Oscar Peterson: The Life of a Legend

Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson (1925-2007) narrates his life story in this PBS-aired documentary. Framed by a family reunion, Peterson starts off talking about his European tours of the 1950s (during which he accompanied Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald) before doubling back to his childhood in Montreal, where his father, a sleeping-car porter, encouraged his children to reach for something more and discouraged his son from dropping out of school when his music career started to take off. The pianist's talent led him to the Johnny Holmes Orchestra, in which he was the only black player; to New York's Jazz at the Philharmonic series; and to his own trio with bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis. In their early days, the group met with criticism, from blacks and whites alike, over their mixed-race composition. Says Ellis, “He hired on the basis of your musicality and what kind of person you were.” Peterson also speaks about being absent as a parent, his love for Canada, and his interest in synthesizers. Rounding out the portrait, directors William R. Cunningham and Sylvia Sweeney interview other admirers and collaborators, including Gillespie, Fitzgerald, Brown, Norman Granz, Cleo Laine, Quincy Jones, and Herbie Hancock, combining archival material and live footage of pieces recorded exclusively for the film. DVD extras include excerpts from Peterson's memoir, A Jazz Odyssey. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)