Jazz Royalty. The legacy defies a single word description or definition. Great. Leader, ambassador, legend, inspiration, powerhouse, soul affector. He spoke of the importance of having a command of the blues ahead of diving into playing jazz. His was as rock steady a foundation of the music’s culture as you will ever experience.
The facility at the keyboard in his prime, and well after, captivated and was exhausting. It set standards. Out in front of his bands and ensembles he shone like a brilliant beacon all the while creating precious spaces where his bandmates would shine as brightly. A blending and sharing in moments that triggers emotions deeply and says in phrasing and harmonies what the words of literature say in words and the most inspired works of art say from their canvases and installations.
Color, expression, impression: Peterson sets the music’s culture on red hot glow.