Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
In Memoriam: John Hammond Jr., 1942–2026
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
On July 16, Verve will release A Jazz Odyssey, a new compilation featuring the music of legendary pianist Oscar Peterson. The CD is the musical companion to Peterson’s long-awaited autobiography of the same name, published by Continuum books.
The 18 songs on this set showcase two different sides of Peterson’s career. The first nine tracks display his keyboard prowess, featuring tracks from classic Peterson recordings like Night Train and The Oscar Peterson Trio Plays. Such songs as “The Honeydripper” and “My Romance” demonstrate the sheer talent that has established and maintained Peterson’s reputation over the past 50 years.
The second half of A Jazz Odyssey features a Who’s Who of jazz legends, as it highlights some of Peterson’s most memorable sessions as an accompanist. With performances ranging from Billie Holiday’s “I Only Have Eyes For You” to Lester Young’s “Pennies From Heaven,” this collection neatly attests to Peterson’s unmatched skill and versatility.
Peterson’s autobiography, entitled A Jazz Odyssey: The Life of Oscar Peterson, will be published by Continuum books on July 15.
Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
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