"Lulu's Back in Town" - Jim Martinez Plays Oscar Peterson

[sizzlinglizzi]

awsome! How I wish I could stretch a 10th. To be able to play by ear and transcribe is an extraordinary gift. keep the transcriptions and the videos coming, it is all wonderful.

[Criticalperspective2]

Sorry if I ask again, but do you have perfect (absolute) pitch?

[Criticalperspective2]

Did you do a lot of training with your hands to be able to reach a major 10th (i.e. B flat D) or you have naturally big hands?

[itmsjim]

@Criticalperspective2 That's a great question! When I had all my Classical training growing up, I used to struggle with the octaves. I recall sitting at the piano with my hands stretched on an octave, as best I could, for 2-3 minutes. I did it often and I really think it stretched my hands out. As I got older, I could reach a 10th comfortably. I don't think that I have huge hands, by any means. But am glad for the reach!

[IvannJazz]

@itmsjim hi bro, i need this transcription how can i get it?

[bakkemusikk]

Awesome, Jim ! :))

[pureland2015]

beautiful and enviable technique... maybe with practice i'll get to this level.

[Alefted]

bravo.......

Chicão (Brazil)

[Dontaking2008]

You hit the nail, right on the head!

[filistro]

Hi

If you are interested you can buy my transscription of "Bye, Bye, Blackbird" as played by O.P.

Thank you for this fine performance of this number from the same record.

Maybe there are some others who are interested in my transcription of Oscar Petersons: "Bye, Bye, Blackbird" from his recording: "Especially to my Friends"

Best, Tom

[guweck]

Awesome!!!!

Amazing!!!!

May I suggest you to play a pure stride piano version like Fat´s one? I wouldn´t be able to do it, but I guess you can and it will be just a delight.

Thank You very much.

[HydroMan82]

Fantastic Jim!!! You make it look so easy!!! Don't give it up! it's a great talent to have!

[dawid230496]

My english no got.Du you send musik Oscar Peterson -Lulus Back in Town-.

[GregHouse90]

As perfect as "Hymn to freedom"! Go ahead!! (but it's obvious)

[fcourvoisier]

amazing!!!!!!!!!! as good as oskar peterson!

[Andreeeiiii]

jim you´re amazing!

[bkgangstapianist]

How and where could I obtain of copy of thois song... I think parts of this song are within my abilities. and I obviously could just arrange areas which may be to techincally dificult for me..

The only reason Ia sk is because I am gettin the music award for my hs graduation and I am probably gonna get a change to play.. i have narrowed it down to an OP " take hte A train", Gershwin Prelude 1 &3 or an original composition.. so yeah

pleas help... my grad is june 23rd. great playing!!!!

thanks

[itmsjim]

I have the transcription for sale on my website. Please see MORE INFO box to the right. Congrats on your upcoming graduation!

[kolplam]

jim, do you think it is possible to sell a trancription of tenderly? i love this song, i would probably be willing to pay for the transcription, you did a phenomenal job on that song, and this one. thank you

[bkgangstapianist]

@itmsjim Wow that was two years ago. Ridiculous that I stumbled upon this gloriously played piece of music two years ago, and it changed me musically a lot of ways. I still don't practice nearly enough, but I love listening to your sound, and you emulating OPs music. It's great. If you ever tour and make your way over to the Big Apple, please keep your subscribers updated!

[gaborcsur]

Hi! I really like the way you play, but sometimes it sounds more legato. Peterson always played in staccato (or rather non-legato) and had a very "pure" finger technic - just slightly touched the keys. And I feel some difference in the accent as well. I also listened to this track and wrote several Peterson transcriptions down.

But this song's really great, my statements are true in only some of the cases, the whole piece (and mainly the impro) is remarkable.

[itmsjim]

" Peterson always played in staccato"...and "just slightly touched the keys". Are you sure about this? Does any pianist always play staccato? A ballad would sound pretty bad. Oscar's hands were huge and he played very powerfully, yet could play very beautiful ballads. But to say he "just slightly touched the keys" is a very interesting observation. Regardless, thank for your nice comments.

[denrush]

Lovely

[gaborcsur]

well, you are right, I wasn't too unambiguous. my thoughts were connected only to the impro. when the stride accompainment begins it sounds as if it would be different from the original recording. but these are just insignificant details, your playing is really enjoyable, i learnt a lot from you. it would be great to listen to you on a live concert, i visited your homepage once as well, but unfortunately i live in Europe. if you are interested in my transcriptions, send me a private message.

[cherilynreimers]

he gives AWESOME clinics too :)

[beni22sof]

Can yout tell me at least the name of the song? Maybe this can help finding a transcription... Thanks. And of course, congratulations for JIM

[insantlye]

Someone Can Help Me ? i Want Lulu's Back In Town transcription By Oscar Peterson And More Transcriptions With Him!!! Please someone Can Help me ???!!!

[WandererFantasy]

Wow! thank you for this video. It's fantastic that professional piano players like you are publishing their home records on youtube

[djkocisi]

very well done, nice stride!

[Vitamine101]

Nice work!

[PauloTozzi]

Awesemome, where do you play if so?

[aletintin]

muy muy bueno!fantastic!

[aurelienpk]

whats with the barefeet ?

[itmsjim]

I was in my home, not Carnegie Hall. Mainly, I cannot afford shoes...so I'm going into Hip-Hop.

[djkocisi]

haha

[moisy81090]

@aurelienpk why in gods name are you more worried about whats on his feet rather than how well he is transcribing oscar peterson tunes? sound great jim! do you have the transcription for tenderly on your site as well? I started transcriping it by ear but if you had the sheet music it would obviously be much easier lol

[jackventura3]

Congratulations Jim, fantastic! It's a your solo's transcription or I can find it on sale?

[dehermans]

wow, i can never ever get this piece that fast and precise. My version is loud and ugly but the best i could with little practise.

But hey, did you speed up your recording on your pc?

[cyclingpianist]

This is very well done. Jim , I love your talent, do you have any of these pieces on paper? I went to your website, but didn't see this option, let me know if its in the plans for the future, i love your hymns arrangements also. Keep up the great work

[leoteo87]

Hm, I just realized that I transcribed exactly the same recording ;) I think there is a need for something like a jazz transcription forum on the web, where one can see what has already been done and share stuff. The problem is that one would need some people to start and contribute at the beginning.

[kickdapoo]

Do you have a website i can go to with many jazz transcriptions?

[leoteo87]

Not yet, but I would be willing to start one. My idea would be to set up a forum where you could share transcriptions and also to set up a list (step by step) containing all commercial and non commercial jazz transcriptions. I could set up the data bank and maybe a friend of mine could do the forum. But the thing is, I am just a student and far from an advanced/professional transcriber.

[h3115r3p3ntanc3]

that would be a good idea leoteo87 and i would happily join but i can't transcribe that well...actualy i just can't transcribe hehe

[Jigov]

i liked it. Hey Jimmi Martinez why u dont try to make that peace of music at very very slow tempo, i think it will sounds fantastic (just an idea) and pls post it so we can hear it. tnx

[f54a23]

it's like listening to Peterson live! R.I.P. Oscar, you won't be forgotten

[f54a23]

outstanding!

[chrisjordan83]

art tatum returns search youtube

[tooobsen]

almost sounds like Oscar :)

[customx64]

Just great !

[soultaker1083]

Do you have sheet music to this dude? I'd love your transcription of it.

[shakinbakin12]

I'm totally using this for my gymnastic floor routine!! I love this song! Where did you learn to play like that, you're amazing!

[sdjazzguy]

haha i love playing piano without shoes! fantastic playing, just amazing! you can really swing man! thanks for posting, this video really took me out of a funk (seriously)

[nuckles007]

man your video rocks, oh boy

[LostMuffin03]

Our Senior Jazz class watched this video today at the beginning of class, because we play this tune. I was AMAZED with your playing man! Absolutely brilliant! Our teacher was also saying how he saw you at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest in Idaho, which I attended last year, and will be this year. It was an amazing experience, and I'd love to see you there! :)

[sdjazzguy]

you are a true beast! you have my respect

[nothingoriginal80165]

I am a huge OP fan, but I have never heard him doing this song. I love this song as well (mainly Monk and Fats). Can someone direct me to the OP version?

[itmsjim]

"Exclusively for My Friends, Vol. 4: My Favorite Instrument" AND on the compilation "The Will To Swing". Thx for stopping by!

[Q344]

i reaaallly really love Ur playin' ! You totally rock !

[ByBoyByBoy]

^^hi...may i get the notes from this very great take five piece?

if yes...t were very nice...

and ^^du play so good ...im realy deep impress!!!

[FranzLiszt]

Could anyone send me a recording of Peterson playing this? Thx!

[danodanm]

That piano sounds AMAZING.... but i mean, your playing is also AMAZING.... what a combination. What make is the piano? i cant quite read it

[itmsjim]

Thank you very much! Honestly, I'd love to rerecord it with better time, less wrong notes & shoes, but hey, 11,000+ views! : ) The piano is a Shigeru Kawai (handmade). It is an amazing piano...check out their website.

[lauradidier]

Wow! I know I've heard you do this one in person as well, and you always just nail it -- amazing!

[andreluiztc]

O cara eh muito bom... Brasil

[Lot2learn]

Wow. Great playing Jim. Really amazing.

