLASS in staying true to yourself in style and substance. Happy playing and listening : ))
So cute: OP confessing hearing Art Tatum, giving up piano for 2 mos. and crying at night! OP is my favorite jazz pianist, plus I love what a sweet soul he was.
This is one of the greatest interviews I've ever watched in my life. Two extraordinary, intelligent musicians in ego-less conversation, how inspiring! You can feel the mutual respect and the admiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks for this, artfrob. It is a pleasure to listen to a conversation between two very intelligent and skilled musicians. This is my first real exposure to Oscar Peterson and he is a fantastic talent. One interesting extra: I find Andre's and Oscar's voices extremely soothing. If more people spoke in such a well-mannered way we'd probably be better listeners.
Another beautiful happening. Oscar is so quick minded with his responses to Andre’s questions. Thoughtful, insightful, truthful and historically centered answers. I just got an advanced degree in music just watching and listening to this tonight!
The word "genius" is tossed around to describe musicians. Oscar is among the very few who deserve the appellation. I'm referring to his musicianship, but in addition, he is among the rare musicians who are very articulate---able to describe whatever with nuance.
Magnificent! Mr.Peterson is not only a virtuoso, maestro, pianist genius, his intellect, humor and musicality is incomparable. He’s an educator and Andre Previn is a superb interviewer and musician. His admiration for Mr. Peterson is palpable and I wish I had seen this sooner in my life. I love this interview, I love their interaction and the respect for the other musicians and each other. Thank you for this treasure of music and for the education. Phenomenal! Mr. Peterson is incomparable!!! MBT 1/14/2024
Freaking brilliant answer to that first question. Instead of saying something demeaning to the other players inability to 'keep up' he simply states that it allows him the freedom to improvise with more spontaneity. Incredibly sick talent. Good lord I am a Rock guitarist who is now anxious to go out an hear some Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson recordings. Phenomenal stuff.
I wish as a human being I had Oscar Peterson’s highly commendable humility and humbleness …but for me to wish for his great genius and wisdom would be to wish for the impossible of filling a glass with a hole in its bottom with the very best of wines. And what a great conversationalist …a complete joy to both listen to and hear play! Great musician …great man!
Given the paucity of good music these days, this is an oasis. I love the breadth of BOTH musicians, and OP's breakdowns are mesmerizing. Most of all, his adoration of Tatum - unknown today - is a master musician acknowledging the musician's musician
I remember watching this live, many,, many, years ago. I remember, probably erroneously, that the program went way beyond it's allotted time, but they just kept rolling late into the night. Even the crew realized something special was happening.
And the humanity stopped me in my tracks. I was in a recording studio with Garth Hudson (of The Band), and suddenly in the control room I heard this fabulous music and I asked the studio owner/engineer, Who is that? Oscar....
A thing people don't talk about so much with regard to Oscar is the fact that he's probably the best comper in the business. He never takes the easy way out when someone else is soloing, he invents! And it's never obtrusive or distracting, just the perfect melodic and harmonic accompaniment.
I agree you with you, but there are definitely those who have different opinions and think his comping style is very intrusive (most of them are bass players)
Niels Henning always seemed to enjoy playing with him - there's an element of counterpoint in Oscar's comping which, I suppose, might put a less flexible bassplayer off. I used to work with an otherwise excellent guitarist who would just panic if anyone tried to do anything other than just chug out the chords during his solos - he couldn't handle counterpoint or call-and-response-type playing unless it was rehearsed. I hear lots of places for other (fast-thinking!) people to play in Oscar's comping. Art Tatum would, I suspect, be a different matter.
Jools Holland has started to do interviews like this since lockdown. Not at this level, but they've been interesting. BBC 4 still has plenty of excellent music documentaries as well, which is where I first watched this about 12-13 years ago. Made me appreciate Andrew Preview all the more.
This was a master class in Jazz appreciation. And such a great rapport between these two: At 20:23, Previn says, “Nat Cole not only knew what to play, but . . .” And Peterson finishes the statement almost simultaneously with Previn, “. . . what to leave out.”
Utterly mesmerising: Both! Thankfully too, no one "whoo-hoo-ing", whistling or shrieking after the musical interludes to spoil. The conversation oh so fluid and respectful without indulging in egoism. Why are there no Grammies for such joyous events.
Have mercy, that blues he plays at 38:02 is the thing. Beyond just his ability to summon speed and dexterity his feel for the music, and the blues in particular, was absolute.
These guys are the ones I emulated growing up to play like them and learn all they knew so I can play like them. Now playing bass for 56 years now, just discovered this, SCARY HOW TIME DOES FLY.
Sinatra once said that when he was a new singer everyone wanted to be Bing Crosby. He thought there were enough Crosby’s and he did not want to fall into that trap. Peterson had the same revelation about Art Tatum.
I am self learning the piano. 3 years now. Trying to learn more about people like this. Nrver heard of him. Seems extremely intelligent. Amazing player
Saw/heard Peterson play at a concert in the late 1970's He played two tunes solo...I had always loved/respected him as a giant of the keyboard. I can't tell you if each tune lasted 3 minutes or 12 minutes...Oscar truly "stopped the show" and made time stand still as the old line goes....Unbelievable talent....
This video is from 1974, fwiw. Thanks. Heard him with Ella Fitzgerald at the Fox - the one in Atlanta. Our seats were great, but it didn't matter: pretty sure we all floated beyond the space itself, into the night sky. Rest in paradise to Oscar and Andre Luis ✨️... and Art Tatum
This is wonderful, thank you for posting. As someone mentioned... two articulate, musically mature artists speaking about the highest levels of both classical & jazz. Will watch this a few times.
Such a great pity that this isn't the complete broadcast, since it cuts out the finale where Oscar P and Andre P end by playing a duet together, which was a highlight, and indeed the most memorable part of the whole programme!
Effortless admiration, skill laughter musicality respect and great story telling; these were the days when music was everything it was the instrument that shaped our lives- thank you both very much
So amazingly awesome--like getting to hear Mozart's and Beethoven's speak of their musical influences and contemporary insights--OP is among the greatest western genre musicians ever.
I was thinking the very same thing. I almost enjoy listening to Oscar Peterson talk as I do hearing him play. Almost. He is just SO entertaining doing either.
You could always see and hear in O.P.’s voice and demeanor that he was incredibly grateful for the gift of music and his incomparable talent as a pianist. Music was his high; his one true addiction - he had no need for drugs. To him using drugs would have equated with the betrayal of his musical passion. For a uniquely talented and loving human being and family man like O.P. betrayal never figured into the equation of life. As far as he was concerned it was already bad enough that he had to spend so much time on the road and away from his loved ones. His incredible musical genius and virtuosity were only matched by his eloquence and the strength of his character.
what a treat great education this is music at its best the piano all by itself jazz at its finest Oscar Peterson and Andre Previn a great musician pianist conductor History wow
There is a longer version (almost 15 minutes longer) of this conversation available here on YT but it is divided into 7 parts, each about 9-10 minutes in length. It is a 15 year old upload, which probably explains why it was not uploaded as one single video. But if one wants to see this programme with a minimum of edits, it is worth checking out.
I love the story at about fifteen minutes about (classical) Vladimir Horowitz and (jazz) Art Tatum interacting about how to play a jazz piece. Two great pianists from different genres of music, but somehow speaking the same language. Brilliant.
Видеоклипы
![[FULL CONCERT] Oscar Peterson & Count Basie & Joe Pass 1980 - Words & Music](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2HAZP7nWo6A/mqdefault.jpg)
i just realize I am watching AN INTERVIEW for the third time.
It's like my 12th time
Mr. Peterson is easily one of the most intelligent people to ever to walk this earth. His gifts are simply beyond measure. Please notice just how much he pays attention to his surroundings and the people he speaks with. He has a gift so great he should be studied by all musicians!!
rjenkins23853.. I have noticed this also
Added to that his sense of humor is very sharp and just a delight.
rjenkins23853
I reckon that most who are worth their salt, already do.
i wholeheartedly agree. he is the Bach of jazz
@rjenkins23853, He should be studied by all non-musicians as well.
