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just want to say that "improvisation" is a murky word for me, but this IS a GREAT video to introduce people to a trio that is beyond imagination for most people... SO SOLID. truly great. Perhaps you might do a video on the subject of improv, how it is developed and instituted in playing. I am certain you are aware of the broader signification of the word improvisation but for MANY people they believe it is just inventing on the fly when in reality it is NOT. There is practice and thinking that is CRUCIAL BEFORE ANY improvisation on this level.
@@MattsAwesomeStuff Hi Matt, I was 14 at the time, so underage for the club. He's 92 now and rather forgetful. He grinned when I showed him this. Within 5 years of this gig , I had taken him to see Queen, Santana and Bob Marley - the last 2 he was swathed in 'herb' smoke.... "what is that smell?" he enquired, hilarious, especially given his background as a UK Government diplomat, and he still loves Marley.
I'm a professional piano player for almost 40 years, proudly Canadian, whose jaw still hits the floor every time I see or hear Oscar Peterson. There will never again be anyone with that kind of surgical viscosity in front of any piano. Greatest of all time INDEED!!
I'm a professional Canadian, and just so happy to have had my head and heart filled with Oscar's music over the years. "Surgical viscosity". Brilliant. I remember the first time I heard Oscar play, and I thought he had four hands.
I saw Oscar at the Ohio Valley Kool Jazz festival back in the early 80's. My friends wanted to go on the last day so they could hear all of the non jazz bands, (mostly funk and soul) but I wasn't going to miss that master play.
Wow Rick. I was at that gig. An 18 year old kid from out of town. Depressed when I walked in as I’d just missed out on a tea boy’s job at trident studios. Stood at back with my jaw open and feet tapping and after, walked out happy.
My Dad is 85 and loves jazz. His favourite is Oscar Peterson. In 2011 I bought him an iPod and filled it with Oscar and Diana Krall and Michael Buble and Art Tatum and Dave Brubeck and others that I knew he loved. One of the albums I put on the iPod was OP's live recording from 1958 in Vancouver, and while we were listening to it I told him how the recording was found in 2003 and released as an album soon after. He asked me where it was recorded because his father used to take him to the Orpheum Theatre to watch Oscar and his trio. When I looked it up and told him it was August 4th at the Orpheum he told me that he was there that night with his Dad. He was 20 years old. He is sure he can hear his Dad's whistle during the cheering. Thank you for doing this, Rick. Dad now has alzheimer's and music is one of the only things that brings out his passion and excitement. He can't remember what he had for lunch today. Can't even remember his granddaughter's name some days. But he can tell you that's Ray Brown on bass (or in this case Niels Pedersen), and that's Joe Pass on guitar (Barney Kessel), Ed Thigpen on drums. I will play this tribute for him tomorrow ❤
Rick... you are such a amazing musician ..educating aspiring small time musicians like me...the way you delve...is really deep... wishing you a very happy n prosperous New year... you are so wonderful... godsend...❤
When you see a title of "The Greatest Solo of All Time," you immediately think - OK, clickbait for sure. You'd think - oh it'll be good, but the greatest - ever? And then you watch the video. And you think to yourself, If there IS such a thing as The Greatest Solo of All Time, this just might be it. I was just flabbergasted. I've never seen anyone play the piano like that. The amount of complexity, precision and soul in this performance is off the charts. And I hate to say it, but I had never heard of Oscar Peterson before! Well, I have now! Amazing.
There are 2 undisputed post-mid-century masters of the piano, and they’re both from Canada: Oscar Peterson and Glenn Gould. In their own unique ways, they both radically re-imagined what piano playing could be. And they were both astonishing technical masters to boot.
Canada represents! There’s a statue of him and his piano at the national arts of canada in Ottawa. Not like brings me any closer to playing like that LOL
Oscar, like Glenn Gould and bassist James Jamerson "heard" counter melodies in their heads as they played. Columbia had great difficulty recording Gould, as he hummed counter melodies to the great Bach pieces that made him immortal. And I insist that Motown's James Jamerson was hearing cross melodies as Jamerson was taking compositions to #1! Jack Ashford alerted me to this fact.
God Rest your father’s soul, Rick. In imparting his love of high-information music to you, he had no idea he’d be impacting MILLIONS of lives in the future. That’s a hell of an achievement for a non-musician.
Couldn't agree more bluemichi. Bless everyone who lets music impact their lives and influence them. I couldn't get through the week if I didn't watch Rick's videos and given we just went into lockdown yesterday there's even more reason to watch these videos. Keep up the great work Rick.
Rick, I cannot express how gratifying it is to see you geeking out to Oscar. I've been arguing for years with anyone who would listen, that Oscar is one of the greatest musicians in the history of our planet, period. Nobody else has ever brought his combination of technical chops, speed, smoothness, but far most importantly, swing. Oscar swung even on the tenderest of ballads. A true GOAT.
Totally agree. I was lucky enough to grow up on Oscar and saw him play several times. I know Art Tatum. Oscar's hero, was arguably more advanced harmonically, but nobody swung like Oscar. There's a good video with him and Keith Emerson, who might have been the greatest rock keyboardist of all time, but Oscar just embarrasses Emerson with his facility and sense of swing. No dis to Emerson (RIP), but Oscar was definitely the GOAT of jazz piano.
I've been playing for 50 years and, like you, I am not good enough to get him his coffee.. Am currently attempting to learn his version of "Summertime" from Mellow Mood. Of course I have to spend hours learning those runs and my poor efforts are garbage compared to his command of the instrument, but it's still satisfying to play on the less complicated parts, because, it's just so fun trying to make it swing hard like he did. He just has so much control, improving at warp speed, and it swings and it's musical. It's mind blowing.
I was blessed to see Oscar Peterson with Joe Pass and Ella Fitzgerald at the Music Center in Los Angeles when I was 16 years old (1980) I drove my self there in my 66 Mustang, wearing a suit. Needless to say, I was completely blown away. Great post Rick!
You are beyond lucky. Even more so to recognize, as a young kid, how brilliant they were. I am almost certain if so lucky I would have missed the significance of the performance.
One of my favorite records (also on CD) is "Benny Carter Meets Oscar Peterson" which includes Joe Pass (Martin Drew and Dave Young as rhythm section). Just fabulous music - happy and mind-bogglingly brilliant.
Dam dude that's worth a ten minute standing ovation. I've enjoyed OP's music since my early hard rock twenties but have never heard this. Awesome. Love your dedication to your Dad. Respect.
My brother died a few years ago from sepsis he got from a puncture wound while gardening. It was tragic. I miss him. He was a virtuoso violinist and guitarist. He loved all kinds of music. Since we were kids we listened and he guided me through what we were hearing. He was a blast to hang out with. It was all about music. This channel is great. You must be a blast to hang out with and dig music with your friends.
This is why I love this channel. I never knew about these guys. This isn’t something I would search for. No computers of studio effects. Nothing but raw talent.
@@dwightropp3014 Sure - but what I mean is that talent alone cannot bring a musician to this level. He started pretty young, at 5 years old, father also a musician. I've taught a few kids that, one could say, were talented, they developed faster, had a natural ability to play the guitar superior to other kids. But that talent alone isn't enough. So many talented kids do not nurture their gift and lose the potential they have. What I meant with my comment is to make it clear that it is only hard work, lots of dedication and discipline, that will make a musician exceptional. So that people do not think they were born with that ability -- they worked their asses off for the skill they have. Talent is a spark. But only persistence and dedication will make a blazing fire!
Just a great tribute. Thank you! I saw Oscar and Barney (not sure who was on bass) somewhere around 1978 at Ricks Cafe Americana in Chicago. The most moving music scene I was ever so lucky to be a part of. It was a small club in the Holiday Inn on Lake shore Drive (now gone) and the early show wasn’t even sold out. Maybe 40 to 50 people there. I just walked up and bought a ticket. Oscar just glided thru the music. And he talked to the audience. He was in love with his music and loved sharing it. I went alone after working my construction job in the city. Afterwards a just sat in my pickup not sure how to think about what I just saw. I had seen Barney and Herb before in maybe 77. Barney came and sat with me a friend of mine at our table before the show. What a gentleman he was. He wanted us kids to enjoy ourselves… I think I was 19. What a time to be alive to experience these shows.
@edlysne8567 When your eyes and ears witness something like that it takes sometime to process. The feeling afterwards is wishing others could have had the same experience. What an honor it must have been to see him perform in those years...
EdLysne 8567 -- Thank you for sharing this gem of an anecdote. You convey so much, in so few words. These especially: "Barney came and sat with me a friend of mine at our table before the show. What a gentleman he was. He wanted us kids to enjoy ourselves… I think I was 19. What a time to be alive to experience these shows."
Freaking incredible. I knew Peterson was considered a jazz piano great, but I didn't quite get why until this video. I worked on Pixar's Soul, and when Joe Gardner first steps into the Half Note jazz club he sees an image of Oscar Peterson on the wall. A well deserved place of honor.
Oscar was also one of the nicest guys ever. My dad played with him a few times, and I got to hang with them. I sat on his lap one time and asked why his skin was so dark. He told me it was just the way he grew up. I asked him if he thought my skin would turn that dark and he laughed and told me that he didn't think so. I was so disappointed! My dad was Red Kelly, one of the greatest jazz/swing bass players.
I met your dad at his club in Tacoma not long before he passed. He inspired me to have faith in the future of jazz, and to become a better bass player.
@@markbryan3952 I'm very glad to hear that. He was an inspiration to us all. Well, all who knew him. And man, could he swing! He was the best. Give a listen to "Random Riff" off Stan Kenton' live at the Tropicana in Vegas album. Actually, listen to the whole album. He did a gag song that even David Bowie covered, called "You, and I, and George". There is a back story that it was written by "a successful songwriter who woke up with a terrible hangover and decided no one listens to the words of songs anyways, so he wrote this". The reality was dad wrote that song and they really did use it to give the trumpet players a rest. I'll try to put it here
This is a beautiful homage, both to Peterson and to your father. It is part of the secret of becoming an elder yourself. Thank you for this, it is saturated in joy and love.
No matter the style of music, Rick explains whats happening, drops some theory and always brings the real joy in the whole vibe. Rick is knowledgeable and generous in his sharing his vast knowledge . He is a treasure. Thank you Rick B!
This is why you listen to everything as a musician. There is so much to appreciate if you just drop your pretense and dig in. Amazing talent, truly virtuosoistic.
Andy Partridge of XTC, back when they were a punk band, had to hide their love of more complex music (I think like Rachiminoff) because the punters would have killed them.
Exactly. Rick Beato, in an edited and produced video no less, simply saying "listen to this!" and going back after we just already heard it, and playing it again. It's about really listening. Listening with all your concentration and appreciation for the art unfolding. This is a great video essay by Rick on the importance of listening.
ONE of my favorite greatest solos is David Torn on Jan Garbarek's piece; "The Crossing." (On the "Its Okay to Listen to the Grey Voice." (One of my favorite jazz albums).The guitar solo is amazing. And he comes back in after the sax solo! That's the best part; Torn and Garbarek TOGETHER! Torn, a very underrated guitarist. 2. Robert Fripp on the bootleg, "Earthbound," in the slow, 4/4 part of "Sailors Tale." Terje Rypdal on "Descendre." Any tune on the album. Rick, you must be familiar with these guys.
Normally I'm infuriated by talk-overs during a musical performance but not here. Rick,s levels of knowledge, appreciation, and sheer enthusiasm raise this to a whole new level.
I'm of similar mind about talk-over, but when, as here, they're succinct, educated, and without self-aggrandizing self-reference, they do indeed add to the video. Makes for a perfect reaction presentation.
Best of all time. My father was an amazing jazz pianist who died 20 years ago. He knew Oscar and once told me that the man was from another world and that God would never make another Oscar. So true.
My father, after leaving the RAF following WW II, attended McGill University, graduating with an MD degree. He told me about spending his evenings at The Alberta Lounge, where every night he listened to Oscar Peterson. Although he listened primarily to classical music records when we were kids he often spoke about Oscar and listened to Oscar records after a few drinks, often with his eyes closed, humming tunelessly as he did. I heard this piece then, often, but had forgotten about it…for some reason. Thank you for the reminder.
Jeezo...what a talent on Piano this man is, he plays like a man possessed. The trio are fantastic together and really put on a show for the audience. Kudos to your Father for having such great taste in music and then passing it on to you, and thank you for showing us mere mortals such God-like abilities, it truly is just sublime. Great video Rick 👍
This is sheer joy and flow! Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 96 today. He was a very accomplished musician from Barcelona who had a great international career as a bandleader. His favourite pianists were Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. As I remember my father and his passing, while I sang Jobim's Felicidade in his last breaths, I share a heavenly connection with him now with this video, which I am sure he would have absolutely adored. Thank you Rick for all your videos and your enthusiasm to share the great music, no matter what genre. To quote my father: I like all music, as long as it's good.
About 1961 I went to an Oscar Peterson trio concert in Eugene, Ore. on a Thursday evening. I, then, drove to Portland Ore. on Friday night to see Oscar and his trio again. There were no repeated tunes in the 2 concerts and I never heard the same riff twice. He was, just, an astonishing musician.
Oscar with Ray and Ed all incredible talents .. Oscar was exceptional and stole the show tickling those keys was effortless and perfection simply the best..
Oscar Peterson lived down the street from us in Mississauga, a suburb West of Toronto, in the 1970s. He was a very down to earth and quiet person and although my mother told me he was a well-known musician I had no idea how great he was until I was much older.
That’s the best video I’ve ever seen. Metal head at heart here, but I went to another place with Rick. You get animated like I do when hearing music. Thank you Rick for all you do
Oscar Peterson, my fellow Montrealer and inducted into the Order of Canada in 1972 and update to Companion in 1984. The best jazz pianists that ever lived. Thank you for sharing this.
When I saw the title of this video "The Greatest Solo of All Time" I thought, 'well that's very subjective". After seeing the video, I wholeheartedly agree with the title.
UNBELIEVABLE!!! That is the most amazing performance that I've ever seen. I've never seen anyone play piano like that. You just turned me into a jazz fan ❤
You don't say!!! Wow that's Wonderful. Rick's channel bringing those who were actually there (and their families) back together. What a great thing UA-cam is sometimes. What you said - that he talked about it for the rest of his life - makes me so happy. Wow wow wow. Thank you for sharing this story
I would be doing the same had I been there... That's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any audience member! My very first live music concert i went to see (I was 12 years old) was Dizzy Gillespie and his band playing at Cortland State. I still wax philosophic about the transcendent 30 minute drum solo his son played.....just incredible. My second concert was Woody Herman's 50th Anniversary Tour. Guess I was a weird teenager!!
If you were merely showcasing great and often forgotten music, that would be enough. But you making music aceessible to a wider audience--that takes the cake!
I love how this trio of incredibly talented musicians look like they are just mid-level managers in the accounting department at some gigantic corporation.
This video just makes me so nostalgic. My neighbour Mr Bo Söderman, an accomplished swedish jazz (piano) musician and all round fabulous human being, always toted Oscar as the greatest pianist alive. Me and my young rock inspired friends didn't really get it at the time. But now, when they're all gone I really get it. I so want to relive those fabulous times with Bo on the Steinway and Sonny Payne on percussion (yes, THE Sonny Payne) playing for us teenagers during some unbelievable parties at Stora Lundby south of Stockholm. I had no idea of the greatness being perfomed right in front of me at the time. The spirit of Mr Peterson was right there but thankfully it did plant an unforgettable memory in me. Thank you Bo, Sonny and Mr Peterson ❤️❤️
I live in Ottawa and walk past his statue near the National Arts Centre all the time. There's good, there's great, there's prodigy, there's genius, and then there's Oscar freakin' Peterson. I made it all the way through Gr 10 Conservatory piano and I have absolutely no illusions about ever being able to come even within a light-year of this kind of amazing playing. It's like nothing else on Earth.
99% of all rock songs were written on a piano or acoustic guitar. Artists love the piano because it’s linear, it flows easier and you’re writing the melody lines and bass lines at the same time.
I left to run some errands, and ended up staying in the parking lot when the notification for this video came up. I watched the video and drove home, because I forgot why I left after watching this.
Oh, my flipping goodness!! I'm totally floored. That was some of, if not THE, best musicianship I've ever heard in my life! My dad is Bobby Kimball, the original singer of Toto. He used to play one little part of this song that he told me his mom, Ruby Kimball, used to always play him while she was teaching him to play boogie woogie piano as a child. ( 6:37 and 6:49 ) I've never heard it anywhere else before and was under the impression that my grandmother had made it up herself. Now I know who influenced part of her playing that helped shape my father's career in music. What a special moment for me to find this artist and particular performance. Thank you so much, Rick Beato for making this video!! Allison Kimball
Rewatched this section, and was even more amazed: Rick shows how Oscar plays boogie-woogie with his left hand, while also playing a blues w/ his right. THEN he improvises his solo over all of that-so how is that possible without having (at least) three separate hands? I keep watching Rick’s video and I still can’t answer that question!
Allison, your father's vocals were amazing! Especially the songs Mama and White Sister. He really seemed to sing from the heart and deep inside. His work is much appreciated.
That`s awesome! Your dad was a huge part of the soundtrack of my life growing up in the 1970s-80s. I didn`t realize he`s from Louisiana until recently. His voice always amazed me.
remember when it used to be embarrassing and a sign of low intelligence when you just repeated what someone else said as if you came up with it? obviously you don't
My drummer in my band was friends with his son growing up, played together in a couple bands. He would hang out at his friend's house, and got to meet his Dad a few times. I think that's pretty cool.
During this time of apathy, indifference, and disfunction, it is really great to see an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and talented musician sharing his love of such a beautiful jazz icon. The Bebop Era spawned some of the greatest talents and it's still awe inspiring to see and hear them perform. Thank you.
Great tribute. I’m glad you commented on Barbie and NHOP’s expressions. They were at the tops of their professions, and they both look like they’re thinking “I’m the luckiest SOB ever to get to play with this guy!” I’ve watched that video a million times and it never gets old
As a classically trained pianist I so wish that I could do even a tenth of that. I am amazed by him...of course heard him before but never seen this. Just...no words!
Oscar Peterson was the first person that Keyboard magazine put in their lifetime achievement award because he kept winning the annual awards every year in the 70s and 80s. He just blew everyone away. Excellent call!
Canada lost a treasure when he died. I heard an interview where he talked about wanting to be a musician but his dad was in opposition. Dad worked on the railroad and wanted him to get a good job. He finally relented but said you can't be a jazz pianist unless you are the world's best. Mission accomplished.
Oh, baby. May 1990. Blue Note. NYC. Oscar, NHOP, Martin Drews and Joe Pass. Lousy seats for the first show I stayed. Between shows I went up and paid for the second show before they let the crowd. I went and sat in the seat against the stage that let me look straight down his keyboard. His Bosendorfer all 96 keys was almost touching me. What a memory!
My first live concert! Oscar, Ella and the Count Basie Orchestra. My mother took me to it. I was probably 8 and had been playing piano for about 3 years. Changed my life. I've been a better soul ever since. God bless them and my mom for turning me on to true brilliance. What a legacy they leave. How thankful I am for Rick who is introducing new ears to the "greats".
Greetings from Montreal Rick, Oscar’s hometown, where he is worshipped. In fact, There’s a huge building sized mural of Oscar in his birth neighborhood of Little Burgundy, and also a mural of his sister revered piano teacher Daisy Peterson Sweeney.
Fantastic Rick, please keep this outstanding work up. My favourite all round keyboardist was Keith Emerson who was greatly influenced by Oscar, especially the left hand. I have sat at Emerson’s famous rig with the massive Moog, sadly I can’t play! I have seen many greats at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho London, with a max capacity of 250. Lovely comments about your dad! 🎹🙏
Montreal, also. Oscar used to drip in to DiCarlo's poolroom on St-Antoine after studying music at the university. He would play snooker against my Dad. Oscar wasn't a good snooker player. He didn't play many games because he had to be home early. His parents were strict. The poolroom was on Richmond Square or just next to it. My Dad's mom had a depanneur next to the poolroom. So my Dad spent a bit of time there. This would have been between 1945-1950 I think.
