Oscar Peterson

[take5]

Oscar Peterson is playing Birdland in NY this weekend, and he appears to be solo. I'll probably be going. Has anyone heard him perform solo? What's it like? He's never had a problem filling up the room with sound and seems to have a knack for arrangements and such.

[Hardbopjazz]

He is a giant, just go see him regardless if he is playing solo. I have heard him solo, 13 years ago, and before his stroke, he did a great job then.

[John Tapscott]

I personally find it hard to believe Oscar is playing solo. All of his recent (and rare) concerts have been with Ulf Wakenius (g), NHOP (B) and Martin Drew (d).

Oscar basically lost the use of his left hand due to a stroke over a decade ago. He comps a bit with his left hand, but most of his playing now is with his right hand. I think that's part of the reason he always always plays concerts with his quartet. Oscar still plays well, and you've got to give him credit for his courage and his continued "will to swing", but to put it gently, he is nowhere near the powerhouse pianist he once was. In his prime, his solo playing could be almost overwhelming. But you should go to see him, whatever format he's using. Please tell us about it if you do.

[John Tapscott]

Don't know how that happened. NHOP (B)

[John Tapscott]

All right. I'll spell it out. Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen (BASS)

[couw]

you could have just type NHOP (b)

[jazzbo]

Or The Man With Too Many Names (B). B)

[catesta]

No doubt, you should go.

I would have to agree with John, I don't think OP will be solo.

[Claude]

Don't know how that happened. NHOP (B)

Uncheck the "Enable emoticons" box when posting to prevent "b)" being converted to

[Soulstation1]

i heard on sirius sat. radio today, the tickets are $65 for the first show and $90 for the second.

ss1

[take5]

Damn, they are expensive (just checked).

He is indeed playing with his quartet.

I didn't even know about his left hand. Damn.

If I go, it will be the early show and maybe we'll have to skimp on dinner.