Picking Up the Pieces: A Piano Practice Journal

Working my way through the Oscar Peterson book , I present to you two versions of his Minuet 2. The first version uses straight rhythm while the second uses a swung rhythm. This book is turning out to be a good resource for sight-reading and technique. The pieces aren't very difficult (so far), so I'm able to learn them quickly and focus on technique. I'm not crazy about my sound at the very beginning of the first version in this video; it's a little harsh and wooden. I may record a better video later. For now, this is all I have! Click here to see his Minuet 1.

Oscar Peterson was a great jazz pianist of the 20th century. I think he's my favorite jazz pianist because so much of his jazz is so bluesy. Years ago, I purchased his Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes, and Pieces for Piano ... and I don't know if I ever opened it. Last week, reader, I opened it. And it is delightful. The first section consists of finger exercises and minuets. Even though these are very simple, they are good exercises. I've decided to work my way through the book as an element of my technique work. His first minuet sounds like Bach. I suppose I could jazz it up with swung eighth notes and some slides and turns, but for now, I'm just playing it as written because it's so beautiful. Enjoy!