I just want to say goodbye and thank you to the great jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. The announcement of his death was today. He was 82.

I must admit that upon first hearing Oscar Peterson I was not all that impressed. Then, a few years ago, I came across his version of ‘I Loves You, Porgy’ and I was instantly sold and began to seek out even more of his music. I’m not even that big fan of the tune, at least I wasn’t until I heard Peterson’s version. Such a light and intimate touch. It gives me such a shivering joy each time I listen to this song. In Peterson’s touch you can definitely hear the influences of Nat Cole and Art Tatum, a couple of great musicians to admire. But Peterson developed his own style and has been a huge influence over other jazz musicians over the years.

Nicolas Sarkazy, the President of France, stated that

one of the bright lights of jazz has gone out. He was a regular on the French stage, where the public adored his luminous style. It is a great loss for us.”

I wonder if our president would ever express such warm, adoring words for an American jazz musician. If Sonny Rollins were to pass tomorrow, knowing that he held sway over people all over the globe, would he be acknowledged by someone as powerful as the American president? I sort of doubt it. Jazz has always been a kind of redheaded stepchild of the United States, respected by some, abhorred by others, misunderstood by many.

Time continues to pass and the great men and women of the illustrious age of great jazz music continue to quietly dissolve into the ether. In the case of Mr. Oscar Peterson, the song has ended, but the melody will forever linger on.