Concert Honors Oscar Peterson

(photo credit: AP/article credit: Charmaine Noronha, AP)

By CHARMAINE NORONHA, Associated Press Writer Sun Jan 13, 6:45 AM ET
TORONTO - Pianist Herbie Hancock and singer Nancy Wilson were among the stars taking the stage at a tribute concert celebrating the life of jazz legend Oscar Peterson whose piano wizardry inspired and influenced many.

"I don't call many people geniuses but Oscar Peterson is definitely one ... ," said Quincy Jones, the music impresario and record producer who recalled that he was 16 years old when he first heard Peterson opening a show for the Count Basie big band. "It doesn't get any better than this."

"I love being a part of a tribute to one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived," added Jones, in a speech to the more than 2,000 fans filling Roy Thomson Hall for the free Saturday afternoon concert called "Simply the Best."

Peterson died of kidney failure at his home in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga on Dec. 23 at age 82.

Wilson sang the ballad "Goodbye," while soprano Measha Brueggergosman, the Canadian opera singer, performed the gospel-like "Hymn to Freedom," one of Peterson's best-loved compositions.

Peterson's youngest child took the stage to recount memories of a doting father who loved to tease her and instilled in her a strong sense of self worth.

"I miss his voice, his laugh, his sense of humor, the way he would say the perfect thing to make me feel happy," said 16-year-old Celine, adding that she had wished her father would one day walk her down the aisle at her wedding.

"There are no words to describe the pain that me and everybody else in my family feel and I know it will never go away."

Other tributes came from Peterson's longtime friend, Canadian bandleader Phil Nimmons, and Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean, the titular head of state.

"Touted as the `Maharajah of the keyboard,' Oscar Peterson has left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of the entire world," Jean said. "Whether it was while accompanying the jazz legends, performing for royalty or playing for jazz lovers, he had an incredible ability to wow musicians and audiences alike with his dazzling artistic ingenuity."

The audience was also surprised by a phone call from singer-pianist Stevie Wonder which was played over the speakers.

Wonder said he was truly thankful for having met "O.P.," as Peterson was known by friends in the music industry, describing him as "a man who could play the piano so well that you could sing, dance and feel every emotion so strong."

Hundreds of fans lined up outside the concert hall early Saturday to get a seat for the tribute which was free to the public on a first come, first-served basis.

Derek Giles of Toronto found himself third in line when he arrived at 4:45 a.m. He said he mostly wanted the seats for his 13-year-old twin daughters who play in a jazz group, but said he was also a big Peterson fan.

"His technical ability is, I think, unrivaled as a jazz pianist," said Giles, a high school math teacher. "And the fact that he arose during that period of our history when there was tremendous discrimination to become a legend — I have to admire the man for that."

On Friday night, Peterson's widow told another star-studded gathering that the flood of tributes that followed her husband's death meant a lot to the family.

"It is comforting to us to witness the tremendous outpouring of love, admiration and respect from all over the globe," said Kelly Peterson, reading from a prepared speech at a podium while Celine stood behind her. "Your support is carrying us along in these first days and weeks without him."

The event was part of an awards ceremony honoring the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters for 2008, including Jones, Cuban-born conga drummer Candido Camero, composer-arranger Tom McIntosh and trumpeter Joe Wilder — all of whom were in the audience. The ceremony included a joint tribute to Peterson by the NEA and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Kelly Peterson said the jazz titan was also a dedicated husband and father.

"In the 21 years we shared as husband and wife, I have often had to pinch myself to make sure it was real," she said in a measured tone. "I was already a fan of his when we met and I had to keep asking myself how I was so fortunate that he fell in love with me."

During his illustrious career, Peterson played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. He is also remembered for the trio he led with bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis in the 1950s.