Odd how even such sublime skill, inventiveness and artistry, as well as a truly elegant and lovable personality can only inspire words like shit and insane in some people, when the could have been funny instead.
If a current/modern talk show host asked a current/modern musician a technical question, chances are that the musician wouldn't be able to answer the question... most modern "musicians" are just entertainment puppets with little or no technical (or real artistic) ability. But damn, they look good!
You've hit all the right points dude. I can't think of anything else that I could add. That O.P. guy has got all of the above and more. Too bad that he decided to *kick the bucket* when I finally became the Citizen of that beautiful Canuck's land Lol... Well..., as they say...: *"Shit always happens for good reason"...* That's what She said anyway Lol... In any case, I'm going to enjoy this, and any other surviving videos featuring the real guys, doing the real thing. P.S..., O.P. will remain in the class of his own. I can't see it any other way...
Two Canadian piano geniuses; Oscar Peterson and Glen Gould, may we remember their contributions forever.....absolutely masters of their genre....R. I. P. Gentlemen.
@@amt1960 Oscar was from Montreal. The story goes that in 1949 Norm Granz was in a cab on his way to the Montreal airport when he heard Oscar live on local radio and diverted the cab to the club. He invited Peterson to Jazz at the Philharmonic, where he called him up from the audience to make his US debut: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kNu5GsuzrMk.html
@@thinkbigize It's like singing I would say - if you're fully warmed up and in the zone you can pull ultra tricky techniques like that off than if you try it from cold
I loved the way Oscar educated audiences about music, without ever coming across as condescending. He genuinely loved the craft, his predecessors and contemporaries, and was always so generous about sharing. So much more than “just” a musician.
it helps that the host (DC) invited OP to educate him, so the audience was just observing a friendly lesson like a fly on the wall. so many opportunities like that to bring people up to speed and entertain them at the same time vs just banter gossip.
@@hiz-n-lowz1577 Thank you. The keyboard player I was playing with knew Oscar well because he owned the city’s Baldwin piano dealership and used to supply the Baldwin piano when Oscar played Ottawa, Canada.
funny cuz I was thinking while the audience was politely applauding I would have yelled "Oscar, you're the goat!".....I then I would have to explain what I meant because..... decades ago.
btw why can't interviewers be like this guy nowadays?? this guy was so professional and courteous. A lot of interviewers today seem to have no idea what the hell they are doing.
The fact that so many people here speak so highly of both Peterson and Cavett is both heart-warming and hope-giving because the way they carried themselves in this all-too-brief clip was superb compared to the abject witlessness of today. Thank you many times over for that, each and every one of you. (And thanks, of course, to Oscar and Dick for having been so cool in the first place!)
The Roses of Picardy chords at 5:23 were beautiful. As if that wasn't enough, he then goes and changes it around, just totally blowing my mind with delicious jazz colors.
I heard him in the Vienna State Opera. After the concert he could only walk a few steps to his wheelchair at the side of the stage. The contrast between the agility of his mind, his fingers and the rest of his body was kind of irritating, but amazing at the same time. We were about 30 people waiting for him at the artist's entrance after the concert. When he came out, he was shielded from us by a big limousine and his bodyguards. Nobody shoved or shouted, we all just applauded. He gave his guards the tiniest nod, got out of his wheelchair panting and smiling, leaned on the car and wrote autographs. Those are moments of greatness you never forget.
"It's a little difficult if you haven't been doing it." He did it to perfection. What a genius and what delightful, intelligent human being. Thanks for sharing this!
I saw the Rick Biatto reference to this interview so thought I would check it out. Now I'm remembering what a great musician Oscar was. Quite astounding.
Oscar was ridiculously fluent in music. I can't imagine being able to play anything that comes in my head. Even if I could, I wouldn't have the creativity to imagine most of the stuff he came up with. True genius.
Dedication hours of practice he said no he couldnt do it at first time He ha amazing teachers and his own ethic no doubt to become that great. I think art tatum and some others were his superiors so lots of woodshedding and to mimic each style so well.. Cant pathom playing that well much less reading music but its gotta be done everyday till its not like reading a different language. Father charles goes down and ends battle 5 FCGDAEB order of sharps BEADGCF order of flats CGDAEB circle of 5ths Every good boy does fine EGBDF note lines FACE spaces between lines on G clef Right hand piano F clef Grizzly Bears Dont Fear Anything GBDFA lines ACEG spaces left hand piano. Basic start to see 2 notes as intervals then 3 or 4 notes Chords stacked in 3rds space to space or line to line. Start to see line to space automatically by shapes Or distance left between so you see 2 spaces between or 3 and line space its gonna be the same like 4th or 6th or 7th or 9th. Ceg 135 shape Egc 351 ist inversion Gce 513 2nd inversion Note same 3 notes but different order thats inversions. Ceg major CEbg minor b3rd CEbGb diminished b3rd and 5th If I can write and learn that then yall can two.
