Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson

bebop, blues, funk, hard bop

Canada

"A rich interplay of intricate runs and blues-inflected phrases creates a textured landscape where rhythm breathes life into melodic exploration."

Start here

Begin with Oscar Peterson…

Oscar Peterson Plays the Cole Porter Songbook

Oscar Peterson Plays the Cole Porter Songbook

1959

Oscar Peterson matters as a pivotal figure in jazz whose virtuosity transcends technical skill to evoke deep emotional resonance.
Oscar Peterson matters as a pivotal figure in jazz whose virtuosity transcends technical skill to evoke deep emotional resonance. His mastery of the piano redefined the role of the instrument within jazz, inviting listeners into a world where melodic lines and rhythmic complexity coalesce to form an intricate tapestry of sound that both captivates and inspires. By navigating the nuanced interplay between bebop and blues, he carved out a space that profoundly influenced generations of musicians and audiences alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for jazz's narrative potential. Peterson approached music as both an art form and a dialogue, often emphasizing spontaneity while maintaining a disciplined structure. His performances are marked by a remarkable interplay between improvisation and composition, revealing a keen sensitivity to mood and atmosphere. This approach not only showcases his technical prowess but also highlights his innate ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, making each performance feel fresh yet rooted in tradition. Common themes in Peterson’s songwriting revolve around storytelling and personal expression, often reflecting the complexities of life experiences through intricate melodies and harmonies. His voice is warm and inviting, striking a balance between sincerity and introspection, drawing listeners into his reflective musical narratives without overtly divulging every detail. The tone can shift seamlessly from jubilant to melancholic, creating an intimate experience that resonates deeply.

Full discography

Oscar Peterson's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

116 releases 116 albums 1952–2005
Type:

Albums ()

Tristeza on Piano album by Oscar Peterson

Tristeza on Piano

2005

A Night in Vienna album by Oscar Peterson

A Night in Vienna

2004

Solo album by Oscar Peterson

Solo

2002

Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite album by Oscar Peterson

Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite

2000

Summer Night in Munich album by Oscar Peterson

Summer Night in Munich

1999

Oscar and Benny album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar and Benny

1998

The Very Tall Band album by Oscar Peterson

The Very Tall Band

1998

Oscar Peterson Meets Roy Hargrove and Ralph Moore album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Meets Roy Hargrove and Ralph Moore

1996

Exclusively for My Friends: The Lost Tapes album by Oscar Peterson

Exclusively for My Friends: The Lost Tapes

1995

The More I See You album by Oscar Peterson

The More I See You

1995

Exclusively for My Friends album by Oscar Peterson

Exclusively for My Friends

1992

Compact Jazz: Oscar Peterson Plays Jazz Standards album by Oscar Peterson

Compact Jazz: Oscar Peterson Plays Jazz Standards

1987

Oscar Peterson + Harry Edison + Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson + Harry Edison + Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson

1986

Time After Time album by Oscar Peterson

Time After Time

1986

If You Could See Me Now album by Oscar Peterson

If You Could See Me Now

1983

Two of the Few album by Oscar Peterson

Two of the Few

1983

A Tribute to My Friends album by Oscar Peterson

A Tribute to My Friends

1983

Face to Face album by Oscar Peterson

Face to Face

1982

A Royal Wedding Suite album by Oscar Peterson

A Royal Wedding Suite

1981

The Personal Touch album by Oscar Peterson

The Personal Touch

1980

Skol album by Oscar Peterson

Skol

1979

Night Child album by Oscar Peterson

Night Child

1979

Digital at Montreux album by Oscar Peterson

Digital at Montreux

1979

The Silent Partner album by Oscar Peterson

The Silent Partner

1979

The London Concert album by Oscar Peterson

The London Concert

1978

The Paris Concert album by Oscar Peterson

The Paris Concert

1978

Oscar Peterson and Clark Terry album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and Clark Terry

1975

Oscar Peterson and Jon Faddis album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and Jon Faddis

1975

The Trumpet Kings at Montreux '75 album by Oscar Peterson

The Trumpet Kings at Montreux '75

1975

Jazz Maturity...Where It's Coming From album by Oscar Peterson

Jazz Maturity...Where It's Coming From

1975

Oscar Peterson in Russia album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson in Russia

1974

Oscar Peterson and the Trumpet Kings – Jousts album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and the Trumpet Kings – Jousts

1974

Great Connection album by Oscar Peterson

Great Connection

1974

Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie

1974

Oscar Peterson and Harry Edison album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and Harry Edison

