OSCAR PETERSON: The Will to Swing
Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1988. First edition. Hardcover. Eight pp. photographs. First edition, preceding the American by two years. Standard biography of the Canadian-born classically-trained pianist who burst onto the American jazz scene in 1949. Oscar Peterson (1925-2007) organized his first trio with bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis in the mid-1950s. Sometimes issuing as many as six albums a year, Peterson toured with a succession of celebrated small groups until the early '70s. Showing influences of Nat "King" Cole, Art Tatum, Hampton Hawes, Phineas Newborn, and Bill Evans, Peterson developed an unmistakable style, highlighted by a multiplicity of notes, skilled harmonic variations, and a compelling sense of swing. Inscribed by Lees to legendary jazz saxophonist, trumpeter, arranger, composer, and bandleader Benny Carter (1907-2003) on the title page. A near fine copy in a lightly worn dust jacket. Provenance: From the library of Benny Carter. Near Fine / Near Fine. Item #58710
ISBN: 0886191270
Inscribed by Author.
Price: $200.00