Hello Everyone,

In this period of Festivities and Wishes, a Star is back to the sky, a "national treasure" as said by Canadian minister :

Oscar Peterson

joined his/her friends in the Pantheon of the Jazz on December 23rd, at 82 years old.

I wish to share with you some memories:
We had, Serge Forté and I, have the chance to meet him on several occasions, thanks to late Frank Ténot.
First once, at the time of a concert in Salle Pleyel, Paris, in June 1996, a few days after the death of her friend Ella Fitzgerald. Ambiance wasn’t at its best, the hearts were heavy, Norman Granz, present in the room, fought with his sorrow, and already with cancer which was to kill him in 2001.Oscar Peterson just returns to stage, after his 1993 vascular accident, which leaves him partially decreased of left hand, and must move in wheel chair. The trumendeous effort he provides to go up on scene towards the piano, and almost the 2 hours in concert, leave him exhausted. While the room still applauds, I slip in backstage with Serge, thanks to the complicity of Frank Ténot. Behind us, a security guard will not let anybody else pass. We are in the half-light, Oscar appears in top of a few steps, goes down hardly and seat in the wheel chair waiting for him. He is at the same time tired and "lit" from inside, as if this exchange with Paris’ audience had brought an interior energy to him, his eye shines! He greets Serge Forté kindly when Frank Ténot introduces us, some words and he disappears. A few minutes of happiness!

The second time, I proposed Frank Ténot to make an interview with Oscar Peterson in Marciac, with Serge in the role of journalist. The disciple and his Master, the one from he discovered Jazz and dedicated his life. We are at the hôtel, Auch, August 13rd, 1997, Oscar is in the restaurant, he just finished lunch with his wife Kelly and their daughter Cécile. Serge is nervous, feeling such an emotion to be in his Master’s presence, that his English fly away, I must blow some words to him. The tape recorder is running, we forget it very quickly, and time passes... Serge takes from his bag a book, gift of Frank Ténot (always!), which he brought to require a dedication of Oscar. This book, published by Filipacchi in 1995, is a treasure:

Charlie Parker Jam Session

(July 1952), with Charlie Parker, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, J.C. Heard, Johnny Hodges, Barney Kessel, Oscar Peterson, Flip Philips, Charlie Shavers, Ben Webster. Photos from Esther Bubley, Préface from Norman Granz, Text from Hank O’Neal.

And Oscar begins to turn the pages, filled with wonder, discovering it for the very first time! He remembers this Session perfectly, points finger each page by murmuring "he’s gone, he’s gone too " and emotion goes up to its roof, when, on a photograph of Ben Webster, he calls his daughter Cécile, who then has 7 or 8 years, and says to her: "look Cecile, this is Uncle Ben, you know, we went on his grave before taking the plane".

Serge looks at me without a word, and give the book to Oscar while saying: " this book is for you, it is your history, this is my gift for your birthday " (which took place two days later).

You will find this interview here, part which I have just created, devoted to Oscar Peterson. This edito will join also this heading in a few days.

The following day, we assist the masterclasse, that Oscar gives with his trio. The weather is very hot, there are many people in this small room, and at the end, we find Oscar and his family. He comes towards Serge, takes it by the arm and says to: "It is far too hot, I go back to hôtel to rest before concert tonight. Can you take the piano for me at soundcheck? " Serge is so amazed that he remains still! He finds himself, under the tent of Marciac Festival, with NHOP on bass, Martin Drew on drums, and Ulf Walkenius on guitar! And realizes with great stupor there is no return for the piano, because Oscar doesn’t want any! Still an unforgettable moment, and such an incredible heat!! The concert then, we are allowed backstage thanks to Oscar’s kindness, and at the exit of stage, a Honnor hedge of all the crew, singing "happy birthday". We, at the very end of the line, are intimidated, and suddenly Oscar sees Serge, call him, give him a big hug, and thanks him, for soundcheck, and still for the famous book which pleased him so much!

Since then, we exchanged mails, sending cds and Serge is recently in correspondence with Cécile, via FaceBook! I do not know yet which form this will take, but we will pay homage to this amazing pianist, and I will keep you posted.

Long So, Oscar, we will never forget you and these shared and so generous moments.

Pascale