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A jazz odyssey : the life of Oscar Peterson

An overview of the career of jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, in the words of Quincy Jones, "one of the greatest musicians on the planet". Born in Montreal in 1925 to immigrant parents of West Indian origin, he soon revealed himself to be a musical prodigy. From the fame of his early years as the star attraction of Canada's renowned Johnny Holmes Orchestra, Peterson came south at the instigation of Coleman Hawkins and Dizzy Gillespie, making his New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 1949. From there his musical career went to ever greater heights, forming one of the first great trios with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis, and working with musicians such as Hawkins, Gillespie, Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday. In the 1970s Peterson pursued a career as a solo pianist and television personality, and continues to perform and record today. This work aims to provide a noble memorial to a man whom many regard as one of the 20th century's finest artists.

Satch and Josh

Oscar Peterson + Harry Edison + Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson