TO OSCAR, WITH LOVE

The NAC hosts tribute to jazz great

Q What was your first experience of Oscar Peterson’s music?

Jones I was either four or five and Oscar was performing a concert at the Union United Church. Of course, I had never heard or seen anyone play like that and it really had an impact on me. When I arrived home later that day, I sat down at our piano and started playing some boogie woogie. That was what Oscar was playing and I wanted to play it too.

Kauflin When I first started discovering jazz in high school, I bought one of those best-of-jazz compilations. One track that vividly stood out to me was this truly exhilarating rendition of Someday My Prince Will Come. I listened to this track over and over again. The energy, technical genius of the pianist and the sheer joy emanating from every note astounded and delighted me. This was of course a live recording of the Oscar Peterson trio. It absolutely blew me away.

Clayton When I was a kid, I used to listen to Night Train and Oscar Peterson Trio + One: Clark Terry over and over. I remember acting out Clark’s mumbles singing with my stuffed animals. I just loved those records.

Botos I was a little kid when I heard Oscar Peterson Trio + One, which was one of the main reasons why I fell in love with jazz.

Q What impact did Peterson’s music have on you?

Jones Oscar was such an imposing and impressive figure. His command of the piano was inspirational. He had that magnetism and I was very impressed and drawn to the piano. I wanted to do it too.

Kauflin Oscar’s music has had an incredible impact on my development and continues to influence and inspire me. He exhibited so many attributes that I continue to strive to incorporate into my own playing. His touch was both intimate and commanding. His technical proficiency allowed him to express any idea he could conceive with unsurpassed clarity. He embodied what it means to truly swing.

Clayton Immense. The sound of that music feels like home base to me. I processed everything else I heard in relation to that sound. I still feel a strong connection to it.

Q Did you meet Peterson? If so, what was that experience like?

Jones As a very young boy, I thought that the only thing we had in common was that we were members of the same church. Everyone was already talking about how he was the best piano player in Montreal. When our family moved to Fulford Street, we lived 15 doors away from the Peterson family. I was soon taking piano lessons from Oscar’s sister Daisy, so occasionally I would see him at their house. Oscar also had his own radio show every week. We used to see him going up to his studio, walking or getting into a taxi, and we always used to ask him, “What are you playing tonight?” His response — tune in and listen! He was all business.

Kauflin I was spending time at my mentor Clark Terry’s house. We were having a meal, and he asked for the phone. He dialed, then I heard him say, “Hey, just wanted to call and say I love you and I’m thinking about you.” He talked for a little while, then he said, “I’d like for you to meet a young piano player friend of mine.” Clark handed the phone to me and I said, “Hello?” I then heard, “Hello, this is Oscar Peterson.” I was speechless. I had no idea who Clark was talking to before then, and it was a truly unforgettable experience for me. It was something very special to be sitting next to Clark Terry and speaking with one of my all-time heroes on the phone. Oscar was incredibly kind and articulate, and it’s a memory I’ll forever cherish.

Clayton I met Oscar at the Hollywood Bowl after a tribute concert that featured him alongside the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. I stood in line backstage with my teacher at the time, Donald Vega. We were both absolutely star-struck and thrilled to meet him. I got to thank him and let him know that his music meant the world to me. The three of us took a picture that I have framed in my practice room.

Botos I met Oscar at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2005. I opened for him at Stravinski Hall. He came early and listened. It was an extremely special feeling to play for him and meet him. He was very kind and complimentary. Piano playing doesn’t get any higher than Oscar Peterson, so there’s not a bigger dream come true for any pianist in my opinion.

Q What should today’s music fans keep in mind about Peterson’s music?

Jones Well, it’s simply timeless. His music transcends generations and trends. I believe that young players will continue to discover him through his albums and concert footage and he will continue to inspire and will always remain relevant.

Kauflin Oscar Peterson will forever be a centrepiece of the jazz tradition. To discover jazz should always include discovering Oscar Peterson.

Clayton To me, Oscar’s music evokes a love of life. Of course, there’s a deep feeling of the blues in his music, but you can also hear a tremendous joy in his expression. It perfectly exemplifies the phenomenon that the blues at once releases one’s sorrows and simultaneously gives back a profound sense of happiness. The blues is truly healing that way. Oscar is more than just an incredible pianist. He’s also a musical healer. phum@postmedia.com twitter.com/peterhum ottawacitizen.com/jazzblog