One2Swing Biography: Oscar Peterson
As part of the One2Swing Daily, I wanted to pay tribute to a lot of the artists and musicians that provide the music that we enjoy and dance too. These bios are drawn together from a wide variety of sources and condensed down to just a few pointers. Hope you enjoy them! -Ben

Oscar Peterson
(1925 - )


     Montreal-born pianist Oscar Peterson has played with many of the best: Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, the list goes on. He is considered a living jazz legend on the piano.
     His first music teacher was his father who taught him piano and trumpet. At age 15, he went on to study with many gifted pianists. During these early years he began his own radio program "Fifteen Minutes Piano Rambling" on CKAC in Montreal. He was soon known in all of Canada. In 1951, he formed the Oscar Peterson Trio with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen and recorded with the Verve Label.




     Sheri and Ben had the great opportunity to watch him live at the Hollywood Bowl. Listening to and watching his fingers run over the keys is a wonder to behold. Their favorite Oscar Peterson CD is "Night Train" by the Oscar Peterson Trio (first brought to their attention by Peter Flahiff) which include many great tracks that Ben and Sheri often include on their lesson CDs. One of their favorite tracks is "Moten Swing" which they have used in demos and performances. Listen To "Moten Swing" (mp3).



Hope you enjoyed this mini-bio. I have many more to come!
-Ben