1974

The Giants album by Oscar Peterson

The Giants

1974

The Good Life album by Oscar Peterson

The Good Life

1974

Oscar Peterson and Roy Eldridge album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and Roy Eldridge

1974

The Trio album by Oscar Peterson

The Trio

1973

The History of an Artist, Vol. 2 album by Oscar Peterson

The History of an Artist, Vol. 2

1972

The History of an Artist, Vol. 1 album by Oscar Peterson

The History of an Artist, Vol. 1

1972

The Oscar Peterson Trio in Tokyo album by Oscar Peterson

The Oscar Peterson Trio in Tokyo

1972

Reunion Blues album by Oscar Peterson

Reunion Blues

1971

In Tune album by Oscar Peterson

In Tune

1971

Live at the North Sea Jazz Festival, 1980 album by Oscar Peterson

Live at the North Sea Jazz Festival, 1980

1980

Montreux '77 album by Oscar Peterson

Montreux '77

1977

Oscar Peterson et Joe Pass à Salle Pleyel album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson et Joe Pass à Salle Pleyel

A Tribute to Oscar Peterson – Live at the Town Hall album by Oscar Peterson

A Tribute to Oscar Peterson – Live at the Town Hall

Nigerian Marketplace album by Oscar Peterson

Nigerian Marketplace

An Oscar Peterson Christmas album by Oscar Peterson

An Oscar Peterson Christmas

Walking the Line album by Oscar Peterson

Walking the Line

1970

Tracks album by Oscar Peterson

Tracks

1970

Another Day album by Oscar Peterson

Another Day

1970

Saturday Night at the Blue Note album by Oscar Peterson

Saturday Night at the Blue Note

Oscar Peterson and the Bassists – Montreux '77 album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and the Bassists – Montreux '77

Freedom Song album by Oscar Peterson

Freedom Song

Last Call at the Blue Note album by Oscar Peterson

Last Call at the Blue Note

Live at the Blue Note album by Oscar Peterson

Live at the Blue Note

The London House Sessions album by Oscar Peterson

The London House Sessions

Oscar Peterson Live! album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Live!

Oscar in Paris album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar in Paris

The Oscar Peterson Big 6 at Montreux album by Oscar Peterson

The Oscar Peterson Big 6 at Montreux

Encore at the Blue Note album by Oscar Peterson

Encore at the Blue Note

Motions and Emotions album by Oscar Peterson

Motions and Emotions

1969

Hello Herbie album by Oscar Peterson

Hello Herbie

1969

Travelin' On album by Oscar Peterson

Travelin' On

1969

My Favorite Instrument album by Oscar Peterson

My Favorite Instrument

1968

Girl Talk album by Oscar Peterson

Girl Talk

1968

Mellow Mood album by Oscar Peterson

Mellow Mood

1968

The Way I Really Play album by Oscar Peterson

The Way I Really Play

1968

Action album by Oscar Peterson

Action

1968

Soul Español album by Oscar Peterson

Soul Español

1966

Blues Etude album by Oscar Peterson

Blues Etude

1966

With Respect to Nat album by Oscar Peterson

With Respect to Nat

1965

Eloquence album by Oscar Peterson

Eloquence

1965

I/We Had a Ball album by Oscar Peterson

I/We Had a Ball

1965

We Get Requests album by Oscar Peterson

We Get Requests

1964

The Oscar Peterson Trio Plays album by Oscar Peterson

The Oscar Peterson Trio Plays

1964

Canadiana Suite album by Oscar Peterson

Canadiana Suite

1964

Oscar Peterson Trio + One album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Trio + One

1964

Oscar Peterson and Nelson Riddle album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson and Nelson Riddle

1963

Put On a Happy Face album by Oscar Peterson

Put On a Happy Face

1962

West Side Story album by Oscar Peterson

West Side Story

1962

Bursting Out with the All-Star Big Band! album by Oscar Peterson

Bursting Out with the All-Star Big Band!

1962

Something Warm album by Oscar Peterson

Something Warm

1962

Affinity album by Oscar Peterson

Affinity

1962

The Sound of the Trio album by Oscar Peterson

The Sound of the Trio

1961

Very Tall album by Oscar Peterson

Very Tall

1961

The Trio album by Oscar Peterson

The Trio

1961

Fiorello! album by Oscar Peterson

Fiorello!