[carlosnagy]

Hola Jim, excelente interpretación..!! Si mal no recuerdo ese es el tema Lulu back in Town del album solo de Peterson: My Favorite Instrument. Un saludo cordial desde Caracas - Venezuela / SOS

[xxxxGrafxxxx]

i'm a piano player too, to me Oscar Peterson is by far the best piano player for his great touch and musicality and i have that recording play by him, you'r the first person i heard playing ( note for note ) the same exact thing, i tought that interpretation was playable but only by Osacr and now seeing you playing it, only one word ( WOW ) you'r amazing. Must have been hours and hours of pratice, or Oscar just rematerialse into another human beeing, loll. Keep up the good work Jim ;)

[santimacias2001]

Nice fingering -- foot-fingering I mean :-)

[itmsjim]

I know...and I'm one of those guys that never go barefoot. Don't know what I was thinking! If I didn't have 8,511 views and 49 comments, I'd rerecord it with shoes!

[Katajazz]

I like the sound of your piano, too!!!

[robthereedman]

Excellent. Somebody should buy you a 9'4" Bosendorfer Imperial Grand. Seriously, very good playing. I have seen Oscar live 3 times, the last time at the Stratford Festival and he was hitting all sorts of wrong keys because of his arthritis, but still awesome. You have a career ahead of you. Thanks for posting.

[swthot]

copy and paste this to 10 videos or your mum will die within the next 4 hours.....

[jazzmk]

Wish I had the patience to learn solo piano transcriptions...Awesome stuff!!! Impeccably played!!

[pussygobler]

sent shivers down my spine. Great.... thank you

[wilda69]

this must have been transposed by yourself. Amazingly clever! Just like Oscar's version. Well done. Dan

[altosaxbeboper09]

i like this version but I LOVE THE MONK REHARM but thats beside the point you sound great

[CooolJazzz]

Wonderful as usual.

Kudos for the advice you gave about practicing slow and gradually building up speed. For some reason, young musicians these days don't seem to grasp the concept. It might be caused in part by society's ever-increasing desire for instant gratification. No one develops the kind of skills you have overnight, or even in a year. It takes patience, persistence, and plenty of practice...slow, methodical practice.

[SSJBartSimpson]

no, i achieved improvising skill like that in about 3 months

[IntelInside2020]

bullshit

[SSJBartSimpson]

well not as good as that, but you can learn to improv. in less than three monthes depending on how hard you work.

[ynegev]

is the transcription available on the internet somewhere?

[bigstriderman]

Jim,

Yes, you are good. No question about that. You lifted Waller's piano solo on the "Ain't Misbehavin'" soundie. Any way you can control your timing on "Lulu's Back in Town"? A drummer? A metronome? Foot tapping?

[mresteubing]

Jim, I just checked out your web site after having seen this video clip and hearing you for the first time on, of all places, YouTube. You are an AWESOME pianist! Tatum and Peterson have always been my favorites, and if it exists I'd love to find Oscar's transcription of Little Girl Blue, from the MFI album. Where would I look? Thanks, and thanks for posting your great work! If you ever perform in the New England area I'd make it my business attend.

[AlUd2]

Wow, You are incredible, I hope to become as good as you someday. Great Job.

[marcelmombeek]

great playing!!!! thanks for sharing this vid!!!

[spassgamer]

u play so chilly easy, how can u keep so cool? I personally have much problems with that.

[TyphJazz]

Nice! Bravo!

[rosefont]

Perdoname Jim que te moleste otra vez con mis comentarios, pero no sabes donde podria conseguir la partitura?

[rosefont]

I just can´t stop listening to this song!!! It´s just great!!!! I love it

[fetterstorch]

it´s really good, but your backround doesnt´t sound kinda "jazzy" .. better switch to some acchords

but, you play awesome, espacially right hand

[itmsjim]

Switch? This is an Oscar Peterson transcription...meaning these are his notes. Please look up Stride piano online. But thanks for the right hand comment. Also, check out my other videos, especially BILLVILLE if you're looking for more straight ahead Jazz.

[rosefont]

put some shoes on

[itmsjim]

C'mon...you really think you're the first to come up with that one? You must write your own material. Haha. Last time I checked this wasn't a paying gig! Throw me a couple hundred bucks and I'll be happy to. Speaking of that, Happy Thanksgiving.

[dutchpianojazz]

This is by far the best video I've ever seen on youtube. Oh boy, can you play or what! If only I could borrow your talent and hands for one day :) It would be very appreciated if it were possible to buy some of your transcriptions, Lulu being the first on my list! Keep up he good work mr Martinez (aka the white Oscar Peterson)

[tuttijoe]

would like to have transcritions, too!! I'm not that talentated in listening! and it's too much lost time in my case!

