Oscar Peterson (RIP)
 

For ya'll who didn't hear, Mr. Peterson died sunday due to kidney failure and stroke complications. One of the greatest pianists of all time, I was never able to see him perform, but if anyone has seen him perform live, or just digs his music, please discuss.

I wasn't aware he'd have played when most of us could have seen him. Apparently he once played a jazz solo with his left hand while lighting a cigarette for a woman in the audience.

He was incredibly percise and was called the Mah Haraja of jazz by Duke Ellington.

oh, i was so sad when i heard that, oscar peterson was always one of my favorites pianist to listen to, he inspired me greatly as a piano player, and was Canadian, so its a shame, very sad

Yes a great loss.

I actually had him come in and teach when I was studying Jazz at York University in Toronto. I've also seen him play a number times back in the late 80s. I also was lucky to see him play with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis when they were doing a trio reunion. I think that was at a place called the Bermuda Onion which is alas like most of the great Jazz venues in North America is also no more.

There was a big free concert at Roy Thompson Hall last night in his honour. You can hear the concert here:
Welcome to CBC Radio Two

More on Oscar here:

CBC Radio 2: Oscar Peterson 1925 - 2007

I saw him twice in the 80:s and he was a remarcable musician, a top notch pianist and a tremendous forerunner in his field: the jazzpiano!
I bought several of his albums.
Rest in peace, ol' ivory thumper...