@@ronfrey5327 True but there's a huge difference between just knowing the theory and putting it altogether though bro. Theory - I know, been playin classical piano for decades and I'm an intermediate-ish Jazz musician but man OP shows there's levels to this. Actually, thinkin bout it I probably could imagine most of the stuff Oscar comes up with because I've listened to him for so many years and his style has brilliant but pretty well-defined parameters in terms of how he'll approach a song. You know what you're gonna hear when you put on an OP track, and it's gonna be amazing. The musicians who I REALLY can't imagine what they're gonna do are people like Chick Corea (RIP) and my new favourite Cory Henry. If you listen to Cory's Live Session@ Montreux Jazz Festival 2018 where he plays Cantaloupe island and "All I do" by Stevie Wonder, or the solo he does on "Lingus", or this unexpected solo he does at a funk jam where he gets randomly called onstage against his will and then murders the entire show: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LZCbglQvSz8.html His creativity is off the scale man - like he's from another planet. These new generation of musicians have absorbed all the knowledge from the old masters and are taking it to ridiculous levels.
I recently discovered Oscar Peterson (thanks to Rick Beato) and I find his skills right up at genius level! Look at how easily he shows his vast knowledge of other artists styles :) I recommend watching some of his trio work with NHOP and Barney Kessel and at some point, sit back and look for the drummer (hint: there isn't one!) I don't know how this excellent pianist got past me, but no more :)
This is why both Rick Beato and Adam Neely have the best educational music channel on the web; let alone you tube. I so glad you actually found Oscar's music.
Oscar was a treasure, a musical wizard and a timeless class act all wrapped up in one beautiful person; and I regret never actually seeing/hearing him play in person.
A master class by a musical legend and an excellent interview by a knowledgeable interviewer done when TV actually had high standards. Thanku Oscar and Dick.
I was fortunate to see him at the Royal Albert Hall, London in July 2005. It was sad to see him walking slowly across to the piano BUT as soon as his fingers hit those piano keys it was pure Oscar Peterson magic from that point onward. This gentleman was a true legend and I feel honoured to have seen him perform live at such a prestigious venue.
Hello Simon how are you doing. I believe you are healthy and also having a nice weather where you are. I live in California and I'm looking for a new friend Ok!
I love Oscar. He’s the reason I learned how to play jazz. I had the pleasure of seeing him preform twice and met him backstage once. He was very nice and a true gentleman. RIP
Oscar Peterson in front of a piano walked with gods. And Nature itself -- with the sounds of the Oceans, the Fresh Spring Breeze of the Mountains, the Lightning and Thunder in a Summer night or even the Music of a Golden Sunset in September -- was always jealous and envious ...
I used to watch this video to learn but I find myself coming back to it again and again to smile and simply enjoy Oscar Peterson. I also think he has a great singing voice and I consider that one of the best parts of the video!
Javon Goodman Yeah that was pretty amazing. These guys, (meaning these exceptionally great musicians), live eat and breathe music. They are totally immersed in their craft and know a ton of songs. For them playing is no different than you and I talking. It’s what it takes to get to that level. Yet it’s not drudgery to them, they simply love what they do. I have a son who is the last of for children. He has three sisters who put him thru hell when they were young. He found his craft and every day he practiced. His sisters complained to make him stop. I refused them, he had up til 8:00 PM. When he’d go to sleep I had to go turn his radio off. All he listened to was jazz and classical. Today he is celebrated traveling around the world with the icons of jazz. He’s won downbeat awards, Echo awards, (Germany’s Grammy), and nominated here for a grammy as well. He knows his jazz history and is well versed in many styles and is also an innovator. His family is very proud of him ... including his sisters.
Oscar was a Canadian institution, a musician so profound, talented, humble and genuine... His playing was instantly recognisable after three notes and the grace that which he played and that fluidity left no doubt. And Mr. Cavett is such a genuine and knowledgeable man, that generation of interviewers is sadly so long gone.. Than you for this brilliant piece..
Hello Steve how are you doing. I believe you are healthy and also having a nice weather where you are. I live in California and I'm looking for a new friend Ok!
He has the elegance of Fats Waller, the refinement of Nat King cole, the virtuosity of Art Tatum, the blues soul of a real black man who knows his wonderful musical origins and his enormous genius. A perfect being as well as an amazing singer and a good and genuine person. Love you Oscar,from the bottom of my heart! You are the best❤
The same thing that happened to music - It went bye-bye. Hell, I had more luck finding something interesting to watch on TV when we only had 3 channels.
