Here’s a story from the BBC:
(July 1)
Queen unveils statue of Canadian jazz great Peterson
The Queen has unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson during the latest stage of her visit to the country.She was joined by the musician’s family for the ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
During his life, Peterson recorded with jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Charlie Parker. He played for the Queen a few years before his death in 2007.The Queen and Prince Philip are on a nine-day visit to Canada.
The sculpture depicts Peterson sitting at his famous piano – which had extra keys added – in a bow tie and waistcoat. There is space on the seat beside him for passers-by to sit down.
His widow Kelly said: “Oscar would be very humbled by it and also very, very pleased to know how much people loved what he did and care about him. And the fact that Her Majesty and Prince Philip are here is an extra special layer – he loved them both.”
Dressed in a turquoise hat and coat, the Queen later visited the Museum of Nature and planted a tree in the governor general’s garden.
Oscar Peterson is such an inspiration! That’s a very cool honor. I still remember the very first time I heard Oscar when I was about 13 years old. I’ll never forget how blown away I was by his “Night Train” album.
That youtube clip is the fastest version of Clifford Brown’s Daahoud that I’ve ever heard!
@Camden : I second your comment about the youtube clip, he smoked that!
One of the greatest jazz pianists of all time honored as only “the maharaja” should be!
Liz digs OP! I wonder if Her Majesty has any of Oscar’s records. I’d like the sound of C Jam Blues from Night Train reverberating through Buckingham Palace.
Watching this commemoration and video spurred me to my Jazz stash. He was such an integral part of keeping sanity in the 60′s and 70′s. I chose Tin Tin Deo from MPS LP period. Danced all over the music room as his fingers rolled up and over arpeggios. This music is pure joy. Thanks for picking up this new video.