First of all, I swore it was two people playing. When I finally admitted to myself that was one man, I gave up the piano for a month. I figured it was hopeless to practice.
Oscar PetersonRead
Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing. I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea. I have no one style. I play as I feel.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of versatility in musical expression rather than adhering to a single style.
Oscar Peterson's quote highlights the limitations that many jazz pianists impose on themselves by sticking to a personal style or trademark. He advocates for a broader approach to music, suggesting that the piano should be utilized as a whole to convey the full range of musical ideas. By stating he has no one style and plays as he feels, Peterson champions artistic freedom and the exploration of diverse expressions in music.
Themes
JazzPianoMusicCreativityExpressionVersatility
In practice
Example use cases
In a music class discussing improvisation techniques.
More from Oscar Peterson
All quotes →Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.
Oscar PetersonRead
I don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos.
Oscar PetersonRead
It's the group sound that's important, even when you're playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.
Oscar PetersonRead
Montreal was a very active jazz center until club owners started putting in strippers instead of music. Before long, there was nothing to hear.
Oscar PetersonRead
You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.
Oscar PetersonRead
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