I was sad to read this story as I got back into the office today – having resolutely refused to read much press over the holidays – about the death of Oscar Peterson, the jazz pianist. Jazz is not everyone’s cup of tea: some modern stuff is unlistenable, in my view, but this man crossed a lot of barriers with his wonderful blues style. I love his album, Night Train. I might just put it on the CD machine later.
And he died at the ripe old age of 82, proof, surely, that not all great musicians have to die young or mess up their talents by drugs or general over-indulgence.
I hope he is playing the long coda in the sky.He now has his old band back together.RIP
The attitude of most jazz purists since 1960 or so can be summarized thus: “If you want melody, you’re a fascist.”
Oh really?
Quoting the Beatles are we?
I got no kick against modern jazz
Unless they play it to darn fast
And lose the beauty of the melody
Make it sound like a symphony.
If you cant find a tune in here, you’re deaf Sanity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oHaL5cV9jY
Oh, and if we are talking of dieing composers here-
Stockhausen died recently.
But dont think of having a Minutes Silence for him
or his Estate will sue you!