How in the world did I go 50+ years in my life and only discover Oscar Peterson just now? Where have I been? 😢
better late, than never
Exactly. Me too!
Same
Exactly this! The magic of RUclips.
Brando said this was the greatest television hour of all time.
We have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise. You never get tired of replaying Oscar, dare I say it - the greatest Jazz pianist, a man of inventive genius who hasn't real left us when we have all of those great recordings to enjoy.
When did he say this? Do you have a source? Not that I don't believe it, I'm just curious as to the circumstances of him saying it.
who tf is Brando? Marlon Brando?
@@cursedswordsman yes
That's who I assume.
Oscar and Andre delightfully manage to make every pianist in the world feel like a schlump and at the same time inspire all of us to reach for whatever sliver of greatness is within each of us.
The soft tone of Oscar and Andre talking to each other as if there's no audience, no one in the room and with all the time in the world to spare. Their memories about all these wonderful musicians, their friendship-like effortless chatting. And then every once in awhile the pure gold of them playing.
Sigh! :)
That is exactly the joy of this unsurpassable programme.
I love Oscar Peterson's hands on piano
I heard oscar wanted to drop out of school because he told his father all he could think about was chords. His father said ok if you're going to be the best. I'd say he fulfilled that requirement!!
His control of the piano is absolute.
Two legends - zero ego - so refreshing
Oscar speaks just as eloquently as he plays
Jay A.
An eloquent and refined man, as is of course André Previn...er WAS!
Oscar Peterson is Canadian, and not an American.
Delete this raciat comment immediately
This is a racial profiling comment…
Grow up at least!
I read the same comments in regards of Nat King cole or Wes Montgomery
Perfectly stated. Oscar was a once in a hundred years kind of talent. Zero limitations. Could have done anything.
What a class act, Oscar. Jeez.
there r hundreds of languages in the world but a smile speaks them all
Beautifully said, Joan . . . musically speaking, this conversation is a smile AND a MASTERCLASS in staying true to yourself in style and substance. Happy playing and listening : ))
joan hastings I no 9jib
great
joan hastings how beautifully said
People don`t respect you if you smile in wrong situation.
So cute: OP confessing hearing Art Tatum, giving up piano for 2 mos. and crying at night! OP is my favorite jazz pianist, plus I love what a sweet soul he was.
This is one of the greatest interviews I've ever watched in my life. Two extraordinary, intelligent musicians in ego-less conversation, how inspiring! You can feel the mutual respect and the admiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I couldn't agree more. It's my favorite discussion between two musicians. Ever.
Ditto! to all of the above
Well said!!!
Perfectly put. Peterson seems like the most generous soul.
coachineto...
er Thank you. thank you, thank you, thank you!
I got one more in there than you did!
I am honored to say that I saw Oscar Peterson perform live at the Heinz theater in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania around 1977-78.
Me too. Heinz Hall, in Pittsburgh. The "Cool" Jazz Festival.
I was at that same concert! As I recall, he had Joe Pass with him...it was an incredible evening! D. Glander
What a beautiful elegant gentleman in the true meaning of the word
Perfect description.
Thanks for this, artfrob. It is a pleasure to listen to a conversation between two very intelligent and skilled musicians. This is my first real exposure to Oscar Peterson and he is a fantastic talent. One interesting extra: I find Andre's and Oscar's voices extremely soothing. If more people spoke in such a well-mannered way we'd probably be better listeners.
‘Noe Berengena is
Exactly.
Good lord, what a human and pianist. And conversations in settings like this are priceless.
Beautifully spoken and a genius musician. Oscar Peterson is a treasure and gift to the world. What a privilege to hear him play and speak.
