Born in Montreal, Canada, Peterson began learning trumpet and piano from his father at the age of five, but by the age of seven, after a bout of tuberculosis, he concentrated on the piano. Some of the artists who influenced Peterson during the early years were Teddy Wilson, Nat "King" Cole, James P. Johnson, and the legendary Art Tatum, to whom many have tried to compare Peterson in later years. In fact, one of his first exposures to the musical talents of Art Tatum came early in his teen years when his father played an Art Tatum record to him and Peterson was so intimidated by what he heard that he didn't touch the piano for over a week.
He soon developed a reputation as a technically brilliant and melodically inventive jazz pianist, and became a regular on Canadian radio. His United States introduction was at Carnegie Hall, New York City in 1949 by Norman Granz; owing to union restrictions his appearance could not be billed.
Some of his musical associates have included Lester Young, Ray Brown, Ben Webster, Herb Ellis, Ed Thigpen, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Louis Armstrong, Stéphane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Terry, Joe Pass, Count Basie, and Stan Getz. An important step in his career was joining impresario Norman Granz's labels (especially Verve records) and Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic package, with which he was able to play with the major jazz artists of the time. Granz was also his manager for most of Peterson's career. Some cognoscenti assert that Peterson's best recordings were made for the MPS label in the late 'sixties and early 'seventies. For some years subsequently he recorded for Granz's Pablo Records after the label was founded in 1973 and in more recent years for the Telarc label.
In 1993, Peterson suffered a serious stroke that weakened his left side and sidelined him for two years. However he overcame this setback and went back to touring, recording, and composing on a limited basis. In 1997 he received a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement and an International Jazz Hall of Fame Award. He died on December 24th, 2007 of kidney failure.
Bugle Call Rag
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
The lyrics of Oscar Peterson's song "Bugle Call Rag" depict the irresistible nature of the bugle call, a musical signal that captivates and draws people in. The first line, "You're bound to fall for the bugle call," suggests that the power of the bugle call is so strong that one cannot help but be enchanted by it. It conveys the idea that the bugle call has a universal appeal that transcends personal differences and preferences.
The next line, "You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag," implies that once someone has experienced the bugle call, they will feel compelled to boast about it. This could be due to the infectiousness and vibrancy of the music, which leaves a lasting impression on the listener. It suggests that the Bugle Call Rag is a memorable and exhilarating tune that leaves a mark on those who hear it.
The subsequent lines, "Thin or fat, young or old; Shake their shoulders bold," emphasize the inclusive and energetic nature of the Bugle Call Rag. The song's infectious rhythm and melody inspire people of all body types and ages to move their bodies and dance with enthusiasm. It promotes a sense of freedom and expresses the universality of music's ability to bring people together.
The final lines, "Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody; Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!" reveal the romantic and playful side of the song. It encourages intimate connection and physical closeness while dancing to the syncopated rhythm of the Bugle Call Rag. The mention of a break hints at the dynamics of the song, urging the dancers to pause and savor the melody before continuing. Overall, the lyrics of "Bugle Call Rag" celebrate the irresistible nature, universal appeal, and joyous energy of this particular musical composition.
Line by Line Meaning
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
It is inevitable that you will be captivated by the sound of the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
You will certainly feel compelled to boast about the energetic Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Regardless of one's body shape, age, or size;
Shake their shoulders bold.
People confidently move their shoulders rhythmically.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
Once again emphasizing that you will inevitably be enchanted by the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Reiterating that you will feel compelled to proudly talk about the lively Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
My dear, embrace me tightly, and together let's create syncopated rhythms to that soulful melody.
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
In the pause when they momentarily stop playing, let us enjoy a moment of silence, shushing any noises.
While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
As we dance, please hold onto me tightly and make sure to keep up with the energetic pace, avoiding any delays.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Meyers, Elmer Schoebel, Jack Pettis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind