Oscar Peterson was my neighbour who lived next door to me back in the late 1960's and early 1970's in Toronto Ontario Canada. I was only 5 years old at the time but I do remember my mom telling me that he was a very famous jazz musician. I would occasionally see him out in the backyard the odd time and he would say hello to me, of course I didn't realize how famous he really was until later on but looking back at him now on video some fifty years later sure brings back a lot of memories. Not only will Oscar be a true legend in the jazz world forever, he will always be someone who knew how to put a smile on a young boy's face who grew up admiring what a great person he really was.
I had the incredible good fortune to be in the audience of this show. Sadly, not everything made it into the final TV broadcast. One preceless moment happened while Oscar and Bill Basie were playing an up-tempo standard. After the opening, Oscar took two choruses of solo, and being Oscar, played brilliantly, 18 fingers on each hand. Basie just sat and looked across at him, totally deadpan. When his solo came around, he just sat for several bars as the rhythm section played. Then, very slowly, he raised one finger into the air, and at exactly the right moment, hit one note. Oscar started laughing so hard he almost fell off of his piano stool. Then Basie got that grin, & cut loose, just to show that he could play too. Unfortunately, this was NOT included in the broadcast. I hope it's in an archive somewhere, because it was a never-to-be-repeated moment.
@Dark Dawg One of the real "high points" in my whole life, for sure! I'm just glad we live in a time where there are recordings, whether audio or video, of these superb musicians.
I would have loved to see that in person. Two legends performing and talking about their craft. It must have been an amazing night, and sadly, one that will never come again. RIP Bill, and Oscar, and thanks for the music you left behind for us.
Two of the best of the best in jazz and music in general. Consummate professionals had the respect of all good musicians at the time. I took a Jazz Class at UCLA in the 80s with Paul Tanner who played back when with Glenn Miller's Orchestra and he loved featuring Oscar and the Count. Classic icons, titans.....we at least have their recorded music to enjoy forever.
nightswimmer99 Absolutely right, my freind. However, this drummer went to the big gig in the sky, he is jamming hard with the Duke, Count Basie, Oscar, Dizzy, Woody Herman, Louis Armstrong and the lot, after an hour he shouts to the Bass Player, Charlie Mingus "Where is the CODA?" Charles shouts back, man, this ain't heaven, there ain't no CODA!" 👹
Imagine a rotating stage. These two on one, Miles Davis and John Coltrane on the next, Stan Kenton on the next, Dave Brubeck on the next, Tito Puente on the next. Oh but the audience rotates, not the stage.
I had the privilage of going to a special midnight concert of Basie at Ronnie Scott's, for musicians. I am not a musican, but got hold of a ticket. By marvellous chance I was seated just behind Peterson. During the whole the whole concert he hardly took his eyes off Basie. He was just as enthralled as all of us who have lived with Basie.
For my money the two greatest jazz pianists ever. Basie’s ability to get so much from just a few notes amazes me. You don’t have to play so many notes if you know the right notes. And of course Oscar, well what can you say about Oscar except, “Wow!”
Once went to a midnight Concert at Ronnie Scotts, London of the Basie Orchestra. By sheer luck I had a seat just behind Peterson in the audience. Throughout the whole concert, Peterson's attention was fully given to watching Basie.
This is so cool, Count Basie who played so slow and beautiful, making every note count{pun intended}, and Oscar, one of the fastest jazz piano players I've ever seen; just shows what masters they were, able to make great music together
@@dmcdgames2388 lol bro no jazz player is the fastest ever lol, romantic piano players were doing things that makes these look like improvised exercises
When concert pianists do it, they are playing a known arrangement (for dual pianos) but when jazz pianists do it, they just sit down and JAM! How many unbelievable, absolutely stunning duets - any instrument - have been lost forever, because they weren't recorded and the musicians are no longer with us? Occasionally though, there is a little treasure like this. Another was Dick Hyman and Stephanie Trick playing 'I'll see you in my dreams' - absolutely stunning.
I thought the same thing, people like Jesús Molina make me wonder how many great songs he's just improvised that's gone forever, Everytime he posts a video of an improvistion people make piano symthesia videos of them.
Iray 1234 Could you please expand a bit more about your comment by giving us one , two three or four examples to show that unique swing of count Basie : any link ?? Thank you
They were both distinguished pianist gifted with extraordinary capabilities. I admired how Count Basie offered excellent contrast to Oscar Peterson's technical style. This is one of the greatest moments that mortal and divine eyes could behold.
Two giants together, their like never to be seen again. But what a musical legacy. Although living in Australia, I was grateful to be able to catch each of them -- just once -- at a live performance.
CB was one week shy of being 21 years older than OP. Every time I see them together it is like a father & son relationship. I had the pleasure of seeing them both in performance (individually) while they still walked this Earth. There must be joy in heaven with these musical masters in residence.
I love how humble Basie is. To undoubtedly be one of the greatest jazz band leaders of all time, but still recognize the true genius of Peterson, fuckin awesome.
Hey Jon, i know this is a old comment but i was wondering,what can you recommend Jazzwise like this song here, i like Jazz that gets you moving if you know what i mean,I'm not that knowledgeable in the Jazz department,maybe a few songs that are really jamming, thank you for your time.
Two great musicians having fun. I heard Oscar live in 1984, which is the same year that Count Basie passed away aged about 80. Both these jazz giants made a grand old age.
American treasures, both of them supreme talents and huge contributors to jazz, be bop, and so, so much more. ........ and thank Christ for RU-vid or we would not have access to seeing this two play in concert anytime we wish
How great it is...... Really unbelievable session of one of the greatest jazz pianist Oscar Peterson with the great big band leader Count Basie. How awesome, I cannot represent my current feeling completely...
The greatest invention to ever come out of the USA is and will always be Jazz. What you are listening to is more than music. This invention is single handedly responsible for allowing the world to appreciate us. It has been our universal representative even in countries that don't like us. All modern music has roots to Jazz whether it be Rock, Rap, Country, etc. Don't just listen to the notes. Understand the origins and how it ties us all together and forever will help us create and innovate.
Expansive and sparse. Yet they mesh wonderfully. I saw Basie in '71 with the band in Carnegie Hall. Striking. Have been a fan ever since. A musicians' band. I only wish I saw Oscar live and appreciated him a lot sooner than I did. Thanks for posting!
One might think Duke would be intimidated by Oscar's rapid-fire style, but he is supremely comfortable with himself and his playing. The hallmark of a great musician.
15 years ago, i was in 12th grade, the drummer for the jazz band at school. i would have killed to do this set with oscar peterson.... truly the greatest to every touch ivory.
When two artists like this plays togehter, somethung special happens. I'm 14, and i appreciate this music more than anything. I even got most of my friends hooked on the Oscar Peterson and Clark Terry song; Mumbles from the album Oscar Peterson Trio+ 1
In the 1970's Oscar had a show on CBC tv called Oscar Peterson Presents. One of his guests was Count Basie. If you can find a version on line, there will be more magic between the two great musicians.
From 1980 or so I bought the three albums that Oscar and Basie did on Pablo. Completely different styles of jazz piano. And I'm a Basie fan to this day. At certain points you can't tell who is playing since they compliment themselves so much. Just like this video. Thanks for posting!
in the age of artificial intelligence nothing will be able to recreate this thing called the "swing" these two gentlemen were the bosses of this magical pulsation..
Я знал , я верил , что когда нибудь снова я увижу этих великих музыкантов . В первый раз увидел их выступление в 1969 году по черно-белому телевизору , играли дуэтом расположившись друг напротив друга . Помню работу их пальцев и крупные капли пота стекающие со лба ( свет от софитов был очень жарким , кондиционеров ещё не было ) И сегодняшняя встреча говорит о том , что это было , это не сон . Спасибо .
Oscar! Count 123 go! Let's do this! I once asked an old school pianist at a lounge which pianist inspired him the most. He said, "The Count!" with ease and I said Oscar Peterson for me. Neither of us disagreed with the other's choice and I was his guest all night as he played each style and we bought each other rounds for hours. My date said it was the first time she was ever jealous of a piano. 20 something years later still super cool friends. RIP The Count and Mr. Oscar Peterson.
These Men were TRUE Ambassadors of their respective countries. They Promoted the Goodness of their people. The Great American Ambassadors of Goodwill and Canadian too. IMO
@@moebadi320 There is an interview somewhere on RU-vid with Oscar Peterson and Count Basie where they talk (among other things) about Art Tatum. Oscar recalls how Tatum used to scare the sh!te out of other pianists' pants by ending his set with a brisk, fast arpeggio whose virtuosity the others usually couldn't match. Count laughs and says "but you do this to me all the time!" :D
