Pianists Peterson, Tyner jazz up Saratoga festival

by Bryan Holzberg, The Knickerbocker News, August 8, 1977

Two grand pianos were put to a full test of quality and substance here Saturday on the second night of the Upstate Jazz Festival, as pianists Oscar Peterson and McCoy Tyner demonstrated quick-paced combinations of music that utilized every tone of the instrument.

Peterson effectively mixed up chord progressions and tempo with both hands to make it sound as if two instruments were creating the tones of at times melodic, swing jazz or jazzed-up classical variations. As Tyner, in a later set, added a group with reed instruments, a string bass and more than 50 percussion effects, the piano suffered in being unable to match that combined volume of sound. Alone or in duo combinations with bass player Charles Fambrough, however, Tyner demonstrated a talent similar to Peterson’s with superb moving sequences.

Solid jazz, or any musical medium, does not need embellishment. Peterson, in an interview before the concert, said: “Jazz is an intensely individual music that speaks for itself.”

He is a large, unassuming man who walked on stage alone as the house light dimmed, and began to play before the welcoming applause had died. No introduction was required for Peterson. He gave a simple bow to the crowd at the conclusion of each set, then began another variation. The opening chord progression would be repeated with changed tempo and notes throughout an ever-changing melody.

Peterson’s only words were upon being called back for an encore. He dedicated that blues piece to a jazz pianist who had died in the past year. Instead, his encore was a tribute to himself, as one of those pianists who could work his hands over the entire keyboard and create moving, entertaining, or just relaxing sounds.

It was a relaxed, calm evening for a receptive audience of 2,969. All ages were represented, and many in the house came dressed in evening gowns and dinner jackets.

SPAC officials said they were pleased with the size of the crowds for the festival as the Center plans to host the Newport Jazz Festival next year. Publicity Director Peggy Drum said SPAC was outdrawing similar New York City jazz concerts and all of the performers had said they had been taken by the environment of Saratoga.

Flautist Roy Ayers and Herbie Mann conclude the jazz festival tonight at 8:15 p.m.

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