Mr Peterson was an intelligent absolutely gifted, brilliant jazzpianist
Another beautiful happening. Oscar is so quick minded with his responses to Andre’s questions. Thoughtful, insightful, truthful and historically centered answers. I just got an advanced degree in music just watching and listening to this tonight!
Well said.
Two of the greatest pianists of all times.
The word "genius" is tossed around to describe musicians. Oscar is among the very few who deserve the appellation. I'm referring to his musicianship, but in addition, he is among the rare musicians who are very articulate---able to describe whatever with nuance.
Simply the greatest jazz pianist of all time. And I include Art Tatum.
The jam feels even from here, but I get it.
You don't have to know anything about jazz to know you are watching a genius at the keyboard, and what a lovely human being.
Exactly
Magnificent! Mr.Peterson is not only a virtuoso, maestro, pianist genius, his intellect, humor and musicality is incomparable. He’s an educator and Andre Previn is a superb interviewer and musician. His admiration for Mr. Peterson is palpable and I wish I had seen this sooner in my life. I love this interview, I love their interaction and the respect for the other musicians and each other.
Thank you for this treasure of music and for the education. Phenomenal!
Mr. Peterson is incomparable!!!
MBT 1/14/2024
two intelligent & articulate people having a interesting convo - glad it was done in front of a camera & mic - notice it was a BBC production
Freaking brilliant answer to that first question. Instead of saying something demeaning to the other players inability to 'keep up' he simply states that it allows him the freedom to improvise with more spontaneity. Incredibly sick talent.
Good lord I am a Rock guitarist who is now anxious to go out an hear some Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson recordings. Phenomenal stuff.
Exactly!
Find Oscar with the jazz guitarist Joe Pass.
Oscar, Joe and Niels henning ørsted pedersen 😉
I wish as a human being I had Oscar Peterson’s highly commendable humility and humbleness …but for me to wish for his great genius and wisdom would be to wish for the impossible of filling a glass with a hole in its bottom with the very best of wines. And what a great conversationalist …a complete joy to both listen to and hear play! Great musician …great man!
Shout out to all future historians!
Also such a beautiful moment in music history. ❤
Oscar mastered the piano like water in a river...free to flow...
Oscar Peterson and Andre Previn have the most fluid conversation about music I could listen to it 100 times. Thank you for your great talents
Given the paucity of good music these days, this is an oasis. I love the breadth of BOTH musicians, and OP's breakdowns are mesmerizing. Most of all, his adoration of Tatum - unknown today - is a master musician acknowledging the musician's musician
Excellent, JP. Beautiful.
Such a pity that this film is incomplete and misses out of the stupendous finale where Oscar Peterson and Andre Previn duet together!
here's the end: ruclips.net/video/51fUTDWhXys/видео.html
I remember watching this live, many,, many, years ago. I remember, probably erroneously, that the program went way beyond it's allotted time, but they just kept rolling late into the night. Even the crew realized something special was happening.
And the humanity stopped me in my tracks. I was in a recording studio with Garth Hudson (of The Band), and suddenly in the control room I heard this fabulous music and I asked the studio owner/engineer, Who is that? Oscar....
Thank you Rick for leading me here.
Oscar Peterson was the greatest.
I'm almost starting to cry when he described how much influence could be a bad thing. Such knowledge and understanding, Greatest words i ever listen.
y34r (
Play on
A thing people don't talk about so much with regard to Oscar is the fact that he's probably the best comper in the business. He never takes the easy way out when someone else is soloing, he invents! And it's never obtrusive or distracting, just the perfect melodic and harmonic accompaniment.
I agree you with you, but there are definitely those who have different opinions and think his comping style is very intrusive (most of them are bass players)
Niels Henning always seemed to enjoy playing with him - there's an element of counterpoint in Oscar's comping which, I suppose, might put a less flexible bassplayer off. I used to work with an otherwise excellent guitarist who would just panic if anyone tried to do anything other than just chug out the chords during his solos - he couldn't handle counterpoint or call-and-response-type playing unless it was rehearsed. I hear lots of places for other (fast-thinking!) people to play in Oscar's comping. Art Tatum would, I suspect, be a different matter.