My father used to show me the Oscar Peterson Trio, often accompanied by the magnificent Joe Pass. I couldn't comprehend the music back then, but I knew I was witnessing god given talent and hard dedication. Those musicians were on a completely different level. I remember my father and me reacting just like you did in the video. Thank you for pointing out that stuff Rick!
I remember first hearing Joe Pass in high school in the 90's. I didn't know a single guitar could DO all that. Hearing musicians like Joe and Oscar necessarily lead to a paradigm shift - to a different sense of what is possible.
3 yrs later, still one of my favorite episodes. Your quick observations and chord callouts are perfectly added and gives a great learning example. Well done. Oscar lives forever!
Thank you Rick for sharing Oscar Peterson and you endearing tribute to your Dad--with the most sincere and heartfelt gratitude. Keep doing what you do because your musical talent and message brings us all closer and connected in the common language of music! With kindest regards, Jay Zim
In my UA-cam travels this Oscar Peterson performance is probably the top of my list, I can't count how many times I've watched this clip . His fingers are just incredible. Glad to see someone promoting this absolutely wonderful work of art.
So I was fortunate enough to have a cottage on the same lake as Oscar. He would invite his "friends" (all A list musicians) up to relax and jam. Some of the most amazing memories I have are taking my boat and anchoring off his cottage and listening with a beer in hand under beautiful starry nights! His song Harcourt Nights (on maybe the best Jazz album of all time, Night Train) is in reference to his cottage in Harcourt Park and those nights. Fun fact: He had his piano delivered in winter and delivered over the frozen lake.
I read your comment before starting this vid. Based on previous Rick vids I half expect stairway to heaven. OK, no. Now I am coming back and imagining being on a lake, listening to this.
Love it! The reason I love Social Media, too. I was only into rock, then heard Oscar on a midnight camping trip. Thank God for that and your memories. What Lake and what State, may I ask?
I'm stunned at your musicality, your openness and your straight-ahead personality, Rick. Now that I've landed in your channel, escape appears to be next to impossible. Keep telling the great stories and displaying your many skills. Your loyal audience is in awe.
"You don't need drums when you swing that hard." True. In this instance, they are playing stuff so complex that adding drums would actually muddy the waters imo.
I agree, you don't really need drums, but being a drummer I wouldn't mind to see if it could be done tastefully. It could be very difficult to stay out of his way though, and you certainly hear the piano better without drums, I have this feeling though, that, if done carefully the tune would swing even harder (if that's possible).
I cannot express how jealous I am of Rick's knowledge of music. I would love to hear music in the same way as he does for a day, because you can see how much he appreciates it.
I saw Oscar in concert in London in 1973 - yes the year before this - and last time I checked I am still alive (72 in four weeks' time). An absolutely incredible concert it was, too: apart from Oscar there were: Count Basie and Orchestra, Duke Ellington and Orchestra, Ray Charles and Roy Eldridge. What a privilege to see these legendary artists live!
@@YuriMaddison Hello Yuri. Thank you very much for your kind good wishes. Apologies for the delay in responding - my wife and I went away for two very enjoyable days. Stay safe and well, Colin.
At the beginning of the Oscar Peterson documentary that you can see on UA-cam, the Canadian jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall says "Every time I see him, I don't know what to say. It's, like, I open my mouth and my brains fall out."
Truly one of my favorite things in life is to read or hear the way a master musician pay homage to another. They come up with things, and say things that blow my mind in the most joyful way.
It's a thrill to follow your enthusiasm for so many genres of music. Coming from hard rock and metal myself, lately obsessed with orchestral stuff, but I love so many other styles too. Your channel is a gem.
I clicked on this thinking it would be some killer guitar solo. The thing is, I’m 3 months into learning piano and my mind is completely blown! Thank you so much for this Rick! Now I know about Oscar because of you.
I don't know what was more fun, watching Oscar Peterson absolutely shred on the piano, or watching Rick get so excited while he's watching it! Loved this video!
I just love Rick's videos, but have to say in all sincerity, some of Rick's most enthusiastic expressions remind me exactly of those of Al Pacino's character in the movie, 'The Devil's Advocate,' as the character gets a blowie under a restaurant table. I just wish I could get that association out of my mind. 'Concentrating on this stellar piano performance helps...
I had a piano teacher who decried my appreciation of Oscar Peterson, saying, “Oscar Peterson swings like white old lady!” That was stupid and I knew it even as a young inexperienced player. Today, I still knew he was wrong wrong wrong! That was strike one. Strike two was when he couldn’t explain the voicing of Herbie Hancock. I didn’t give him a third pitch to swing at. After that, I quit his studio. Oscar is the GOAT!
Watching Oscar play and knowing the notes he’s playing are an intimate expression of his soul, as though he’s transcribing his brainwaves in real time in a form we can hear and feel and understand… it’s pure genius.
I saw him at the Royal Festival hall in London back in the early eighties, he was just unbelievable, my mum was a concert pianist and was always full of regret she couldn't play a note unless it was written down in front of her. She loved Oscar though and the music of that era. She also took me and two pals from drum classes at school to see Buddy Rich, another unbelievable musician with a fantastic band. We even got a quick chat with Buddy and an autograph, I also managed to have a few words with Steve Marcus the lead Sax, fantastic memories for sure. Foot Note, one of my pals, Gary Wallace, went on to drum success, he does a lot of studio work for, amongst others, Pink Floyd. I used to practice in his drum room above the old toy shop on East Street London! But the gig I would have loved was being resident drummer on a weekly Tom Jones show back in the 90's, he got to play with some serious talent!
One of my buddies from hs drumline is the drummer for a Perfect Circle, as well as a few other bands. Name is Jeff Friedl. When he was in high school his main gig was with a salsa band. Went to Cuba (stowaway on a boat) to go study it. Did sessions work in LA- then toured with some 80’s nostalgia acts like Devo and Blondie. To be honest I haven’t heard what he is up to lately though. Being a pro musician is not as rewarding these days as it once was. When Napster came out and people stopped buying albums, I just don’t think it’s ever been the same. I used to play guitar and drums, and around the turn of the century something in music died. I have spoken to a lot of musicians that felt the same thing. Everything for free online, it’s just never going to be the same. Technology and music can’t coexist. That’s just my thoughts. This educational stuff is good, about the only good thing technology has brought for music. Today’s music, the way people experience music now- it’s all just a little sad. It’s like an algorithm, nothing genuine anymore. Totally overproduced soulless garbage aimed at the lowest common denominator. Everyone young doesn’t see it, but there is no way they could they never were there in the old days. People with their phones out at concerts… it’s just all a drag.
@@bojangles6444 he's your buddy but you forgot his name: Josh Freese. He never played with Blondie though but Blondie and Devo did a tour together when he was in Devo.
Rick, thank you for honouring and paying homage to such people and for letting them enrich our lives. Like all great musicians including yourself, what I'm always left with is their humility in the practise of their art and craft.
When I come across a Canadian Loonie with Oscar Peterson’s image on it, I’ll consider it and will therefore be a keeper. Oscar has very much earned this honour.
Yes, Oscar was Canadian, born in Montreal. His father worked as a porter on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Oscar spent a few decades living in a house on a mountainside in West Vancouver, just across the harbour from the city of Vancouver (my home town) when he wasn't on the road. In his later years after retiring from live performances he developed arthritis, which crimped his ability but not enough to stop him playing every day, so I read. He switched to an electric piano at home (queue the gasps!) which was easier to play and afforded him hundreds of new tones to experiment with. He was one of the greatest!
I'm not into be-bop, blues, jazz and all that kind of music, it never crossed my life. That's no value judgement, it's just describing where I come from. I also never heard of Rick Beato. Just call me ignorant. Then I stumbled upon a video of him talking with my musical hero Brian May, analysing the genius of Freddie Mercury and the song 'Bohemian rhapsody'. Fascinating! From there I landed on this clip "The greatest solo of all time", expected a guitar solo and then heard and saw this!!!! Oscar Peterson was not an unfamiliar name to me, but what and how he played was! I'm absolutely flabbergasted by this solo and thank Rick for sharing his passion for it with the world ad now me!
Rick, you are a national treasure for sharing your talent with the world. The videos that you share and the interviews you do are priceless. Thank you!
Fun story; when Oscar Peterson was a young boy, already a budding piano prodigy his father felt his son was getting too big of a ego and sure of his talents so he brought home a recording of Art Tatum’s “Tiger Rag”. After listening Oscar told his father it was impressive but assumed there were two people playing the piano at the same time. When his father told him it was just Art Tatum playing Oscar didn’t touch a piano for a long period of months and cried himself to sleep every night, unable to fathom that level of skill was humanely possible or attainable. As history would have it, Oscar himself attained that level of mastery and beyond.
The musicians in the audience knew what they were witnessing, and how rare it was. Thank you so much from a humble trumpet player. I enjoyed this immensely.
I've just discovered Rick Beato and have been enjoying his content. Ultimately I'm a non-musician (I can carry a tune but I play no instruments and can't really read music) but I have a great appreciation for music. When I listen to someone who truly understands music I'm always a little envious that I didn't get that gift. Yes, much of what Rick discusses is simply learned over a lifetime of being a musician but he also has "The Gift". Keep up the great work, Rick. You've got lots of fans.
I bet you do have the ability to play. I’ve theorized that people who can “hear” jazz and feel its greatness have the ability to play. I guarantee you can. You should give it a whirl. Tons of lessons out there. Even just Rick’s channel alone is very informative.
Rick, thank you. I've listened to this twice. Each time, I get new insights. My wife's aunt Helen knew Oscar. When she died on the same day as Oscar did, we found solace in the thought that they were going upstairs together. He played at a fundraiser for her long-term care. He was the last one on that night. He was phenomenal.
I'm not a musician and have no understanding of all the technical details you share with viewers. However, in addition to the joy I've received by listening to Oscar Peterson over the years, I'm always delighted to see how enthusiastic you are about these remarkable musicians. Not only do you know it's amazing music, but you know WHY it's amazing music. I know it's great, but I don't have the language to explain why. I just know I like it.
@@harrisontownsend910 Now, I don't feel so alone. Haha. I'm sure you'll get there, since you're an actual musician. The passage of time will reveal much.
"The Greatest Solo of All Time"? I'm a subscriber and when I saw this, I was thinking, "Really?" I'm a retired musician, and spent years on-air at several Baltimore area jazz stations. And since I didn't want to get weighed down with having to correct you, I simply filed it in my "Watch Later" list. So, I finally get around to watching it and, to my delight, it's Oscar! That brought a huge smile to my face. The video that followed did not disappoint...
Ditto - almost exactly my response. Skepticism, ignored it at first. But it kept popping up. OK, what does Beato think is best... (yawn). Oh. Oscar. Well, yeah. OK. Of course. Oscar. Say no more.
Yea, when I saw the title, and b4 watching/hearing the video, I thought it would be an electric guitar whiz kid playing 79 notes per second. ....but was pleased to see it was what it was. I'm 69, and had Oscar Peterson records from waaaay back. Art Tatum's no slouch either.
I met Oscar Peterson backstage at a concert of his in Baltimore Maryland maybe 1978. I was about 12 years old and a huge fan. He told me to listen to Bill Evan’s, Roland Hanna, and Art Tatum. And everyone else. His advice was - if you have something to say, people will listen. A very kind man.
We Montrealers, some of us anyways, want to have more than a tiny park and a concert hall named after him. Some have proposed a nearby subway (metro) station and some have proposed something more substantial, like the downtown boringly named "Quartier des Spectacle" (Entertainment District), but it's all mixed up in the usual French/English politics of the city and province. My mom heard him play at her high school talent shows when he was a young teenager. Imagine that, sitting in a sweaty high school auditorium listening to a man who would become the greatest jazz piano player of all time. He deserves to be better recognized in the city and province where he grew up.
I don't think that was necessary to bring up the subject of politics in a place where we should focus on music appreciation. (It gave the opportunity to two 'bad clowns' - we know which country they are from... - to leave irrelevent comments about 'Socialist Canada'). But since you bring up the subject, if it were to rename a Metro station, the first one that should come to mind is Place St-Henri. Not Lionel-Groulx : that idea was a proof of complete, even insulting ignorance of the legacy of Groulx... Secondly, Mr. Peterson was raised in St-Henri, and that is even the name of one of his most well-known original compositions. This said, as you suggest, a downtown location to his name would be a good choice. ----- I would like to remind everyone discussing that subject that Mr. Peterson left Montréal when he was 17-18 years old, never returned permanently (he had himself narrow political views), and he lived in Ontario almost 70 years of his life. I have heard NO ONE wondering what Mississauga, where he resided all of his adult life, has done to honour hit most famous resident. No need to look for it, that ghost city has done nothing to perpetuate the memory of the musician. Mr. Peterson is a hero to Quebecers, he is a nobody in Ontario. Now, let's celebrate his music...
When you're playing an instrument - any instrument, and you're sweating and smiling..... man, that's just pure joy. Talk about being in the zone! I can't play anywhere near that tempo or with that kind of accuracy (I "play" guitar) but I do know when you hit that sweet spot and you just "feel" every note, stroke, strum, etc. It's like a drug.
Can you imagine being hooked up to his thoughts and experiencing the tremendous decision making power of complex improvisation. Then there's the physical labor of pumping that music out. Imagine, 4oz. of weight per key times how many notes? The man was some kind of athlete. It'd take weeks to just to write all those notes down! Boogie-woogie indeed! 🤩😎🤩
I will do my best to explain it. I've been playing piano and improvising 44 years, since I was 2 years old. Mind you I'm no Oscar Peterson because he's otherworldly but I do have some insight. Here's the best way to describe it. I want you to speak out loud what color your car is, then what kind it is. Now tell me what you like about it. I bet you said that pretty well, maybe you thought briefly what you'd say, but did you once think about moving your lips, how your throat vibrates, how much air to push during your car description? Did you see how your thoughts unfolded as you described it, that you didn't pre-think what you were going to say? It just developed as you talked, which is what they call thinking out loud. I learned to play at the same time I learned to talk. Musical improvisation is talking. It is thinking out loud, in this case through a piano and by one of the best speakers of all time.
@@housebandthexenos2569 That was a brilliant example and explanation. I started playing guitar 54 years ago at the age of eight (As the song goes, "Strictly Rhythm") and I would tell people that it's what I feel in that moment. Yes, I have chords that I have to play, but the WAY I play is highly variable, depending on what song, who I'm playing with and playing for. Your explanation nails it down a lot better than mine.
For those non-musicians that have written to me you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate
Or you can become a member of the Beato Club. My Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.
Love it brother keep posting videos like this amazing tickling of the key's you are the man..
just want to say that "improvisation" is a murky word for me, but this IS a GREAT video to introduce people to a trio that is beyond imagination for most people... SO SOLID. truly great. Perhaps you might do a video on the subject of improv, how it is developed and instituted in playing. I am certain you are aware of the broader signification of the word improvisation but for MANY people they believe it is just inventing on the fly when in reality it is NOT. There is practice and thinking that is CRUCIAL BEFORE ANY improvisation on this level.
I think that this track was OSCAR saying watch me lock the orchestra out by purely music. Quite a feat to achieve. Genius. If you got it.
Rick just "Thank-you" l can more than appreciate your love & knowledge of music. IMO it's 2nd to none. Just love your videos!
- Keith Townsend -
Rick, can you tell me whether this performance was recorded on an album? From which concert was this clip taken?
Rick, my father was in the audience at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London for this performance. Dad's still alive.
That's cool👍
Totally jealous of your dad to get to hear that in person. I couldn't be there because I was negative three years old, but still jealous. Lol
Wow, that in itself is amazing.
My father in law loved Oscar Peterson. I thought of him during Ricks' show, and was misty-eyed again, to read your comment.
@@MattsAwesomeStuff Hi Matt, I was 14 at the time, so underage for the club. He's 92 now and rather forgetful. He grinned when I showed him this. Within 5 years of this gig , I had taken him to see Queen, Santana and Bob Marley - the last 2 he was swathed in 'herb' smoke.... "what is that smell?" he enquired, hilarious, especially given his background as a UK Government diplomat, and he still loves Marley.
I'm a professional piano player for almost 40 years, proudly Canadian, whose jaw still hits the floor every time I see or hear Oscar Peterson. There will never again be anyone with that kind of surgical viscosity in front of any piano. Greatest of all time INDEED!!
I'm a professional Canadian, and just so happy to have had my head and heart filled with Oscar's music over the years. "Surgical viscosity". Brilliant. I remember the first time I heard Oscar play, and I thought he had four hands.
He plays like water flowing or wind blowing. So natural and effortless.
AI IS LISTENING..Oh Genetic experiments are here too
Amen!
I saw Oscar at the Ohio Valley Kool Jazz festival back in the early 80's. My friends wanted to go on the last day so they could hear all of the non jazz bands, (mostly funk and soul) but I wasn't going to miss that master play.
Wow Rick. I was at that gig. An 18 year old kid from out of town. Depressed when I walked in as I’d just missed out on a tea boy’s job at trident studios. Stood at back with my jaw open and feet tapping and after, walked out happy.
Lucky.
What a blessing! I saw Oscar a few times over the years, but this truly may be one of the best solos of all time.
My Dad is 85 and loves jazz. His favourite is Oscar Peterson. In 2011 I bought him an iPod and filled it with Oscar and Diana Krall and Michael Buble and Art Tatum and Dave Brubeck and others that I knew he loved. One of the albums I put on the iPod was OP's live recording from 1958 in Vancouver, and while we were listening to it I told him how the recording was found in 2003 and released as an album soon after. He asked me where it was recorded because his father used to take him to the Orpheum Theatre to watch Oscar and his trio. When I looked it up and told him it was August 4th at the Orpheum he told me that he was there that night with his Dad. He was 20 years old. He is sure he can hear his Dad's whistle during the cheering.
Thank you for doing this, Rick. Dad now has alzheimer's and music is one of the only things that brings out his passion and excitement. He can't remember what he had for lunch today. Can't even remember his granddaughter's name some days. But he can tell you that's Ray Brown on bass (or in this case Niels Pedersen), and that's Joe Pass on guitar (Barney Kessel), Ed Thigpen on drums. I will play this tribute for him tomorrow ❤
Mediahound, Your beautiful and very moving story brings tears to my eyes.... Thank you for sharing it. . 🎶💗
Rick... you are such a amazing musician ..educating aspiring small time musicians like me...the way you delve...is really deep... wishing you a very happy n prosperous New year... you are so wonderful... godsend...❤
When you see a title of "The Greatest Solo of All Time," you immediately think - OK, clickbait for sure. You'd think - oh it'll be good, but the greatest - ever? And then you watch the video. And you think to yourself, If there IS such a thing as The Greatest Solo of All Time, this just might be it. I was just flabbergasted. I've never seen anyone play the piano like that. The amount of complexity, precision and soul in this performance is off the charts. And I hate to say it, but I had never heard of Oscar Peterson before! Well, I have now! Amazing.
There are 2 undisputed post-mid-century masters of the piano, and they’re both from Canada: Oscar Peterson and Glenn Gould. In their own unique ways, they both radically re-imagined what piano playing could be. And they were both astonishing technical masters to boot.
Never.heard.of Oscar Peterson? Really?
Canada represents!
There’s a statue of him and his piano at the national arts of canada in Ottawa.
Not like brings me any closer to playing like that LOL
Agreed 100%!
Oscar, like Glenn Gould and bassist James Jamerson "heard" counter melodies in their heads as they played. Columbia had great difficulty recording Gould, as he hummed counter melodies to the great Bach pieces that made him immortal. And I insist that Motown's James Jamerson was hearing cross melodies as Jamerson was taking compositions to #1! Jack Ashford alerted me to this fact.
