Lecture Notes: Tribute to Oscar Pettiford

Introduction

• Event: Jazz Festival in Minnesota, September 1991
• Speakers: Milt Hinton, Ray Brown
• Purpose: Tribute to Oscar Pettiford, a legendary jazz bass player from Minnesota
• Context: Both Milt Hinton and Ray Brown have been influential bass players inspired by Jimmy Blanton

Oscar Pettiford's Legacy

• Considered one of the most creative jazz bass players
• Celebrated for his freedom in playing and ability to express himself through the bass
• Known for playing with heart, possibly without formal training
• Ability to convey thoughts through his instrument—a challenge many musicians strive to meet

Observations and Stories

Milt Hinton

• Observation: Oscar's playing was free and creative; not inhibited or academic
• Personal Note: Encourages musicians to express themselves through their instruments
• Personal Encounter: Remembers meeting Oscar in 1937, impressed by his natural talent and ability to play without formal training

Ray Brown

• First Encounter: Met Oscar’s sister Leah before meeting Oscar; she mentioned Oscar didn’t learn to read music but played well
• Impression: Oscar was a "monster" player, someone to idolize
• Mentorship: Oscar helped young bass players, including Ray
• Recollection: Describes a memorable moment of freezing upon first seeing Oscar

Anecdotes and Reflections

• Ray Brown's Story: Remembers a time in Florida with Milt, discovering new talent like Sam Jones, Lou Mitchell, and others
• Collaborations: Enjoyed playing with Milt Hinton at various events, including UCLA
• Special Performances: Reflect on special performances, wishing some had been recorded

Conclusion

• Celebration of Legacy: Both Hinton and Brown express admiration and respect for Oscar Pettiford’s contributions
• Commemoration: Highlight the significance of this festival in remembering Oscar's influence on jazz and bass music

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Key Takeaways

• Oscar Pettiford was a natural, innovative jazz bass player who had significant impact on the jazz community
• Freedom and expression are core to jazz performance
• The jazz community is tightly knit, with seasoned artists often mentoring upcoming talent
• Hinton and Brown’s reflections offer insights into the history and personal relationships in jazz music