MrFraterManifesto I watch PBS a lot. Still a lot of quality programming there. I pick and choose different programs on premium cable channels and streaming platforms. Basic cable and network channels feature a lot of crap.
Even when it's explained watching a master musician play is like watching a wizard cast a spell. You don't understand how it's possible, you're simply in awe.
This guy was one of the absolute best ever! Same class as Art Tatum. Some people have been touched by God; this guy was one definitely of them. Delighted to have met him at Steve's Music on Queen Street in Toronto around 1981. He was looking to possibly buy an 88 key Fender Rhodes electric piano. I was a 17 year old jazz pianist myself. "Hello Mr. Peterson!" .. "How are you doing young fellow..". Definitely one of the highlights of my existence.
Thing is, he had one of the best interviewers ever. No one can do it today like the old talk show pros. Cavat gave OP a lovely open stage and it must have been a real treat for the audience.
I randomly picked up a CD of his for a drive to the shore. I remember nothing of that drive because I was transfixed to another place the whole ride by his amazing playing and talent....pure talent. I am, now a major fan.
I was honoured to play at 2 of his final concerts with my band after the concert was over and he was taking pictures and signing autographs …. right at the base of my piano …. Great experience meeting and playing for him
One of the BEST interviews EVER done by anyone. So entertaining and informing. Not to mention how respectful it was which is MILES away from current talkshow hosts.
Imagine a time when you could - and would - have Oscar Peterson on a TV show? No bad language, no shouting, no sexualization and a ton of God-given talent. The world has gone right downhill.
@Ok Zoomer what you just said about music is very dumb, and I hope you understand how dumb it is someday. Music is not sex. Sex is not music. It can be, but then people don't appreciate the music. First of all its not even logical what you said here, second of all, its wrong
Oscar Peterson was a musician who played conversationally, speaking with his hands on the keys. An inspiring person to hear and be with. This is a great interview, and it is evident that Dick Cavett was taken with Peterson's masterful playing and sharing of his presence.
I had the pleasure of listening to Oscar Peterson playing live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York in the mid 1980s. It was a real treat that I will always remember and a one-off night out while on a work visit to New York State. After the first half of the performance I thought WOW! After the second half I thought WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!! Now retired, I am in the early stages of learning to play keyboard, using the Yamaha method. If I can only achieve a fraction of Mr Peterson' skill, I will be over the moon. Thanks for the posting. Incidentally, what an interesting conversation they had about music.
Hello John how are you doing. I believe you are healthy and also having a nice weather where you are. I live in California and I'm looking for a new friend Ok!
I watch this every other month, what skill from both men, it does often make me cry because it's just so full of soul and such intelligence...........ohh I duno, it's just wonderful and full of joy!
Mr. Oscar, you were sublime. You answered all questions and reinforced at the keyboard where you turned verbal into music. Besides having genius, you had Class.
@@TimmieB Oh, dear Lord, forgive my ignorance regarding Mr. Oscar and his longevity! Good news. He must be honored with full accolades. Kennedy Center must pull out the stops to honor Oscar Peterson!
That stood out to me too! I wanted to hear him keep playing that "rhythm section" the whole interview. Just amazing stuff. And his Nat King Cole articulation example was great too.
Yeah, that was incredible. The way he maintained voice independence between the bass and chords showed me what I'll be working on for the next 11 years, haha
What a beautiful human being Oscar was! It's nice to hear his voice, so now when I read his book, I have something to compare it to. He had such a buoyance in his sound that was infectious...him with Ray Brown and Clark Terry is just classic!
Oscar, without a doubt, must rank in the Top Ten jazz masters of all time! I'm so glad we have videos like this to share his genius with future generations. I only regret that I never got to see him perform live & in person. What a great, great artist! 😁👍🎼🎶🎹
Wow, I've heard Oscar for years and always knew he was a monster right along the abilities of Art Tatum but had no idea he was such a nice man, excellent teacher, prodigious technique.....wish I could've met him and taken lessons....
Most piano players have second thoughts of continuing when they hear records like "Tracks" or "My favorite instrument". Good God almighty. I always thought that the double octave melody was overdubbed and recorded twice in the studio, but here he does it live in front of the camera. He´s left hand can reach for chords like noone done before. It´s like a freakin´ dictionary book!
This is such a classy segment with really well researched questions, allowing Peterson to intimately showcase his skill and personality while keeping it laid back and jovial. They really didn't patronize the audience back then, love to see it.
One of my all-time favorites! I can't even wrap my head around his talent. He and Red Garland are my top two favorite musicians of all time. And then he breaks that voice out! Man, what a talent!
