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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Collaboration is essential in music, even during solo performances, as understanding others enhances the overall sound.
Oscar Peterson highlights the importance of understanding and supporting each other in music, even when one is performing a solo. This concept transcends beyond music, emphasizing that in any group endeavor, awareness of and respect for others' contributions is key to creating harmony.
Themes
CollaborationMusicJazzSupportHarmony
In practice
Example use cases
During a music workshop, remind participants that understanding each other creates better performances.
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
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
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.
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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