An engaging biography of a living musical legend; Oscar Peterson. A man Duke Ellington once called the " maharajah of the piano." Gene Lees carefully builds up the portrait of Peterson; his childhood and what it meant to be be black and talented in Montreal in the 1940s; hist three marriages and six children; his musical partners (Ray Brown; Herb Ellis and Ed Thigpen); his musical friends and colleagues (Ella Fitzgerald; Dizzy Gillespie; Art Tatum and Lester Young; amongst others) and the critical controversy and mythology that have long surrounded Peterson. This updated version has a new chapter that covers Petersons appointment as Chancellor of York University; his receipt of ten honorary doctorates and the Order of Canada; his stroke and partial recovery; the origins and fallout of his cancelled North American tour and much more.
#4490056 in eBooks 2012-09-10 2012-09-10File Name: B00FFC5QS4
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very clear and comprehensiveBy andreasI love when books get down and dirty ; this is a book of tips for the professional actor ; very helpful and very easy to remember and try ; troubleshooting is a subject that actors usually talk between them anecdotally; it is very useful to have a book that is not addressing the issue of training like most books do ; or have a books that talks about new age acting "how to live your life stuff" ( both of the useful ) but to address issues of crafty tips like a coach beside you whispering in your ear ! The writers voice is very direct and light but most importantly to the point ! One if is well read will identify Michael chekhovs words and advise and many other teacher ; thats is to say that the teacher has borrowed wisdom both from his experience and from other masters ; somethings that makes the book even better ! I liked the fact that he didnt feel like he had to either tell us ( not in all stories ) the source of the exercise or the reason behind it ; sometimes all you need is just the advice ! Very well done sir !1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. If you want practical; here it isBy martin bellI will be upfront: I love this guy. What i loved most about the approach he has taken to the writing is that the bite size points are not only digested easily but they tend to stimulate memory examples from the recent and distant past. This makes it an engaging and absorbing read; taking me from a stance of theoretical comprehension to engaged practical understanding. I got a good deal out of the weekend i spent with Seth at the Barrow Group but his book has revitalised the connection and appreciation i had then and has clarified some points which i had not quite got. I loved Hagens Respect for Acting; but whilst i think what she says is practical; it does come packed in a slightly doctrinal box. I found the manner in which Seth has approached the simplicity of acting in specific points helps me identify issues to be addressed and i look forward to using the book as a part of the search for the answers.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Best Book on Acting TechniqueBy LydiaI had the chance to study with Seth in NYC and am so grateful to have his words; reminders; tips and wisdom at my fingertips. Seriously; this man and his book are full of the genius any actor needs to bring real life; true vulnerability; and the beauty of human foibles into their work.