So a week has passed since my last blog post. Thankfully I'm still infatuated with Oscar Peterson CD mentioned in blog post 1, Live at 'La Salle Pleyel,' in Paris, 1996 again featuring:

Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - Double Bass
Martin Drew - Drums

This time I've turned my attention to a blues called 'Kelly's Blues,' on the second CD. Oscar Peterson's wife was called Kelly, so I think it would be fair to assume it was written for her! Another interesting little fact, is Oscar Peterson had suffered a stroke in 1993 that weakened his left hand. Despite having a stroke, it didn't stop his desire to continue making music. Within a year of having the stroke, he was back touring and recording. When the recording of 'Kelly's Blues,' was made which I have transcribed, it was post Oscar's stroke but he can very much still play, as you'll see from the transcription..!

Song: 'Kelly's Blues.' (no youtube link!)
Artist: Oscar Peterson,
Album: Live at 'La Salle Pleyel.' June 25th, 1996.

Here are the PDF's for the song 'Kelly's Blues.'' There are copies for concert pitch, Bb and Eb instruments.

A quick note:

People playing instruments which aren't piano, you may need to be a little creative with how you play this piece, allow me to explain....

1.) If you play a single line instrument, you won't be able to play the harmony lines which Oscar plays alongside the head -, don't let this put you off! It will sound slightly emptier, though It's still a really great blues head to learn - It will definitely benefit your phrasing!

2.) Due to the piano being able to make huge leaps relatively easily, certainly in comparison with say a trumpet or saxophone, you may need to adjust where the notes are by changing octaves. I've done this to a point on the (No Harmony) versions, the other files are untouched, just the transcription with extra notes. Take a look and you'll see what I mean!

More phrasing practice. Don't forget phrasing is picked up by repeated listening and playing along with the recording you're learning - so get started now! I strongly suggest buying the CD or even just the track to do this!

Below is a MIDI play along for improvising, or playing it without the track!

Don't forget - whilst playing, aim to get perfectly in sync with the artist, copying articulation, dynamics & feel. Be as accurate as you can be.

I though a nice way to finish the blog post would be to have an Oscar Peterson quote - so here it is:

Whilst rummaging through my record collection, I found one of my preferred albums from my childhood, It's Oscar performing live at 'La Salle Pleyel,' in Paris with:

Lorne Lofsky - Guitar
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - Double Bass
Martin Drew - Drums

Oscar Peterson is one of my favourite jazz pianists of all time. He was born in Montreal, Canada on August 15, 1925 & sadly passed away in December 2007 at the ripe old age of 82. In his time on the planet he recorded hundreds of 'swinging' albums.

When Oscar recorded this album, he was 70 years young & it was post the trio which he'd had with Ray Brown & Ed Thigpen (The combination of Ed, Ray and Oscar produced some of my favorite music of all time, especially the album 'We get requests.' have a listen if you have a moment spare). The younger, and current, me has always loved the virtuosity in Oscars playing, The way in which he plays at speed combining various rhythms, jazz and blues lines in his playing definitely has a resonance with what I enjoy. All of this combined, makes me feel he's able to create melodic and gripping solos which I can, at present, I feel I can only dream of replicating!

Anyway, back to the previously mentioned CD. Upon listening through the various tracks, 'You look good to me.' was the one which instantly jumped out. The desire to try and replicate some of Oscars lines on a saxophone was slightly daunting to say the least, but left me inspired. I set about transcribing the parts and learning the head to play at my next gig, as well as documenting the process & making some practice aids - see below.

Here are the PDF's for the song 'You look good to me.' There are copies for concert pitch, Bb and Eb instruments.

Phrasing Practice. One of the most important things which people wish to achieve in jazz is good phrasing and feel. Phrasing is hard to teach, It's picked up mainly by repeated listening and playing along with whichever recording you're learning, Whilst playing, aim to get perfectly in sync with the artist, copying articulation, dynamics & feel. use the YouTube link to practice along with, unless you can find the CD to buy!

If you want to be able to slow the piece down, as well as loop the piece It'd be worth you buying this program: Transcribe.

Secondly, below are some MIDI backing tracks to help you practice playing the pieces without the artist, as well as a place to experiment with improvising. These again are at  50%, 75% and 100% speed.