A Jazz Odyssey: The Life of Oscar Peterson - Tapa dura

..". I can think of no other Jazz autobiography that has made the mysteries of music-making so readily accessible to the lay reader..." ."..I can think of no other jazz autobiography that has made the mysteries of music-making so readily accessible to the lay reader..."-Terry Teachout, Commentary, October 2002 "Entertaining."--Publishers Weekly, June 10, 2002 "anecdotes with a richness that moves beyond the 'facts' and provides readers with a personal (and often humorous) glimpse into his world...Highly recommended. The casual fan to professionals." Choice, April 2003 "A Jazz Odyssey is one of the most important jazz books published for quite some time...Graced by perhaps the finest front cover image and design ever seen on a jazz book, A Jazz Odyssey is splendid complement to such regal achievement. It should be in every serious jazz enthusiast's library." Jazz Journal International, February 1, 2003 "Entertaining." Publishers Weekly, June 10, 2002 "[A] thoughtfully introspective, often remarkably revealing self-examination of more than 50 years as a professional jazzman....especially interesting for the insights into the musicianship of such stars as Ella Fitzgerald, Lester Young, and many others. Peterson's discussion of the dynamics of the jazz trio and, in particular, the styles of the many outstanding bassists with whom he has played is a particular highlight....[a] fascinating look at the jazz life." Booklist ."..the authorial voice [Peterson] projects in his vivid memoir...is decidedly straight, no chaser blunt, incisive, competitive, and confident. Most impressive is the lack of solipsism; Peterson never fails to ground the events of his life within the context of his times." Jazziz, November 2002 "OP's autobiography is an amiable, fascinatingly eccentric memoir of a life in which he mostly appears to have had a ball." Mojo Magazine "The mystery of jazz performance can be understood only through participation, but this description of a single jazz event is as close as words can come...The book is rich with jazz lingo...a charming and colorful touch to a revealing autobiography." Tampa Tribune, 1/26/03 "Peterson's insightful and often humorous vignettes...are a delight for jazz fans....an entertaining and personal account of the jazzman's life on the road." Austin Chronicle, 10/25/02 "[Peterson's] biography is a lot like his music - honest, passionate and clear" Montreal Gazette, August 31, 2002 "One of the principal delights of this extraordinary autobiography is that it sounds like Oscar Peterson's music expressive, soulful, playful, complex, and altogether beautiful .Peterson offers invaluable insight into the life of a working jazz musician the camaraderie, the practical jokes, the nicknames, and inevitably, the poisonous racism that he had to deal with constantly." Wholenote Magazine, November 2003

An overview of the career of jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, in the words of Quincy Jones, "one of the greatest musicians on the planet". Born in Montreal in 1925 to immigrant parents of West Indian origin, he soon revealed himself to be a musical prodigy. From the fame of his early years as the star attraction of Canada's renowned Johnny Holmes Orchestra, Peterson came south at the instigation of Coleman Hawkins and Dizzy Gillespie, making his New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 1949. From there his musical career went to ever greater heights, forming one of the first great trios with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis, and working with musicians such as Hawkins, Gillespie, Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday. In the 1970s Peterson pursued a career as a solo pianist and television personality, and continues to perform and record today. This work aims to provide a noble memorial to a man whom many regard as one of the 20th century's finest artists.