I'll start by simply saying this - the most romantic night of my life was listening to Oscar Peterson live at the
Ravinia Jazz Festival.
On a warm, breezy
June night in 1992, I was filled with wine and the arms and blue eyes of my sweetheart at the time. As we lay on the lawn, snuggled in blankets, bassists, drummers, and Oscar's huge, lush chords and arpeggios, and looking up at the stars, I thought - If everyone could experience this, the world would be a happier place.
It was mere coincidence that I recently changed my avatar to the cover art of Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" album; the title song's protagonist is an all-night jazz DJ, a tribute to the music Fagen grew up listening to, as well as the people who put that music on the airwaves.
The late
Ron Cuzner, *MY* all-night jazz DJ - the man who single-handedly made
me a jazz geek - once said this, in his long, luxurious trademark delivery:
"In heaven, the baritone sax will be played by Gerry Mulligan, the bass by Percy Heath, and the piano........the piano will be played by Oscar.........
....I said, the piano will be played by Oscar Peterson."
Welcome home, Oscar, and thank you for that night at Ravinia. And say hi to Ron.
With regards, tears, and gratitude,
jazz