Peterson is one of the most well-spoken people I've ever heard.
Profound. And why is nobody making programs like this any more?
Who would LISTEN yet alone UNDERTAND??? whump der it is..:(
Most people these days are medicated for ADHD, that's why, lol.
Jools Holland has started to do interviews like this since lockdown. Not at this level, but they've been interesting.
BBC 4 still has plenty of excellent music documentaries as well, which is where I first watched this about 12-13 years ago.
Made me appreciate Andrew Preview all the more.
This was a master class in Jazz appreciation.
And such a great rapport between these two: At 20:23, Previn says, “Nat Cole not only knew what to play, but . . .”
And Peterson finishes the statement almost simultaneously with Previn, “. . . what to leave out.”
Utterly mesmerising: Both! Thankfully too, no one "whoo-hoo-ing", whistling or shrieking after the musical interludes to spoil. The conversation oh so fluid and respectful without indulging in egoism.
Why are there no Grammies for such joyous events.
Two outstanding outstanding musicians. I love this . . . and as a teenager was there in the audience, spellbound.
This is an interview/conversation of the highest calibre, love it
A simple blues, he says... at 19:06, amazingly beautiful and so deceivingly simple! How he plays this so well??
Because Oscar really knows when to play from his heart, as he lovet Nat, who wrote/played the Easy Listening Blues.
Have mercy, that blues he plays at 38:02 is the thing. Beyond just his ability to summon speed and dexterity his feel for the music, and the blues in particular, was absolute.
These guys are the ones I emulated growing up to play like them and learn all they knew so I can play like them. Now playing bass for 56 years now, just discovered this, SCARY HOW TIME DOES FLY.
Pure respect for each other.
Great intellectuals..
Music perfectionists...
Sinatra once said that when he was a new singer everyone wanted to be Bing Crosby. He thought there were enough Crosby’s and he did not want to fall into that trap. Peterson had the same revelation about Art Tatum.
Excellent revelation 👍 I am a jazz, blues, rock pianist and this is the take
bing Crosby, can't get much stiffer and wooden than him. give me dean Martin anytime. sang live he loved life.
It's cool how tight knit the jazz community was. No rivalry, nor competition, just people in fellowship making good music.
I was fortunate to discover classical music and Oscar Petersen as teenager in the 1950s when he was just beginning to record.
Great interview. Such humility towards Art Tatum as well.
I am self learning the piano. 3 years now. Trying to learn more about people like this. Nrver heard of him. Seems extremely intelligent. Amazing player
watch some of the old Barry Harris masterclasses you will not regret
Saw/heard Peterson play at a concert in the late 1970's He played two tunes solo...I had always loved/respected him as a giant of the keyboard. I can't tell you if each tune lasted 3 minutes or 12 minutes...Oscar truly "stopped the show" and made time stand still as the old line goes....Unbelievable talent....
This video is from 1974, fwiw. Thanks.
Heard him with Ella Fitzgerald at the Fox - the one in Atlanta.
Our seats were great, but it didn't matter: pretty sure we all floated beyond the space itself, into the night sky.
Rest in paradise to Oscar and Andre Luis ✨️... and Art Tatum
Beautiful. RIP to these greats. Just love Oscar's openness and incredible skill on the keyboard.
Really enjoyed this. Intelligent, respectful, gently humorous discussion and outstanding musicality from Oscar. Wonderful!
A beautiful gift of Music both possessed and offered up for our listening pleasure ❤
This is wonderful, thank you for posting. As someone mentioned... two articulate, musically mature artists speaking about the highest levels of both classical & jazz.
Will watch this a few times.
If everyone were like Oscar Peterson, we would have world peace...
My GOD what a comment
Such a great pity that this isn't the complete broadcast, since it cuts out the finale where Oscar P and Andre P end by playing a duet together, which was a highlight, and indeed the most memorable part of the whole programme!
haven't finished watching yet but do you mean there is no footage of them playing together??
i saw the two pianos and...
