Oscar Peterson Piano Licks Compilation

Oscar Peterson Piano Licks Compilation

Oscar Peterson, a Canadian jazz pianist and composer, is universally revered as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. His musicianship was characterized by its sheer technical brilliance, blues-inflected melodies, and dazzlingly fast, clean lines. Peterson drew inspiration from the jazz and blues traditions. In this collection we'll take you through some licks typical of his style.

1. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Arpeggios

Peterson, Oscar

Oscar Peterson loved an arpeggio as much as the next player, but these particular arpeggios use augmented triads (a major 3rd on top of a major 3rd) to create a distinctive sound.

Oscar Peterson-style Arpeggios

2. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Bebop Lick

Peterson, Oscar

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Oscar Peterson-style Bebop Lick

3. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Block Chords

Peterson, Oscar

This example shows a typical use of Block Chords as popularized by George Shearing.

Oscar Peterson-style Block Chords

4. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Bluesy Cadence

Peterson, Oscar

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Oscar Peterson-style Bluesy Cadence

5. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Final Cadence

Peterson, Oscar

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Oscar Peterson-style Final Cadence

6. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Ostinato Riff

Peterson, Oscar

A bluesy but virtuosic ostinato patter, typical of Peterson's style of playing

Oscar Peterson-style Ostinato Riff

7. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Double-Time Phrase

Peterson, Oscar

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Oscar Peterson-style Double-Time Phrase

8. Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson-style Dialogue Phrasing

Peterson, Oscar

This example uses patterns separated by one or more octaves, to create a sense of question and answer between the two parts.

Oscar Peterson-style Dialogue Phrasing