Oscar
When I was a young man I did what many before me had; I moved into a silverfish infested slum apartment with my then girlfriend in an attempt to ‘begin’ my life. I worked two jobs, started to teach myself how to play guitar, write songs, paint, and learned the joys of subsiding on packaged noodles and steamed broccoli.
Of course, as is often the case, the girl left, I was plunged into debt, lost my job, and ended up on welfare for a while before I could find work again. But something happened at that building that I will never forget, the magnitude of which wouldn’t truly sink in until years later.
My landlord’s name was Phil. A former teamsters rep, he had somehow ended up governing the building either by choice or simply as something to do for extra income in his retirement. Nevertheless, he was a fantastic guy, and every so often would hear me feebly strumming my guitar and, on occasion, mention that his brother was a musician.
One afternoon, after the girl had left and the debt became alarming apparent, I went up to Phil’s apartment to give notice. After answering the door he asked me inside, as was usual, and I explained to him that I’d be leaving. It was then, from the living room, that I heard the sound of the organ.
Sitting at Phil’s old organ that afternoon was his brother, Oscar.
Oscar Peterson, one of this country’s most celebrated jazz musicians, passed away today at the age of 82.
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December 24th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Wow, that is special. I wonder if he followed your career.
Best of the season and Happy New Year to everyone!
December 24th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
But the good part is the memory you have of him. It sad to hear that he passed away today; considering it is the day before Christmas. I’m sorry to hear that. I wish you the best; Merry Chris_mas.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
That’s pretty amazing. What a great musician.
Hope everyone has a great holiday
December 24th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
that is a great memory….
have a merry christmas matt :)
December 24th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
http://www.blogto.com/music/2007/12/oscar_peterson_19252007/
Something on my rss subscriptions you might wanna read…
December 24th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
My grandfather told me at least seven times today that he went to school with Oscar and his brother. Oscar was amazing. I’ve studied under a few people he’s played with and from their stories and the CDs I could tell he was as great a person as he was as a player. I wish could have seen him before he passed.
Happy Holidays.
December 24th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
I’ve played piano since I was little and was insanely gaga over him when I was younger. I remember going to see him at the Sask Jazz fest and being totally mesmerized. He’s one of the best ever. What a rad story, thanks for sharing it. :-)
December 25th, 2007 at 6:21 am
I knew that he was from my neighbourhood here in Mtl. I just read his bio and he was actually born on my cross street.
December 25th, 2007 at 7:18 am
I will play Oscar all day in memory.
December 25th, 2007 at 8:28 am
what a truly great story. a fantastic memory to hold onto, Oscar is one of my favourites and obviously one of the best jazz musicians to ever live.
December 25th, 2007 at 8:28 am
That’s a hell of an amazing story, Matt.
December 25th, 2007 at 8:52 am
wow - what a great story.
I was sorry to hear of his passing.
December 25th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
The true measure of the man is that he was so honoured during his life, and not merely with his passing. Or, as sometimes happens, many years later. I am not a huge fan of jazz piano, but even many years ago as a teen, I jumped at the chance to see him perform. And I am better for it.
December 25th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I loved this post. Merry Christmas
December 25th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
I got a little choked up when I heard the news and just about cried when I watched the news before I went to bed last night because the CBC showed a mini-documentary/profile as part of their tribute.
That’s an absolutly amazing story too, Matt.
December 25th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
i just got goosebumps.
December 26th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Wow thats amazing, that made me feel all numb and tingly, yet my heart felt alot warmer
December 26th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
cool story
December 27th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Aaaaaw, I loved reading this.
December 28th, 2007 at 1:11 am
that’s such a cool story
December 31st, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Wow…that’s amazing
Probably the single most influencial jazz musicians in Canadian history…such a shame.
I love how Phil seems to casually mention that his brother is a musician…”Oh ya, my brother’s a musician, just Oscar Peterson”.
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I wanted to post a fancy link but I suck. Here.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/video_journal/QT_movs/LLVJ-07/OscarPeterson.mov