Oscar: The Life and Music of Oscar Peterson

by Reva Marin

For 50 years, Oscar Peterson has been one of the leading players on the international jazz stage. With multiple Grammys and 200 albums to his name, Peterson has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Montreal. Reva Marin follows Peterson's inspiring life from his father's insistence that he play an instrument, to his lifting himself out of poverty, to his refusal to be cowed by racial prejudice. Marin also shows readers the world of a jazz musician: getting gigs, touring, composing, and dealing with artistic differences. The book contains photos, a glossary, and a reading and listening guide. Also included are mini-biographies of some of the great musicians who influenced Peterson: Ella Fitzgerald, Art Tatum, Nat Cole, and Duke Ellington, as well as an introduction to musical concepts and different piano styles.

144 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2003

Reviews

[- - · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for children, and with the intention of introducing them to racial prejudice in action as much as to Oscar Peterson. For a quick overview of his career, it's fine, but no better.

[Robert Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slim. Could have used additional information about more of Oscar's albums but glad they didn't shy away from the racial discrimination that he often was subjected to.

[Robb Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cant help but wish that Reva Marin spent a little more time editing her thoughts and the books prose. From an information point of view this book was a great jump off point on Oscar Petersen and his career. Good insight into his early life in Montreal and his friendships with some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Im sure Ill have to find a copy of his autobiography. I was lucky enough to see Oscar play in Stratford, thanks to one of my awesome kids before he passed. He is one of my musical heros and an all time great Canadian.

[Tniska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meant for kids, ok for that.