Andrew specifically mentioned television. He is talking about the absolute garbage on TV these days. This kind of show wouldn't ever be produced in today's (rotten to the core) culture.
That's because today's music is trash for the most part. What really gets me is how people deny that there are canons in art, comparing Paul Mc Cartney's "genius" to Bach!!!
TheMenghi1: I don't know about Bach, The Beatles never claimed to be the best musicians even though McCartney is a great bass player and George Harrison came up with a few incredible guitar solos for their songs, none of them read music. But what I will say, Lennon and McCartney were excellent song writers, and Harrison not bad either - think "Something" - the most covered Beatles song. (And some of the later Beatles songs are not easy to play and are actually very sophisticated, the different chords they would use etc. There are a lot of youtube videos on how to play many of these songs or what is unique about them). The Beatles were great innovators and they changed pop/rock music in ways no one else could imagine in their brief 7 year history. Never to be duplicated and an amazing feat and at an amazing pace.
Terrific piece! Oscar Peterson was a true virtuoso. It is great to see how he handles himself with class and dignity, never feeling the need to explain the obvious to most. When asked if he could just play like that from the start, or did he have to practice, he laughed and said no, I couldn't play like that. What he didn't say here, and may have sent it earlier because we are only getting the end of the interview, A true master of his Instrument, he practiced several hours each day for his entire life. When I've read about the best of the best, this is something you will find common to all. Even if they are playing concerts five or six or even seven days a week, they still find time for their practice. That is probably one of the most important things new musicians can learn. Never feel you're so good, you don't need to practice. In fact, those I have spoken with always looked forward to practice hours. Unlike most of us, who do it because we think we have to, and feel it is a chore, the best look forward to the end of the shows where they can get back to Learning something new, and honing what they've learned. Thank you for posting this!
I remember staying up late to catch Oscar on BBC2, with the volume turned up just enough for me to hear it but not loud enough to disturb my parents. As well as his obvious talent, he always came across as a gentleman, an intelligent and measured individual and a respectful human being. My piano playing is nowhere near as good as his but I do try to be a decent human, and that's because of people like Mr. Peterson. Thanks for the music, the life lessons and the entertainment, Oscar.
I've never seen Oscar before. I found myself clapping my hands with the audience at the end... Most impressive. I just came from a comments section on a saxophone video where everyone, including myself, was saying 'learn to play and instrument... do it, do it..' But this demonstration of mastery shows just what 99.9% of us will never attain and yet something like 99.9% of us think we're going to attain when we take up an instrument.... And as we slowly come to realise we're not going to make it we slowly give up.... It really is enough to put you off. To stop you dead. But that's the modern world. The world's best, the giants, the titans, the massively talented immediately before us all at any time.... we can be humbled and shamed and driven away instead of inspired. Gotta remember and experience the real pleasure that is to be had, truly, at the lowest most elementary level of musicianship - most especially when played in happiness with friends... A brilliant video. I'll keep it forever, I think. Thanks. What a beautiful man he must have been. ;)
Glenn Gould said competition was the death of music. Even competing with yourself, because someday you would lose. It can be discouraging that we will never meet their level, but if you can't beat em', join em'-- like you said, at least we can play along. GG was quite a teacher and interviewer; they wanted to be on a program together, but were never able to.
+cyril james Lovely post. Although the things you mentioned have, no doubt, been felt by people throughout time, I believe that especially in recent times there has been a lack of appreciation for the work that goes into being a master such as Mr. Peterson. There seems to be more of an "instant gratification" mentality among many younger people who don't want to put in hours and hours of practice every day and years of apprenticeship. They want it to be easy. This is true in other fields outside of music as well. Technology today caters to such people, and I'm not sure it's a good thing.
@@bholaoates1542 I absolutely agree. Speaking from experience, I can wholeheartedly say that it is NOT easy. But there's different products being made each day to make lazy people even lazier. I played piano for a while and learning the music (by ear) was no easy task. Even doing what I do today, it takes a lot of time and effort to invest in.
I can't believe that I don't listen more to this great artist. Just incredible. Thank you for posting this (so many years ago, and I'm just now seeing it).
Thanks Dave for this rather obscure segment.Oscar P. was my favorie piano player.My Aunt Ruth worked as a housekeeper and cook for Dick Cavett.She said he was good to work for,and he loved her roast beef with Yorkshire pudding.
Wow... notice how when he started singing, he had said "what a day..." before he hit the m7b5 chord, ON THE KEY! That's absolute pitch right there on display for y'allz! I didn't initially notice this after having watched this video several times. Wow.
I don't think we fully appreciated just how good Oscar Peterson really was. My father a professional musician back in the 50,s always spoke about his playing. Even after all these years he still stands out as one of the greats.
