Salute To Bach – 1985

Oscar Peterson

A ballad and then a tip of the hat to Bach

One of the greatest pianists of all time, Oscar Peterson was fortunately filmed often throughout his career.

From 1985, he performs a slow piece (it might be his “Love Ballade”) and then “Salute To Bach” with his regular trio of the period which included the brilliant bassist Niels Pederson and drummer Martin Drew.

While the ballad finds Peterson in a thoughtful and melodic mood, he swings hard on “Salute To Bach,” playing a classical-type melody and welcoming a typically dazzling solo from Pederson.

-Scott Yanow