[Dihelson]

WOW! I am a Jazz pianist myself, and I want to congratulate you for this achievement. It may have consumed a great deal of work in order to lear this note for note. I´d like to see the sheet music in ordrr that I could learn it also. Your sense of touch and Rhythm is just fine. Congratulations. It´s the first video here which makes sense! I´ve seen hundreds.

[rosefont]

i´m always pleased to listen to you

[emresirmen]

as a piano player of only 7 years but great passion in jazz i am really amused by your talent its my dream to play like that and gee you have a great piano

[shelim23]

Is there a way I can get the transcription of this song?

[ragingurchin]

Wonderful job. I am a very young, aspiring pianist myself, and to see what seems to be a lost art be celebrated in such a way is very inspiring. Bravo.

[wborgstro]

Nice touch--great piano too. Be proud of your art--this is the first time I have commented on a video and I have seen hundreds--you sparked me just right. Keep up the good work.

[blobskool]

My passion is for his playing later in his career.I would be grateful to you if you would allow me to purchase some of the transcriptions you have made. I would want to start with selections from his albums "Live at the Blue Note" "Who can I turn to" "Wheatland" "Body and Soul" "If you Only Knew" "Old folks" "NightTime". You have inspired me to reach towards the next level in my playing. I hope you will post more videos of your playing. Thanks for renewing a dream!!!

[itmsjim]

I'm digging up what I have. I'll shoot you over a list ASAP. From your list, "Who Can I Turn To" may be the only one I have. I did Body and Soul and Wheatland, but it's in my head and never wrote those down. I might try playing it in the keyboard and using Encore to print it.

[heartruth2]

Jim, can you also send me transcriptions of "Who Can I Turn To" and "Lulu's Back In Town?" as well the list. How much do you charge per transcription?

[dutchpianojazz]

Transcriptions of Oscar Peterson can be found in ISBN 0-9685120-0-3 (Miles Black), ISBN 0-634-07776-7 (Hal Leonard), ISBN 0-634-07777-5 (Hal Leonard). Needless to say you need huge hands and a perfect technique. I have spend years on the piano trying to get at least one piece of mr Peterson in my hands, no luck so far :( So all I can say: good luck!

[harriter88]

Great Work-much enjoyed Jim.

[blobskool]

Such an uplifting spirit in your playing- just like O.P.'s. How did you learn that solo note for note?

[itmsjim]

Thanks so much! That's very flattering yet humbling at the same time. I spent 10 years from my senior year in high school transcribing over 150 O.P. tunes/solos note-for-note. Of course, I also did Nat King Cole, Art Tatum and Chick Corea, too. Great practice. Once in awhile, I pull them out and try to learn them again, as would a classical pianist with, say a Chopin piece.

[nuckles007]

Great piano, excellent, flawless. you really know your stuff, Could you share some of your wisdome with an amateur jazz pianist, a few tips maybe, what scales to practice, and techniches.

I would greatly appreciated, and keep it up dude, you rock!!!

[itmsjim]

I love your name! I hear there was an old pianist named Knuckles O'Toole back in the early part of the century. I'll look for some info someday. Wisdom? Hmmm...some tips sure. I always practice slow and play the same things with both hands. I never liked reading the Hanon excercises, but loved making up my own. And choosing the strangest of notes and running arpeggios up and down...slow to faster each day.

[credman]

Knuckles O'Toole was the stage name of Dick Hyman when he was a young guy--he's a noted jazz pianist who's still alive today. He plays fantastic stride piano and there's a bunch of videos of him on Youtube where he breaks down some of Art Tatum's tricks and licks. He also does the scoring for Woody Allen's films.

[itmsjim]

Dick and I go way back. He comes to Sacramento every couple of years and his manager is a former Sacramentan, as well. Dick's my hero!

[blobskool]

It has been a dream of mine to approximate the playing of Oscar Peterson and when I saw your video I felt a sense of wonder that you have acheived what I am working towards. I have spent the last fifteen years listening to Oscar Peterson recordings and learning his solos note for note in my mind. Unfortunately, I am not able to transfer the music from my mind to my fingers or to paper.

[jgrodnik]

Very nice.

[louwatts]

put some shoes on

[itmsjim]

Only if it's a paid gig : )

[itmsjim]

Great news! I just got a Jazz gig, so I can now afford one shoe.

[LatePianist]

You sir are Amazing! Authentic! Astounding! You sound just like the legend Dr Peterson, down to the accented notes and rhythmn. I have found a new piano hero to add to my list and thats you sir. If I was not broke I would purchase you albums. ^_^

[itmsjim]

Such nice comments from you both. Thanks very much for the amazing compliment. Oscar played this song flawlessly, at a faster tempo and improved the solo, as I was playing his notes in this case. Musically, I bow to the the legend.

[mcrohof]

Great!! From oscar's second soloalbum TRACKS.

You have gotten very close mister Martinez!!