God Rest your father’s soul, Rick. In imparting his love of high-information music to you, he had no idea he’d be impacting MILLIONS of lives in the future. That’s a hell of an achievement for a non-musician.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Couldn't agree more bluemichi. Bless everyone who lets music impact their lives and influence them. I couldn't get through the week if I didn't watch Rick's videos and given we just went into lockdown yesterday there's even more reason to watch these videos. Keep up the great work Rick.
@@RickBeato You're so blessed to have him for a dad. My dad liked Frankie Laine and Tennessee Ford for crying out loud!
@@63kavon What is wrong with Tennessee Ford? Or Frankie Laine? Both were seriously talented.
@@63kavon That baritone, though. Just amazing.
Rick, I cannot express how gratifying it is to see you geeking out to Oscar. I've been arguing for years with anyone who would listen, that Oscar is one of the greatest musicians in the history of our planet, period. Nobody else has ever brought his combination of technical chops, speed, smoothness, but far most importantly, swing. Oscar swung even on the tenderest of ballads. A true GOAT.
You said everything that I wanted to say! Oscar Peterson is a different level of musician.
Totally agree. I was lucky enough to grow up on Oscar and saw him play several times. I know Art Tatum. Oscar's hero, was arguably more advanced harmonically, but nobody swung like Oscar. There's a good video with him and Keith Emerson, who might have been the greatest rock keyboardist of all time, but Oscar just embarrasses Emerson with his facility and sense of swing. No dis to Emerson (RIP), but Oscar was definitely the GOAT of jazz piano.
@@eliecanetti I like your analysis.
Think of his mind eyes moving his fingers in flawless coordination.
Were it not for you, Rick, I would have never been aware of this genius. I am so grateful to you.
"The Greatest Solo of All Time" he says - well, we'll see about that.
Nuff said. I can't disagree. Dude's on another planet.
I've been playing piano for 30 years and I'm not even good enough to get that man his coffee....This really is the greatest solo of all time.
You are good enough to get him a coffee. I’m pretty sure.
Your point is taken, but his being absolutely great doesn't take anything away from you. Rejoice in your ability.
I've been playing for 50 years and, like you, I am not good enough to get him his coffee.. Am currently attempting to learn his version of "Summertime" from Mellow Mood. Of course I have to spend hours learning those runs and my poor efforts are garbage compared to his command of the instrument, but it's still satisfying to play on the less complicated parts, because, it's just so fun trying to make it swing hard like he did. He just has so much control, improving at warp speed, and it swings and it's musical. It's mind blowing.
Well you got 14 on me with a strict classical background and I’m not sure I’d be allowed to sit in the room with “grown folks”!
Very nice compliment
I was blessed to see Oscar Peterson with Joe Pass and Ella Fitzgerald at the Music Center in Los Angeles when I was 16 years old (1980) I drove my self there in my 66 Mustang, wearing a suit. Needless to say, I was completely blown away. Great post Rick!
You are beyond lucky. Even more so to recognize, as a young kid, how brilliant they were. I am almost certain if so lucky I would have missed the significance of the performance.
One of my favorite records (also on CD) is "Benny Carter Meets Oscar Peterson" which includes Joe Pass (Martin Drew and Dave Young as rhythm section). Just fabulous music - happy and mind-bogglingly brilliant.
Wow, so envious!! Ella Fitzgerald is my absolute favourite female singer EVER!! She's the Beatles of the Jazz world!!!😂😂🇬🇧
What a cool post, James! Love it!
Wow, what a treat!
Dam dude that's worth a ten minute standing ovation. I've enjoyed OP's music since my early hard rock twenties but have never heard this. Awesome. Love your dedication to your Dad. Respect.
I came here expecting a guitar solo, but wasn't disappointed.
Exactly
I agree.
Count me #3. Only a piano solo can stomp a guitar solo ;)
Same :)
Lol
My brother died a few years ago from sepsis he got from a puncture wound while gardening. It was tragic. I miss him. He was a virtuoso violinist and guitarist. He loved all kinds of music. Since we were kids we listened and he guided me through what we were hearing. He was a blast to hang out with. It was all about music.
This channel is great. You must be a blast to hang out with and dig music with your friends.
I wish your brother and Rick Beato had a chance to hang out. I would buy the drinks and just listen.
So sorry, that was indeed tragic.
Sorry. What is your brother's name, Sean?
This is why I love this channel. I never knew about these guys. This isn’t something I would search for. No computers of studio effects. Nothing but raw talent.
Same I love this channel! Not only it's not something we would search for, but you wouldn't even know what to search for to begin with!
That's not talent... that is thousands upon thousands of hours of dedication to the instrument
@@JohnJesus - Combined with talent!
@@dwightropp3014 Sure - but what I mean is that talent alone cannot bring a musician to this level. He started pretty young, at 5 years old, father also a musician.
I've taught a few kids that, one could say, were talented, they developed faster, had a natural ability to play the guitar superior to other kids. But that talent alone isn't enough. So many talented kids do not nurture their gift and lose the potential they have.
What I meant with my comment is to make it clear that it is only hard work, lots of dedication and discipline, that will make a musician exceptional. So that people do not think they were born with that ability -- they worked their asses off for the skill they have.
Talent is a spark. But only persistence and dedication will make a blazing fire!
@@JohnJesus - Without a doubt! Right on, sir!!
Just a great tribute. Thank you!
I saw Oscar and Barney (not sure who was on bass) somewhere around 1978 at Ricks Cafe Americana in Chicago. The most moving music scene I was ever so lucky to be a part of. It was a small club in the Holiday Inn on Lake shore Drive (now gone) and the early show wasn’t even sold out. Maybe 40 to 50 people there. I just walked up and bought a ticket. Oscar just glided thru the music. And he talked to the audience. He was in love with his music and loved sharing it. I went alone after working my construction job in the city. Afterwards a just sat in my pickup not sure how to think about what I just saw.
I had seen Barney and Herb before in maybe 77. Barney came and sat with me a friend of mine at our table before the show. What a gentleman he was. He wanted us kids to enjoy ourselves… I think I was 19. What a time to be alive to experience these shows.
@edlysne8567 When your eyes and ears witness something like that it takes sometime to process. The feeling afterwards is wishing others could have had the same experience. What an honor it must have been to see him perform in those years...
EdLysne 8567 -- Thank you for sharing this gem of an anecdote. You convey so much, in so few words. These especially: "Barney came and sat with me a friend of mine at our table before the show. What a gentleman he was. He wanted us kids to enjoy ourselves… I think I was 19. What a time to be alive to experience these shows."
Freaking incredible. I knew Peterson was considered a jazz piano great, but I didn't quite get why until this video. I worked on Pixar's Soul, and when Joe Gardner first steps into the Half Note jazz club he sees an image of Oscar Peterson on the wall. A well deserved place of honor.
Thank you for the information, I love how dedicated Pixar always is to details like these. ❤❤❤
Hear, hear 🍻
Oscar was also one of the nicest guys ever. My dad played with him a few times, and I got to hang with them. I sat on his lap one time and asked why his skin was so dark. He told me it was just the way he grew up. I asked him if he thought my skin would turn that dark and he laughed and told me that he didn't think so. I was so disappointed! My dad was Red Kelly, one of the greatest jazz/swing bass players.
😎👍🏻🥂
Red Kelly 👍. And I thought I had a lucky childhood because my Dad played these records.
I met your dad at his club in Tacoma not long before he passed. He inspired me to have faith in the future of jazz, and to become a better bass player.
LOL! Awesome!
@@markbryan3952 I'm very glad to hear that. He was an inspiration to us all. Well, all who knew him. And man, could he swing! He was the best. Give a listen to "Random Riff" off Stan Kenton' live at the Tropicana in Vegas album. Actually, listen to the whole album. He did a gag song that even David Bowie covered, called "You, and I, and George". There is a back story that it was written by "a successful songwriter who woke up with a terrible hangover and decided no one listens to the words of songs anyways, so he wrote this". The reality was dad wrote that song and they really did use it to give the trumpet players a rest. I'll try to put it here
This is a beautiful homage, both to Peterson and to your father. It is part of the secret of becoming an elder yourself. Thank you for this, it is saturated in joy and love.
Totally agree!
What an astoundingly beautiful comment
This.☝️ I wanted to say something like this 👏👏👏
Lovely sentiment.
No matter the style of music, Rick explains whats happening, drops some theory and always brings the real joy in the whole vibe. Rick is knowledgeable and generous in his sharing his vast knowledge . He is a treasure. Thank you Rick B!
I really love how this video is kind of just a valentine to his dad. I hope when I’m dead and gone my son remembers me with half that affection :)
This is most incendiary, batshit insane playing I have ever seen.
I’m pretty sure that piano either was written off for water damage or caught fire spontaneously after this
I know, right? Some of the patterns are literally mind bending. I need to start doing acid again.
🔥😎🎹
Incendiary is the perfect word
Incendiary is the PERFECT word for it
This is why you listen to everything as a musician. There is so much to appreciate if you just drop your pretense and dig in. Amazing talent, truly virtuosoistic.
Andy Partridge of XTC, back when they were a punk band, had to hide their love of more complex music (I think like Rachiminoff) because the punters would have killed them.
Exactly. Rick Beato, in an edited and produced video no less, simply saying "listen to this!" and going back after we just already heard it, and playing it again. It's about really listening. Listening with all your concentration and appreciation for the art unfolding. This is a great video essay by Rick on the importance of listening.
Well said
For me and don’t bag me it’s Herb Albert to Mozart to AC/DC. I’ll listen and appreciate any good music
ONE of my favorite greatest solos is David Torn on Jan Garbarek's piece; "The Crossing." (On the "Its Okay to Listen to the Grey Voice." (One of my favorite jazz albums).The guitar solo is amazing. And he comes back in after the sax solo! That's the best part; Torn and Garbarek TOGETHER! Torn, a very underrated guitarist. 2. Robert Fripp on the bootleg, "Earthbound," in the slow, 4/4 part of "Sailors Tale." Terje Rypdal on "Descendre." Any tune on the album. Rick, you must be familiar with these guys.
Normally I'm infuriated by talk-overs during a musical performance but not here.