1960

Oscar Peterson Plays the Cole Porter Songbook album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays the Cole Porter Songbook

1959

Oscar Peterson Plays the Jerome Kern Songbook album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays the Jerome Kern Songbook

1959

Oscar Peterson Plays the Duke Ellington Song book album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays the Duke Ellington Song book

1959

Oscar Peterson Plays the George Gershwin Songbook album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays the George Gershwin Songbook

1959

The Jazz Soul of Oscar Peterson album by Oscar Peterson

The Jazz Soul of Oscar Peterson

1959

Oscar Peterson Plays Porgy & Bess album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays Porgy & Bess

1959

Oscar Peterson Plays the Harold Arlen Songbook album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays the Harold Arlen Songbook

1959

Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson album by Oscar Peterson

Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson

1959

Oscar Peterson Plays the Richard Rodgers Songbook album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays the Richard Rodgers Songbook

1959

Swinging Brass with the Oscar Peterson Trio album by Oscar Peterson

Swinging Brass with the Oscar Peterson Trio

1959

Oscar Peterson Plays the Irving Berlin Songbook album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays the Irving Berlin Songbook

1959

On the Town with the Oscar Peterson Trio album by Oscar Peterson

On the Town with the Oscar Peterson Trio

1958

My Fair Lady album by Oscar Peterson

My Fair Lady

1958

Oscar Peterson at the Concertgebouw album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson at the Concertgebouw

1957

Soft Sands album by Oscar Peterson

Soft Sands

1957

The Oscar Peterson Trio with Sonny Stitt, Roy Eldridge and Jo Jones at Newport album by Oscar Peterson

The Oscar Peterson Trio with Sonny Stitt, Roy Eldridge and Jo Jones at Newport

1957

Stan Getz and The Oscar Peterson Trio album by Oscar Peterson

Stan Getz and The Oscar Peterson Trio

1957

Oscar Peterson at the Stratford Shakespearean Festival album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson at the Stratford Shakespearean Festival

1956

Pastel Moods album by Oscar Peterson

Pastel Moods

1956

Toni album by Oscar Peterson

Toni

1956

In a Romantic Mood album by Oscar Peterson

In a Romantic Mood

1955

Oscar Peterson Plays Count Basie album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays Count Basie

1955

Oscar Peterson Plays Harold Arlen album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays Harold Arlen

1954

Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington

1952

Oscar Peterson Plays George Gershwin album by Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Plays George Gershwin

