Oscar Peterson © Edward Gajdel

A true legend of jazz piano descended directly from Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson will be honored at Carnegie Hall on June 8^th during the Fujitsu Jazz Festival as “The Master of Swing.” The all-star event—the first American tribute to Peterson, will include performances honoring the 82-year-old pianist by such legends as Clark Terry, Hank Jones, Billy Taylor and Marian McPartland. Originally scheduled to appear, Peterson's health will prevent him from attending.  Instead, his wife and daughter Celine will appear on his behalf.

Oscar Peterson needs little introduction to the community of jazz enthusiasts. For much of the 1950s through 1980s, at least, he was the definition of mainstream jazz for many, and his incredible discography alone assures his place in the history of jazz piano and composition. Now a decade past a stroke that threatened to end his career, Peterson selectively maintains a touring and recording schedule that belies both his years and physical limitations that thankfully have little if any impact on his ability to swing hard with that trademark touch that gives the piano romantic, playful, or majestic voice.

Hank Jones

Over the years, Oscar Peterson has been most associated with the piano trio, from his classic threesome of Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen and his drumless renditions with Barney Kessel or Herb Ellis, and later Joe Pass. More recently he has more often used a quartet format: “I use the quartet with guitar, bass, and drums more than anything now, which is the best of both worlds. You have all of the rhythmic impetus, plus the backing and counterpoint of the guitarist” (1995, Jazz Times). Since his early successes under Norman Granz in the 50s, Peterson has primarily enjoyed the role of leader rather than sideman or accompanist, while frequently featuring such outstanding guest soloists as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Ben Webster, Lester Young, Stan Getz, Clark Terry, Benny Carter, and Milt Jackson. More recently his recordings have featured such rising stars as Roy Hargrove and Ralph Moore. He has released hundreds of recordings too numerous to mention, particularly for Pablo, Verve, and most recently Telarc.

Dianne Reeves

Peterson devotes at least as much time to composing as performing. In addition to the international acclaim received for the Canadiana Suite (1963), other works include African Suite, Hallelujah Time, Blues for Big Scotia, Blues for Smedley, The Smudge, Bossa Beguine, Love Ballad, and the recent Trail of Dreams suite. His Hymn to Freedom was one of the crusade hymns of the Civil Rights Movement of the National Film Board, the BBC, and other film and television projects. He has also composed the film scores for several films, including The Silent Partner, which won a Canadian Film Award in 1978.

Marian McPartland

Carnegie Hall Tribute

The June 8^th tribute brings Oscar Peterson full circle, back the site of his first big break with Norman Granz . On hand will be a very long list of musicians –favorite pianist Hank Jones, long-time friend and master trumpeter Clark Terry, (Longtime Friend And One-Of-A-Kind Trumpeter, piano master Dr. Billy Taylor, vocal star Dee Dee Bridgewater (paying tribute to Ella and more), bassist Christian McBride (a “young Ray Brown”), popular pianist Mulgrew Miller, guitar virtuoso Russell Malone, top modern drummer Lewis Nash, tenor titan Houston Person, friend and veteran tenor Jimmy Heath, another Oscar favorite pianist Marian McPartland, OP admirer Paquito D’Rivera, fellow Canadian pianist Renee Rosnes, Nat’s brother Freddie Cole, new vocal sensation Roberta Gambarini, singular bassist David Finck, the young piano whiz Eldar, upcoming vocalist Hilary Kole, top Grappelli style violinist Florin Niculescu, cellist Broislav Strulev, and music director/pianist Roger Kellaway. There will be many surprises as well as a performance of Oscar’s first major composition, “Canadiana Suite.”

Sponsors of “The Master of Swing” include the Sofitel New York, Jolly Hotel Madison Towers, the Village Voice, WBGO FM, and the Consultate General of New York /Canada. Show time is 8 pm; tickets at the Box Office or Carnegie Charge, 212 247-7800