Rick,s levels of knowledge, appreciation, and sheer enthusiasm raise this to a whole new level.
I'm of similar mind about talk-over, but when, as here, they're succinct, educated, and without self-aggrandizing self-reference, they do indeed add to the video. Makes for a perfect reaction presentation.
@@imtheonevanhalen1557 You seem to be infuriated over a UA-cam post. Curious.
@@imtheonevanhalen1557 ruok?
Amen!
The talk-overs provided me with a better understanding of what I was seeing. Thank you for those talk-overs! Keep 'em up!
Peterson is one of those few musicians who are so amazing that if he hadn't lived you would not think any human could possibly be that good.
Superby put.
Best of all time. My father was an amazing jazz pianist who died 20 years ago. He knew Oscar and once told me that the man was from another world and that God would never make another Oscar. So true.
My father, after leaving the RAF following WW II, attended McGill University, graduating with an MD degree. He told me about spending his evenings at The Alberta Lounge, where every night he listened to Oscar Peterson. Although he listened primarily to classical music records when we were kids he often spoke about Oscar and listened to Oscar records after a few drinks, often with his eyes closed, humming tunelessly as he did. I heard this piece then, often, but had forgotten about it…for some reason. Thank you for the reminder.
Jeezo...what a talent on Piano this man is, he plays like a man possessed.
The trio are fantastic together and really put on a show for the audience.
Kudos to your Father for having such great taste in music and then passing it on to you, and thank you for showing us mere mortals such God-like abilities, it truly is just sublime.
Great video Rick 👍
Watching Rick enjoy music makes me very happy.
Same here. Rick gets in there to share the excitement with his friends. It is a happy feeling, yes.
As a Canadian hailing from Montreal, a huge thank you for recognising this beloved icon (and your Dad for introducing you to his music!)
I live way the hell out west in AB, and proud to share the same country as that man. What a force!
Oscar Peterson grow Up in Montréal, it's a fact, proud of him.
This is sheer joy and flow! Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 96 today. He was a very accomplished musician from Barcelona who had a great international career as a bandleader. His favourite pianists were Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. As I remember my father and his passing, while I sang Jobim's Felicidade in his last breaths, I share a heavenly connection with him now with this video, which I am sure he would have absolutely adored. Thank you Rick for all your videos and your enthusiasm to share the great music, no matter what genre. To quote my father: I like all music, as long as it's good.
About 1961 I went to an Oscar Peterson trio concert in Eugene, Ore. on a Thursday evening. I, then, drove to Portland Ore. on Friday night to see Oscar and his trio again. There were no repeated tunes in the 2 concerts and I never heard the same riff twice. He was, just, an astonishing musician.
I play piano and live in Eugene.
Oscar with Ray and Ed all incredible talents .. Oscar was exceptional and stole the show tickling those keys was effortless and perfection simply the best..
You are blessed to have such a memory. Damn.
Oscar Peterson lived down the street from us in Mississauga, a suburb West of Toronto, in the 1970s. He was a very down to earth and quiet person and although my mother told me he was a well-known musician I had no idea how great he was until I was much older.
"The Vocal Stylings of Oscar Peterson" shows off his singing voice. He sounds like a mellow Nat King Cole.
Which street did he live on?
He was at our college graduation in 1983 in Evanston, IL
Great Nat King Cole observation. Oscar rarely sang because he sounded too much like his good friend, Nat King Cole.
I love musicians like that. Not the Superstar musicians
That’s the best video I’ve ever seen. Metal head at heart here, but I went to another place with Rick. You get animated like I do when hearing music.
Thank you Rick for all you do
The simple truth. And so well expressed -- in so few words. Thank you, RiffMaker247.
¡Gracias!
Oscar Peterson, my fellow Montrealer and inducted into the Order of Canada in 1972 and update to Companion in 1984. The best jazz pianists that ever lived. Thank you for sharing this.
@@skierpage A perfect encapsulation of the two players, thank you!
When I saw the title of this video "The Greatest Solo of All Time" I thought, 'well that's very subjective". After seeing the video, I wholeheartedly agree with the title.
Ditto Brother!!!🤣🤣Whew!!!
I was a little worried myself, but Oscar Peterson was such an amazing talent. I have to agree with Rick and you on this one.
Brown 👃 comment
“Take THAT Liberace!”
@@sockmonkey22 Hilarious.
The sweat dripping off him has more musical talent than 99.9999% of today's top 40. Crazy talented.
If only they would've bottled it.
his sweating was more articulated than my playing
Make that a 100
Absolutely 100%
That percentage when it comes to the number 40 makes no sense lmao
UNBELIEVABLE!!! That is the most amazing performance that I've ever seen. I've never seen anyone play piano like that. You just turned me into a jazz fan ❤
Welcome!
My mum and dad were at that gig!
My father talked about it right up to his death in 2019
You don't say!!! Wow that's Wonderful. Rick's channel bringing those who were actually there (and their families) back together. What a great thing UA-cam is sometimes. What you said - that he talked about it for the rest of his life - makes me so happy. Wow wow wow. Thank you for sharing this story
I don't think a sane person who doesn't just hate things for hate's sake couldn't walk out of that without a lasting impression of awe.
I would be doing the same had I been there... That's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any audience member! My very first live music concert i went to see (I was 12 years old) was Dizzy Gillespie and his band playing at Cortland State. I still wax philosophic about the transcendent 30 minute drum solo his son played.....just incredible. My second concert was Woody Herman's 50th Anniversary Tour. Guess I was a weird teenager!!
What a coincidence?? One in a million!!
That’s insane man! RIP to your father.
If you were merely showcasing great and often forgotten music, that would be enough. But you making music aceessible to a wider audience--that takes the cake!
I love how this trio of incredibly talented musicians look like they are just mid-level managers in the accounting department at some gigantic corporation.
Haha!!!
To be fair, some mid level managers have better skills than those called directors 😀
This video just makes me so nostalgic. My neighbour Mr Bo Söderman, an accomplished swedish jazz (piano) musician and all round fabulous human being, always toted Oscar as the greatest pianist alive.
Me and my young rock inspired friends didn't really get it at the time. But now, when they're all gone I really get it.
I so want to relive those fabulous times with Bo on the Steinway and Sonny Payne on percussion (yes, THE Sonny Payne) playing for us teenagers during some unbelievable parties at Stora Lundby south of Stockholm.
I had no idea of the greatness being perfomed right in front of me at the time. The spirit of Mr Peterson was right there but thankfully it did plant an unforgettable memory in me.
Thank you Bo, Sonny and Mr Peterson ❤️❤️
I live in Ottawa and walk past his statue near the National Arts Centre all the time. There's good, there's great, there's prodigy, there's genius, and then there's Oscar freakin' Peterson. I made it all the way through Gr 10 Conservatory piano and I have absolutely no illusions about ever being able to come even within a light-year of this kind of amazing playing. It's like nothing else on Earth.
The simple truth ... so well expressed. Ottawa born and raised myself, so I was hooked at your opening words!
Piano as an instrument really isn’t appreciated enough in the rock work. It really adds a special quality to the music
One of the hardest instruments to play, for sure.
Yes, Emerson lake & Palmer, first album!
Ben Folds....amazing modern rock pianist.
99% of all rock songs were written on a piano or acoustic guitar. Artists love the piano because it’s linear, it flows easier and you’re writing the melody lines and bass lines at the same time.
@@nibla17 this.
I left to run some errands, and ended up staying in the parking lot when the notification for this video came up. I watched the video and drove home, because I forgot why I left after watching this.
That solo is just insane! Also, thank you Rick for the content you put out, it is so so inspiring 🙏🏻 UA-cam needs more of this!
Oh, my flipping goodness!! I'm totally floored. That was some of, if not THE, best musicianship I've ever heard in my life! My dad is Bobby Kimball, the original singer of Toto. He used to play one little part of this song that he told me his mom, Ruby Kimball, used to always play him while she was teaching him to play boogie woogie piano as a child. ( 6:37 and 6:49 ) I've never heard it anywhere else before and was under the impression that my grandmother had made it up herself. Now I know who influenced part of her playing that helped shape my father's career in music. What a special moment for me to find this artist and particular performance. Thank you so much, Rick Beato for making this video!! Allison Kimball
❤
Rewatched this section, and was even more amazed: Rick shows how Oscar plays boogie-woogie with his left hand, while also playing a blues w/ his right. THEN he improvises his solo over all of that-so how is that possible without having (at least) three separate hands? I keep watching Rick’s video and I still can’t answer that question!
Allison, your father's vocals were amazing! Especially the songs Mama and White Sister. He really seemed to sing from the heart and deep inside. His work is much appreciated.
Your dad was the greatest singer Toto ever had and his time in the band was during their prime for sure.
That`s awesome! Your dad was a huge part of the soundtrack of my life growing up in the 1970s-80s. I didn`t realize he`s from Louisiana until recently. His voice always amazed me.
Oscar was such a sophisticated, elegant man who was as kind and gentle as you could imagine. A true genius of our age.
"Let's play blues."
"Sure, what style?"
"All of them." [starts]
Or just, "What style?" - "Yes."
remember when it used to be embarrassing and a sign of low intelligence when you just repeated what someone else said as if you came up with it? obviously you don't
@@panameadeplm why are you here?
@@panameadeplm it’s impressive that you somehow wrote the worst comment in this thread
@@ts4gv what's so bad about it?
I really appreciate your take on all of these cuts, teaching as you go, and showing us the nuances that you see.
My drummer in my band was friends with his son growing up, played together in a couple bands. He would hang out at his friend's house, and got to meet his Dad a few times. I think that's pretty cool.
During this time of apathy, indifference, and disfunction, it is really great to see an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and talented musician sharing his love of such a beautiful jazz icon. The Bebop Era spawned some of the greatest talents and it's still awe inspiring to see and hear them perform. Thank you.
You mean during always...its always a time of dissfunction and apathy
I love Rick Beato’s reactions as much as the musicianship he is featuring
8:18 what whaaaaaat?!??
Great tribute. I’m glad you commented on Barbie and NHOP’s expressions. They were at the tops of their professions, and they both look like they’re thinking “I’m the luckiest SOB ever to get to play with this guy!” I’ve watched that video a million times and it never gets old
Who is Barbie?
As a classically trained pianist I so wish that I could do even a tenth of that. I am amazed by him...of course heard him before but never seen this. Just...no words!
Oscar Peterson was the first person that Keyboard magazine put in their lifetime achievement award because he kept winning the annual awards every year in the 70s and 80s. He just blew everyone away. Excellent call!
Canada lost a treasure when he died. I heard an interview where he talked about wanting to be a musician but his dad was in opposition. Dad worked on the railroad and wanted him to get a good job. He finally relented but said you can't be a jazz pianist unless you are the world's best. Mission accomplished.
Oh, baby. May 1990. Blue Note. NYC. Oscar, NHOP, Martin Drews and Joe Pass. Lousy seats for the first show I stayed. Between shows I went up and paid for the second show before they let the crowd. I went and sat in the seat against the stage that let me look straight down his keyboard. His Bosendorfer all 96 keys was almost touching me. What a memory!
My first live concert! Oscar, Ella and the Count Basie Orchestra. My mother took me to it. I was probably 8 and had been playing piano for about 3 years. Changed my life. I've been a better soul ever since. God bless them and my mom for turning me on to true brilliance. What a legacy they leave. How thankful I am for Rick who is introducing new ears to the "greats".
Greetings from Montreal Rick, Oscar’s hometown, where he is worshipped. In fact, There’s a huge building sized mural of Oscar in his birth neighborhood of Little Burgundy, and also a mural of his sister revered piano teacher Daisy Peterson Sweeney.
Fantastic Rick, please keep this outstanding work up. My favourite all round keyboardist was Keith Emerson who was greatly influenced by Oscar, especially the left hand. I have sat at Emerson’s famous rig with the massive Moog, sadly I can’t play! I have seen many greats at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho London, with a max capacity of 250. Lovely comments about your dad! 🎹🙏
Montreal, also. Oscar used to drip in to DiCarlo's poolroom on St-Antoine after studying music at the university. He would play snooker against my Dad. Oscar wasn't a good snooker player. He didn't play many games because he had to be home early. His parents were strict. The poolroom was on Richmond Square or just next to it. My Dad's mom had a depanneur next to the poolroom. So my Dad spent a bit of time there. This would have been between 1945-1950 I think.
My father used to show me the Oscar Peterson Trio, often accompanied by the magnificent Joe Pass. I couldn't comprehend the music back then, but I knew I was witnessing god given talent and hard dedication. Those musicians were on a completely different level. I remember my father and me reacting just like you did in the video. Thank you for pointing out that stuff Rick!
I remember first hearing Joe Pass in high school in the 90's. I didn't know a single guitar could DO all that. Hearing musicians like Joe and Oscar necessarily lead to a paradigm shift - to a different sense of what is possible.
I got to see Oscar, Joe Pass and NHOP in London around 1980. I was a teenager. Can you imagine the impression?
@@firefighterps2 must have been life changing
@@Metalltool It was....that was the first time I was exposed to world class musicianship.
3 yrs later, still one of my favorite episodes. Your quick observations and chord callouts are perfectly added and gives a great learning example. Well done. Oscar lives forever!
Thank you Rick for sharing Oscar Peterson and you endearing tribute to your Dad--with the most sincere and heartfelt gratitude. Keep doing what you do because your musical talent and message brings us all closer and connected in the common language of music! With kindest regards, Jay Zim
This is how listening to music should be taught, Rick.
I hope not. Good video, but being so attuned to the technical would erase nearly everything of importance from the experience.
In my UA-cam travels this Oscar Peterson performance is probably the top of my list, I can't count how many times I've watched this clip . His fingers are just incredible. Glad to see someone promoting this absolutely wonderful work of art.
Rick this is perfect musicianship pros amazing
So I was fortunate enough to have a cottage on the same lake as Oscar. He would invite his "friends" (all A list musicians) up to relax and jam. Some of the most amazing memories I have are taking my boat and anchoring off his cottage and listening with a beer in hand under beautiful starry nights!
His song Harcourt Nights (on maybe the best Jazz album of all time, Night Train)
is in reference to his cottage in Harcourt Park and those nights.
Fun fact: He had his piano delivered in winter and delivered over the frozen lake.
What an awesome comment.
I read your comment before starting this vid. Based on previous Rick vids I half expect stairway to heaven. OK, no. Now I am coming back and imagining being on a lake, listening to this.
Night Train is my favorite Oscar album. I don’t know why anyone would care to know that but it’s true.
awesome
Love it! The reason I love Social Media, too. I was only into rock, then heard Oscar on a midnight camping trip. Thank God for that and your memories. What Lake and what State, may I ask?
I'm stunned at your musicality, your openness and your straight-ahead personality, Rick. Now that I've landed in your channel, escape appears to be next to impossible. Keep telling the great stories and displaying your many skills. Your loyal audience is in awe.
"You don't need drums when you swing that hard."
True.
In this instance, they are playing stuff so complex that adding drums would actually muddy the waters imo.
Drummer here. I agree wholeheartedly with this statement
The white noise on the recording kinda sounds like brushes on the snare so im good with it
I thought Muddy Waters was a blues man 🤔😂
@@somebloke13 so is Eddie Clearwater 😜🤣
I agree, you don't really need drums, but being a drummer I wouldn't mind to see if it could be done tastefully. It could be very difficult to stay out of his way though, and you certainly hear the piano better without drums, I have this feeling though, that, if done carefully the tune would swing even harder (if that's possible).
Quick-twitch muscle control and the ability to lightning rod the power of the entire universe is what makes Oscar and musicians like him a magnet.
I cannot express how jealous I am of Rick's knowledge of music. I would love to hear music in the same way as he does for a day, because you can see how much he appreciates it.
Same
I know right?!?
I saw Oscar in concert in London in 1973 - yes the year before this - and last time I checked I am still alive (72 in four weeks' time). An absolutely incredible concert it was, too: apart from Oscar there were: Count Basie and Orchestra, Duke Ellington and Orchestra, Ray Charles and Roy Eldridge. What a privilege to see these legendary artists live!
Now that it is a memory you will never forget and will make some like me jealous. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, may you live long and healthy..
@@Terk131 Hi Erik, thank you very much for your kind words and wishes. It's my birthday today, in fact! Stay safe and well, Colin.
Happiest birthday to you, from some dude in New Zealand. Have a great day and heres to many more 🍻🥂🍻🥂
@@YuriMaddison Hello Yuri. Thank you very much for your kind good wishes. Apologies for the delay in responding - my wife and I went away for two very enjoyable days. Stay safe and well, Colin.
wow what a concert!
At the beginning of the Oscar Peterson documentary that you can see on UA-cam, the Canadian jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall says "Every time I see him, I don't know what to say. It's, like, I open my mouth and my brains fall out."
That's a killer guote!
LOLOLOLOLOLOLO!!!
Truly one of my favorite things in life is to read or hear the way a master musician pay homage to another. They come up with things, and say things that blow my mind in the most joyful way.
It's a thrill to follow your enthusiasm for so many genres of music. Coming from hard rock and metal myself, lately obsessed with orchestral stuff, but I love so many other styles too. Your channel is a gem.
Oscar's expression while playing says it all, he's in another world. We're just lucky to see this.
I clicked on this thinking it would be some killer guitar solo. The thing is, I’m 3 months into learning piano and my mind is completely blown! Thank you so much for this Rick! Now I know about Oscar because of you.
Go to Bill Evans piano , next.
I don't know what was more fun, watching Oscar Peterson absolutely shred on the piano, or watching Rick get so excited while he's watching it! Loved this video!
I know what you mean! He gets so enjoyed he puts out some of the funniest Peanuts-like expressions! He can be so captivating! Love him!
True whahaha i love his expressions, he is like Bob Marley going completely INTO the music forgetting all things around him
I just love Rick's videos, but have to say in all sincerity, some of Rick's most enthusiastic expressions remind me exactly of those of Al Pacino's character in the movie, 'The Devil's Advocate,' as the character gets a blowie under a restaurant table. I just wish I could get that association out of my mind. 'Concentrating on this stellar piano performance helps...
Isn't it great to see guys like Oscar being recognized? My Baby Boomer gen was so into rock, but now the kids r watching great jazz.
@@makkaman3222 lol, Rick WOULD make a good actor, hey? And you'd always have great soundtracks.
Fantastic! What a joy to see and hear. Thank you, Mr B.
I had a piano teacher who decried my appreciation of Oscar Peterson, saying, “Oscar Peterson swings like white old lady!” That was stupid and I knew it even as a young inexperienced player. Today, I still knew he was wrong wrong wrong! That was strike one. Strike two was when he couldn’t explain the voicing of Herbie Hancock. I didn’t give him a third pitch to swing at. After that, I quit his studio.
Oscar is the GOAT!
Old white ladies can swing well, your teachers crazy
I'm pretty sure I've got all the albums your piano teacher ever produced.
that was a sad sad teacher.
Hey CJ, it sounds like you still got a good education out of the experience... how to trust your own ears! 😃 Good on ya!
@@squirrelorama I guess you’re right.
Watching Oscar play and knowing the notes he’s playing are an intimate expression of his soul, as though he’s transcribing his brainwaves in real time in a form we can hear and feel and understand… it’s pure genius.
Nicely said
Well said.
Wonderful analysis
I saw him at the Royal Festival hall in London back in the early eighties, he was just unbelievable, my mum was a concert pianist and was always full of regret she couldn't play a note unless it was written down in front of her. She loved Oscar though and the music of that era. She also took me and two pals from drum classes at school to see Buddy Rich, another unbelievable musician with a fantastic band. We even got a quick chat with Buddy and an autograph, I also managed to have a few words with Steve Marcus the lead Sax, fantastic memories for sure.
Foot Note, one of my pals, Gary Wallace, went on to drum success, he does a lot of studio work for, amongst others, Pink Floyd. I used to practice in his drum room above the old toy shop on East Street London! But the gig I would have loved was being resident drummer on a weekly Tom Jones show back in the 90's, he got to play with some serious talent!
Thank you for sharing such rich history
One of my buddies from hs drumline is the drummer for a Perfect Circle, as well as a few other bands. Name is Jeff Friedl. When he was in high school his main gig was with a salsa band. Went to Cuba (stowaway on a boat) to go study it. Did sessions work in LA- then toured with some 80’s nostalgia acts like Devo and Blondie. To be honest I haven’t heard what he is up to lately though. Being a pro musician is not as rewarding these days as it once was. When Napster came out and people stopped buying albums, I just don’t think it’s ever been the same. I used to play guitar and drums, and around the turn of the century something in music died. I have spoken to a lot of musicians that felt the same thing. Everything for free online, it’s just never going to be the same. Technology and music can’t coexist. That’s just my thoughts. This educational stuff is good, about the only good thing technology has brought for music. Today’s music, the way people experience music now- it’s all just a little sad. It’s like an algorithm, nothing genuine anymore. Totally overproduced soulless garbage aimed at the lowest common denominator. Everyone young doesn’t see it, but there is no way they could they never were there in the old days. People with their phones out at concerts… it’s just all a drag.
@@bojangles6444 he's your buddy but you forgot his name: Josh Freese. He never played with Blondie though but Blondie and Devo did a tour together when he was in Devo.
Rick, thank you for honouring and paying homage to such people and for letting them enrich our lives. Like all great musicians including yourself, what I'm always left with is their humility in the practise of their art and craft.
As a classical pianist, I must say I always admired Oscar and understood he COULD read music and played Beethoven with as much authority as bebop.
Oscar has just been immortalized on our 1 dollar coin. Such a great musician!! He deserves every bit of recognition :)
WHAT????????????????????????????????????????????
When I come across a Canadian Loonie with Oscar Peterson’s image on it, I’ll consider it and will therefore be a keeper. Oscar has very much earned this honour.
GOTTA GIT ONE! :-D
Yes, Oscar was Canadian, born in Montreal. His father worked as a porter on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Oscar spent a few decades living in a house on a mountainside in West Vancouver, just across the harbour from the city of Vancouver (my home town) when he wasn't on the road. In his later years after retiring from live performances he developed arthritis, which crimped his ability but not enough to stop him playing every day, so I read. He switched to an electric piano at home (queue the gasps!) which was easier to play and afforded him hundreds of new tones to experiment with. He was one of the greatest!
I'm not into be-bop, blues, jazz and all that kind of music, it never crossed my life. That's no value judgement, it's just describing where I come from. I also never heard of Rick Beato. Just call me ignorant. Then I stumbled upon a video of him talking with my musical hero Brian May, analysing the genius of Freddie Mercury and the song 'Bohemian rhapsody'. Fascinating! From there I landed on this clip "The greatest solo of all time", expected a guitar solo and then heard and saw this!!!! Oscar Peterson was not an unfamiliar name to me, but what and how he played was! I'm absolutely flabbergasted by this solo and thank Rick for sharing his passion for it with the world ad now me!
Rick, you are a national treasure for sharing your talent with the world. The videos that you share and the interviews you do are priceless. Thank you!
Fun story; when Oscar Peterson was a young boy, already a budding piano prodigy his father felt his son was getting too big of a ego and sure of his talents so he brought home a recording of Art Tatum’s “Tiger Rag”. After listening Oscar told his father it was impressive but assumed there were two people playing the piano at the same time. When his father told him it was just Art Tatum playing Oscar didn’t touch a piano for a long period of months and cried himself to sleep every night, unable to fathom that level of skill was humanely possible or attainable. As history would have it, Oscar himself attained that level of mastery and beyond.
great parenting there, big egos need to be deflated early. Not violently, but firmly.
The musicians in the audience knew what they were witnessing, and how rare it was. Thank you so much from a humble trumpet player. I enjoyed this immensely.
I've just discovered Rick Beato and have been enjoying his content. Ultimately I'm a non-musician (I can carry a tune but I play no instruments and can't really read music) but I have a great appreciation for music.
When I listen to someone who truly understands music I'm always a little envious that I didn't get that gift. Yes, much of what Rick discusses is simply learned over a lifetime of being a musician but he also has "The Gift".
Keep up the great work, Rick. You've got lots of fans.
Nicely said
I bet you do have the ability to play. I’ve theorized that people who can “hear” jazz and feel its greatness have the ability to play. I guarantee you can. You should give it a whirl. Tons of lessons out there. Even just Rick’s channel alone is very informative.
My experience echoes what you say mate. I have a great appreciation for well played musirw@sD'sc w
Rick, thank you. I've listened to this twice. Each time, I get new insights. My wife's aunt Helen knew Oscar. When she died on the same day as Oscar did, we found solace in the thought that they were going upstairs together. He played at a fundraiser for her long-term care. He was the last one on that night. He was phenomenal.
I'm not a musician and have no understanding of all the technical details you share with viewers. However, in addition to the joy I've received by listening to Oscar Peterson over the years, I'm always delighted to see how enthusiastic you are about these remarkable musicians. Not only do you know it's amazing music, but you know WHY it's amazing music. I know it's great, but I don't have the language to explain why. I just know I like it.
I'm a musician (3 years Guitar) and I still don't understand half of what Rick says.
@@harrisontownsend910 Now, I don't feel so alone. Haha. I'm sure you'll get there, since you're an actual musician. The passage of time will reveal much.
@@karlhungus5554 Well thank you Sir.
Just keep listening to amazing music! ;-]
@@cthomashalversen8604 Will do! I'm listening to Sinatra's 1958 album "Only the Lonely" right now!
Bring them on, Rick. This is an education. MOST appreciated.
"The Greatest Solo of All Time"? I'm a subscriber and when I saw this, I was thinking, "Really?" I'm a retired musician, and spent years on-air at several Baltimore area jazz stations. And since I didn't want to get weighed down with having to correct you, I simply filed it in my "Watch Later" list. So, I finally get around to watching it and, to my delight, it's Oscar! That brought a huge smile to my face. The video that followed did not disappoint...
Ditto - almost exactly my response. Skepticism, ignored it at first. But it kept popping up. OK, what does Beato think is best... (yawn). Oh. Oscar. Well, yeah. OK. Of course. Oscar. Say no more.
Love Oscar love ya Rick.
I wouldn’t steer you wrong Walter :)
@@RickBeato, thank you Rick. Keep up the great work!
Yea, when I saw the title, and b4 watching/hearing the video, I thought it would be an electric guitar whiz kid playing 79 notes per second. ....but was pleased to see it was what it was. I'm 69, and had Oscar Peterson records from waaaay back. Art Tatum's no slouch either.
I met Oscar Peterson backstage at a concert of his in Baltimore Maryland maybe 1978. I was about 12 years old and a huge fan. He told me to listen to Bill Evan’s, Roland Hanna, and Art Tatum. And everyone else. His advice was - if you have something to say, people will listen. A very kind man.
We Montrealers, some of us anyways, want to have more than a tiny park and a concert hall named after him. Some have proposed a nearby subway (metro) station and some have proposed something more substantial, like the downtown boringly named "Quartier des Spectacle" (Entertainment District), but it's all mixed up in the usual French/English politics of the city and province. My mom heard him play at her high school talent shows when he was a young teenager. Imagine that, sitting in a sweaty high school auditorium listening to a man who would become the greatest jazz piano player of all time. He deserves to be better recognized in the city and province where he grew up.
Amen!
@@NickNicometi You got that right!
I don't think that was necessary to bring up the subject of politics in a place where we should focus on music appreciation. (It gave the opportunity to two 'bad clowns' - we know which country they are from... - to leave irrelevent comments about 'Socialist Canada'). But since you bring up the subject, if it were to rename a Metro station, the first one that should come to mind is Place St-Henri. Not Lionel-Groulx : that idea was a proof of complete, even insulting ignorance of the legacy of Groulx... Secondly, Mr. Peterson was raised in St-Henri, and that is even the name of one of his most well-known original compositions. This said, as you suggest, a downtown location to his name would be a good choice. ----- I would like to remind everyone discussing that subject that Mr. Peterson left Montréal when he was 17-18 years old, never returned permanently (he had himself narrow political views), and he lived in Ontario almost 70 years of his life. I have heard NO ONE wondering what Mississauga, where he resided all of his adult life, has done to honour hit most famous resident. No need to look for it, that ghost city has done nothing to perpetuate the memory of the musician. Mr. Peterson is a hero to Quebecers, he is a nobody in Ontario. Now, let's celebrate his music...
When you're playing an instrument - any instrument, and you're sweating and smiling..... man, that's just pure joy. Talk about being in the zone! I can't play anywhere near that tempo or with that kind of accuracy (I "play" guitar) but I do know when you hit that sweet spot and you just "feel" every note, stroke, strum, etc. It's like a drug.
Can you imagine being hooked up to his thoughts and experiencing the tremendous decision making power of complex improvisation. Then there's the physical labor of pumping that music out. Imagine, 4oz. of weight per key times how many notes? The man was some kind of athlete. It'd take weeks to just to write all those notes down! Boogie-woogie indeed! 🤩😎🤩
I will do my best to explain it. I've been playing piano and improvising 44 years, since I was 2 years old. Mind you I'm no Oscar Peterson because he's otherworldly but I do have some insight. Here's the best way to describe it. I want you to speak out loud what color your car is, then what kind it is. Now tell me what you like about it. I bet you said that pretty well, maybe you thought briefly what you'd say, but did you once think about moving your lips, how your throat vibrates, how much air to push during your car description? Did you see how your thoughts unfolded as you described it, that you didn't pre-think what you were going to say? It just developed as you talked, which is what they call thinking out loud.
I learned to play at the same time I learned to talk. Musical improvisation is talking. It is thinking out loud, in this case through a piano and by one of the best speakers of all time.
@@housebandthexenos2569 That was a brilliant example and explanation. I started playing guitar 54 years ago at the age of eight (As the song goes, "Strictly Rhythm") and I would tell people that it's what I feel in that moment. Yes, I have chords that I have to play, but the WAY I play is highly variable, depending on what song, who I'm playing with and playing for. Your explanation nails it down a lot better than mine.