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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of music lies in the collective effort of the group, even during individual performances.
Oscar Peterson's quote emphasizes the significance of collaboration and the communal aspect of music making. Even in moments of individual expression, such as a solo, the underlying connection and harmony with the group remain vital, highlighting that no artist exists in isolation and that the music is enriched by the collective sound and influence of others.
Themes
MusicCollaborationGroupSoundSoloPerformance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a music festival discussing teamwork.
More from Oscar Peterson
All quotes βToo 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
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
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