A very particular elegance in Oscar's hands when he plays.
OSCAR our Pride !! BLACK excellence. We do not TALK WE DO!! Happiness NOT NUCLEAR Weapons. BUT JOY not MISSERY, That is BLACK People's Philosophy.
Effortless admiration, skill laughter musicality respect and great story telling; these were the days when music was everything it was the instrument that shaped our lives- thank you both very much
So amazingly awesome--like getting to hear Mozart's and Beethoven's speak of their musical influences and contemporary insights--OP is among the greatest western genre musicians ever.
Totally magical interaction. Oscar Peterson is maybe the only musician I enjoy listening to as he describes what he does as I do when he does it.
I was thinking the very same thing. I almost enjoy listening to Oscar Peterson talk as I do hearing him play. Almost. He is just SO entertaining doing either.
Oh this was just wonderful....an hour passed in 30 seconds for me.
00:02-00:45 You can taste some impressionism of that delicious stew. What a master Oscar was.
I am reborn with these two giants
What a lovely man. Talented beyond belief
How I wish he had been my teacher. What a musician.
Now Previn will meet Peterson in heaven and amaze the Gods. R.I.P.
Absolute genius. Highly intelligent and lyrical player. One of the best pianists there has ever been.
I've said it before, but his nonchalance in doing what he does, is astounding.
This video is a real treasure.
I wish this was mandatory for all great artists/musicians. :P To do a show like this in their life.
R.I.P. Andre Previn
Insanely awesome to be a fly on this wall. 🎹
A truly remarkable man
As lucid and unburdened in speech as he was on the piano
I could listen to him talk for days
My father only listened to Oscar Peterson and Errol Garner and so this was my very first imprint with music.
What lovely interview
"Penthouse Serenade" Errol Garner, Nat Cole & Oscar Peterson
"AUTUMN LEAVES", A LONELY SONG- STILL WORKIN ON IT- GREAT PIANIST MR. OSCAR!
Oscar Peterson was just the greatest.
100%. Brilliant, a virtuoso musician and from all appearances, a very kind man.
Wow! So musically satisfying. From 2 guys who are in the stratosphere of music. Loved the wonderful anecdotes as well.
Artistic, Introspective & Beautiful Conversation & Music between 2 Giants..... So happy it's been preserved.....
Interesting how many people are coming here recently
I don't know what to admire the genius of these two musician/ composers or the conversation. Well done.
You could always see and hear in O.P.’s voice and demeanor that he was incredibly grateful for the gift of music and his incomparable talent as a pianist. Music was his high; his one true addiction - he had no need for drugs. To him using drugs would have equated with the betrayal of his musical passion. For a uniquely talented and loving human being and family man like O.P. betrayal never figured into the equation of life. As far as he was concerned it was already bad enough that he had to spend so much time on the road and away from his loved ones. His incredible musical genius and virtuosity were only matched by his eloquence and the strength of his character.
He was addicted to food!!
RIP Andre Previn
I will have to thank Mr. Previn all my life for this amazing interview.
what a treat great education this is music at its best the piano all by itself jazz at its finest Oscar Peterson and Andre Previn a great musician pianist conductor History wow
can't get enough of this "interview"
Wonderful, every bit of it.
They are so right about too much veneration of idols blocks your creative development
There is a longer version (almost 15 minutes longer) of this conversation available here on YT but it is divided into 7 parts, each about 9-10 minutes in length. It is a 15 year old upload, which probably explains why it was not uploaded as one single video. But if one wants to see this programme with a minimum of edits, it is worth checking out.
I love the story at about fifteen minutes about (classical) Vladimir Horowitz and (jazz) Art Tatum interacting about how to play a jazz piece. Two great pianists from different genres of music, but somehow speaking the same language. Brilliant.
Two great musicians.Really absorbing.
This interview gets me. Everything about it. It’s perfect!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful program, artfrob. It was very enjoyable.
Glad i was able to Karl..
The few seconds at 27:26 ! OP is the master of a perfect cadence