Oscar Peterson: The Man and His Jazz

by Jack Batten

Overview

Called the "Maharaja of the keyboard" by Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson released over 200 recordings, won seven Grammy Awards, received the Order of Canada and is considered to have been one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. This new biography from award-winning author Jack Batten, promises to tell Oscar Peterson's story in acomplete, compelling and sympathetic way. This is first biography of Oscar Peterson for young people.
 
This book is the story of a black kid from a Montreal ghetto who reached accliam in the great music halls of the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781770492691
Publisher:	Tundra
Publication date:	09/11/2012
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	10 Years

About the Author

JACK BATTEN was a lawyer who has become a well-known author, journalist, radio personality, and reviewer. He has written over forty books, including biographies, crime novels, and books about sports. His non-fiction titles for young readers include The Man Who Ran Faster Than Everyone: The Story of Tom Longboat, winner of the prestigious Norma Fleck Award, the critically acclaimed Silent in an Evil Time: The Brave War of Edith Cavell, and the heartbreaking The War to End All Wars: The Story of World War I. Jack Batten lives in Toronto.

Table of Contents

1 Oscar's Excellent Debut 1

2 Five Kids and One Piano 6

3 The Story of Jazz 23

4 Two Teachers and the Teachers' Pet 32

5 The Most Famous Pianist in Canada 43

6 Norman Takes Charge 61

7 Racism 74

8 Oscar's Trio Finds Its Groove 88

9 Grief, Trouble, and Change 107

10 Sacrifice and Success 116

11 Oscar's Toys and Pastimes 135

12 Oscar's Courage 155

Selected Bibliography 167

Selected Discography 168

Sources 170

Photo Credits 175

Index 176

Editorial Reviews

If you are looking for a solid biography for middle schoolers of the man who was arguably the top jazz pianist for over twenty years and among the best for the rest of his life, then look no further than this book. Though it is only briefly referenced, the author met Peterson back in 1965, and his clear respect for the man, as well as Peterson’s formidable jazz skills, shows throughout this book…. Still inexorably leading you through Peterson’s life, Batten makes the reader unfamiliar with songs run to the web to listen for the first time….”
– VOYA Magazine

Praise for The War To End All Wars
"...Batten's account is a model of lucidity.... Batten's clean, intelligent prose makes this highly readable and comprehensible...."
—The Toronto Star
 
"...a fine introduction, especially for a young reader."
—VOYA
 
Praise for The Man Who Ran Faster Than Everyone: The Story Of Tom Longboat
 
"vividly readable...brilliantly done!"
—Norma Fleck Jury
 
"[T]his book is a superb narrative - and a revelatory one - about a largely unknown if not quite unsung Canadian icon."
—The Globe and Mail
 
"...a wonderful book. Jack Batten has written a riveting sports story...an intriguing slice of social and economic life in the early decades of the 20th century, raising some provocative questions..."
— Books in Canada

From the Publisher

Gr 7–10—Peterson may not be a household name in the U.S., but, in his native Canada, the legendary jazz pianist is a pretty big deal. Few pianists could match Peterson in terms of technical virtuosity, but fellow countryman (and former jazz reviewer) Batten goes beyond the music and shows that hard work and parental support helped the musician distinguish himself among the many jazz greats of his day. The author seems unable at times to pinpoint his intended audience. For instance, while discussing the racism Peterson faced touring in the American South, he uses awkward and clichéd language that seems geared toward elementary students. Yet when describing Peterson's playing, he highlights intricacies of the music that only a jazz fan would understand. The book's design is also largely problematic; in many cases, photographs on a given page have absolutely nothing to do with the surrounding text. Take the discussion of Peterson's father's failing health, which shares space with a photo of Peterson and Fred Astaire joking together. While certainly worthy of a biopic, this book will be a hard sell for most young readers. The esoteric subject, inconsistent writing, and subpar organization make it an additional purchase.—Sam Bloom, Blue Ash Library, Cincinnati, OH

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