1952

An Evening with Oscar Peterson album by Oscar Peterson

An Evening with Oscar Peterson

1952

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1952)
Oscar Peterson Plays George Gershwin
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1952)
An Evening with Oscar Peterson
An Evening with Osca... (1952)
Oscar Peterson Plays Harold Arlen
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1954)
In a Romantic Mood
In a Romantic Mood (1955)
Oscar Peterson Plays Count Basie
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1955)
Oscar Peterson at the Stratford Shakespearean Festival
Oscar Peterson at th... (1956)
Pastel Moods
Pastel Moods (1956)
Toni
Toni (1956)
Oscar Peterson at the Concertgebouw
Oscar Peterson at th... (1957)
Soft Sands
Soft Sands (1957)
The Oscar Peterson Trio with Sonny Stitt, Roy Eldridge and Jo Jones at Newport
The Oscar Peterson T... (1957)
Stan Getz and The Oscar Peterson Trio
Stan Getz and The Os... (1957)
On the Town with the Oscar Peterson Trio
On the Town with the... (1958)
My Fair Lady
My Fair Lady (1958)
Oscar Peterson Plays the Cole Porter Songbook
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
Oscar Peterson Plays the Jerome Kern Songbook
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
Oscar Peterson Plays the Duke Ellington Song book
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
Oscar Peterson Plays the George Gershwin Songbook
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
The Jazz Soul of Oscar Peterson
The Jazz Soul of Osc... (1959)
Oscar Peterson Plays Porgy & Bess
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
Oscar Peterson Plays the Harold Arlen Songbook
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson
Ben Webster Meets Os... (1959)
Oscar Peterson Plays the Richard Rodgers Songbook
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
Swinging Brass with the Oscar Peterson Trio
Swinging Brass with... (1959)
Oscar Peterson Plays the Irving Berlin Songbook
Oscar Peterson Plays... (1959)
Fiorello!
Fiorello! (1960)
The Sound of the Trio
The Sound of the Tri... (1961)
Very Tall
Very Tall (1961)
The Trio
The Trio (1961)
West Side Story
West Side Story (1962)
Bursting Out with the All-Star Big Band!
Bursting Out with th... (1962)
Something Warm
Something Warm (1962)
Put On a Happy Face
Put On a Happy Face (1962)
Affinity
Affinity (1962)
Oscar Peterson and Nelson Riddle
Oscar Peterson and N... (1963)
We Get Requests
We Get Requests (1964)
The Oscar Peterson Trio Plays
The Oscar Peterson T... (1964)
Canadiana Suite
Canadiana Suite (1964)
Oscar Peterson Trio + One
Oscar Peterson Trio... (1964)
With Respect to Nat
With Respect to Nat (1965)
Eloquence
Eloquence (1965)
I/We Had a Ball
I/We Had a Ball (1965)
Soul Español
Soul Español (1966)
Blues Etude
Blues Etude (1966)
My Favorite Instrument
My Favorite Instrume... (1968)
Girl Talk
Girl Talk (1968)
Mellow Mood
Mellow Mood (1968)
The Way I Really Play
The Way I Really Pla... (1968)
Action
Action (1968)
Motions and Emotions
Motions and Emotions (1969)
Hello Herbie
Hello Herbie (1969)
Travelin' On
Travelin' On (1969)
Walking the Line
Walking the Line (1970)
Tracks
Tracks (1970)
Another Day
Another Day (1970)
Reunion Blues
Reunion Blues (1971)
In Tune
In Tune (1971)
The History of an Artist, Vol. 2
The History of an Ar... (1972)
The History of an Artist, Vol. 1
The History of an Ar... (1972)
The Oscar Peterson Trio in Tokyo
The Oscar Peterson T... (1972)
The Trio
The Trio (1973)
Oscar Peterson in Russia
Oscar Peterson in Ru... (1974)
Oscar Peterson and the Trumpet Kings – Jousts
Oscar Peterson and t... (1974)
Great Connection
Great Connection (1974)
Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie
Oscar Peterson and D... (1974)
Oscar Peterson and Harry Edison
Oscar Peterson and H... (1974)
The Giants
The Giants (1974)
The Good Life
The Good Life (1974)
Oscar Peterson and Roy Eldridge
Oscar Peterson and R... (1974)
Oscar Peterson and Clark Terry
Oscar Peterson and C... (1975)
Oscar Peterson and Jon Faddis
Oscar Peterson and J... (1975)
The Trumpet Kings at Montreux '75
The Trumpet Kings at... (1975)
Jazz Maturity...Where It's Coming From
Jazz Maturity...Wher... (1975)
Montreux '77
Montreux '77 (1977)
The London Concert
The London Concert (1978)
The Paris Concert
The Paris Concert (1978)
Skol
Skol (1979)
Night Child
Night Child (1979)
Digital at Montreux
Digital at Montreux (1979)
The Silent Partner
The Silent Partner (1979)
The Personal Touch
The Personal Touch (1980)
Live at the North Sea Jazz Festival, 1980
Live at the North Se... (1980)
A Royal Wedding Suite
A Royal Wedding Suit... (1981)
Face to Face
Face to Face (1982)
If You Could See Me Now
If You Could See Me... (1983)
Two of the Few
Two of the Few (1983)
A Tribute to My Friends
A Tribute to My Frie... (1983)
Oscar Peterson + Harry Edison + Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson
Oscar Peterson + Har... (1986)
Time After Time
Time After Time (1986)
Compact Jazz: Oscar Peterson Plays Jazz Standards
Compact Jazz: Oscar... (1987)
Exclusively for My Friends
Exclusively for My F... (1992)
Exclusively for My Friends: The Lost Tapes
Exclusively for My F... (1995)
The More I See You
The More I See You (1995)
Oscar Peterson Meets Roy Hargrove and Ralph Moore
Oscar Peterson Meets... (1996)
Oscar and Benny
Oscar and Benny (1998)
The Very Tall Band
The Very Tall Band (1998)
Summer Night in Munich
Summer Night in Muni... (1999)
Trail of Dreams: A Canadian Suite
Trail of Dreams: A C... (2000)
Solo
Solo (2002)
A Night in Vienna
A Night in Vienna (2004)
Tristeza on Piano
Tristeza on Piano (2005)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Oscar Peterson sound like?

A rich interplay of intricate runs and blues-inflected phrases creates a textured landscape where rhythm breathes life into melodic exploration. Rooted in blues and funk. Start with We Get Requests.

What is the best Oscar Peterson album to start with?

The best album to start with is "We Get Requests" (1964). It's the most representative of what makes Oscar Peterson worth hearing.

Who is Oscar Peterson for?

If you're into blues and funk, Oscar Peterson is worth your time. A rich interplay of intricate runs and blues-inflected phrases creates a textured landscape where rhythm breathes life into melodic exploration.

How many albums does Oscar Peterson have?

Oscar Peterson has 116 releases in their discography, including 116 albums.