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.
In a Little Spanish Town
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thrilling me again
Like that night in spain
Someone is sharing my memories
Wonder does she grieve
Every lovely evening
In a little Spanish town
Stars were peek-a-booing down
'Twas on a night like this
I whispered "Be true to me"
And she sighed: "Si, Si"
Many skies have turned to gray
Because we're far apart
Many moons had passed away
And still she's in my heart
We made a promise and sealed it with a kiss
In a little Spanish town
'Twas on a night like this
Somehow I keep on remembering
Tears that said goodbye
Shining in her eye
Wonder does she keep remembering
Promises of mine
When the moon is shining
In a little Spanish town
'Twas on a night like this
Stars were peek-a-booing down
'Twas on a night like this
I whispered "Be true to me"
And she sighed: "Si, Si"
Many skies have turned to gray
Because we're far apart
Many moons had passed away
And still she's in my heart
We made a promise and sealed it with a kiss
In a little Spanish town
The lyrics of the song “In a Little Spanish Town” by the Oscar Peterson Trio are written in a nostalgic tone, celebrating the memory of a past love in a romantic Spanish town. The song describes the emotions of the singer, who finds solace and comfort in the memories of an earlier time, recalling the happiness and freedom he once experienced with his lover. The singer appears to be looking back on the past with fondness, "Evenings are crowded with memories." These memories are described as thrilling, suggesting that they are both exhilarating and emotional.
The song contains vivid descriptions of the time shared with his lover in Spain. The mention of stars peeking down and the gentle breeze makes the lyrics picturesque, creating a romantic and idyllic atmosphere. The singer cherishes the love he shared with his partner, holding on to the promises they shared and the kiss that sealed them. The lyrics convey the idea that distance and time apart cannot diminish true love, as the woman is still in the singer's heart despite the passing of many moons.
Line by Line Meaning
Evenings are crowded with memories
The singer's memories of a special night with someone echo in their mind on many occasions.
Thrilling me again
The memory of the special night brings joy and excitement to the singer each time it resurfaces in their mind.
Like that night in spain
The special night occurred in Spain and holds a special place in the singer's heart.
Someone is sharing my memories
The artist wonders if the person they were with that night still thinks of it often as well.
Wonder does she grieve
The artist wonders if the other person feels sadness about being separated and far apart from each other.
Every lovely evening
Each evening is filled with nostalgia and longing for the special night in Spain.
In a little Spanish town
The events of the special night took place in a small town in Spain.
'Twas on a night like this
The current moment reminds the artist of the special night due to similarities in weather, date, or atmosphere.
Stars were peek-a-booing down
The stars were shining brightly in the sky that night, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
I whispered 'Be true to me'
The artist asked the other person to remain committed to each other and faithful, hoping for a long-lasting relationship.
And she sighed: 'Si, Si'
The other person responded positively, saying 'Yes' in Spanish, which made the singer hopeful and happy.
Many skies have turned to gray
Time has passed, and many days have been dreary, making the separation from the other person even harder on the artist.
Because we're far apart
The distance between the two people has made it difficult to maintain a relationship and adds to the singer's sadness.
Many moons had passed away
Months have gone by since their special night, but the memories and longing remain strong.
And still she's in my heart
The other person still holds a special place in the singer's heart despite being far apart.
We made a promise and sealed it with a kiss
A promise of commitment was sealed with a kiss that night, which holds a significant place in the artist's memory.
Somehow I keep on remembering
The artist can't forget the special night, and memories of it continue to surface often.
Tears that said goodbye
The two people shed tears when saying goodbye, expressing sadness at the distance between them.
Shining in her eye
The other person's eyes glistened with tears but also held memories of their special night.
Wonder does she keep remembering
The artist wonders if the other person still holds memories of the special night like they do.
Promises of mine
The artist made promises of love, faithfulness, and commitment that night and wonders if they still hold weight with the other person.
When the moon is shining
The artist wonders if the other person thinks of them when the moon is full and bright like it was on their special night.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOE YOUNG, MABEL WAYNE, SAM M. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind