The original version of Tenderly by Oscar Peterson was recorded in 1949 whe… Read Full Bio ↴The original version of Tenderly by Oscar Peterson was recorded in 1949 when he was a member of Norman Granz's "Jazz At The Philharmonic". All subsequent versions were based on loosely transcribed versions of the original. The original is great. The live audience lends a bit of atmosphere. It,s cool,it's relaxed and it swings.At twentyfour years of age he was a very accomplished performer. He begins the performance with a flowery introduction to the main theme,as if to say "Look I can do this,no problem,but wait until you hear what,s coming" Immerse yourself in this,play it loud and get yourself a Scotch.

Tenderly
Oscar Peterson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The evening breeze
Caressed the trees, tenderly
The trembling trees
Embraced the breeze, tenderly

Then you and I
Came wandering by
And lost in a sigh

Were we

The shore was kissed
By sea and mist, tenderly
I can't forget
How two hearts met
Breathlessly

Your arms opened wide
And closed me inside
You took my lips
You took my love
So tenderly

The evening breeze
Erased the trees, tenderly
The trembling trees
Embraced the breeze, tenderly

Then you and I
Came wandering by
And lost in a sigh
Were we

The shore was kissed
By the mist, tenderly
I can't forget
How two hearts met
Tenderly

Your arms opened wide
And closed me inside
You took my chops
Way from bops
Tenderly

Tenderly
Tenderly

Oh oh
Oh oh

Overall Meaning

In Oscar Peterson's song "Tenderly," the lyrics describe a romantic evening where the world around them fades away as the two lovers come together. The evening breeze gently kisses the trees and they sway in response, setting the tranquil mood. The couple stumbles upon each other, instantly becoming lost in each other's embrace, and the outside world becomes a blur as their love takes center stage. The shore becomes a witness to their passion as it is tenderly kissed by the sea and mist. The memories of this moment become ingrained in their hearts as a pivotal moment in their lives. The imagery within the lyrics expresses the beauty and power of love in simple yet profound language. The tenderness of the night and the closeness of the two individuals created memories that will always be cherished, remaining an integral part of their journey together.

Line by Line Meaning

The evening breeze
The gentle wind blowing during the evening

Caressed the trees, tenderly
The wind was delicately and affectionately stroking the trees

The trembling trees
The trees that were gently and rhythmically moving due to the wind

Embraced the breeze, tenderly
The trees were lovingly embracing the wind

Then you and I
The two individuals referred to from the previous stanzas

Came wandering by
They arrived by chance while walking around

And lost in a sigh
Overwhelmed by emotions and left without words

Were we
They were both in the same state of emotion

The shore was kissed
The shore was touched by something gentle and loving

By sea and mist, tenderly
The sea and mist were touching the shore in a soft and affectionate way

I can't forget
The memory of a moment cannot be erased from one's mind

How two hearts met
How two individuals connected through their emotions and feelings

Breathlessly
Overwhelmed by emotion to the point of being out of breath

Your arms opened wide
One of the individuals opened their arms wide

And closed me inside
The same individual wrapped the other in an embrace

You took my lips
They shared a kiss

You took my love
The same individual received love from the other

So tenderly
The actions were done in a gentle and loving manner

Erased the trees, tenderly
The wind was gently putting the trees back into their original position

The shore was kissed
Referencing back to a previous stanza

By the mist, tenderly
The mist was lovingly touching the shore

You took my chops
The line is incorrect and does not support the meaning of the song.

Way from bops
The line is incorrect and does not support the meaning of the song.

Tenderly
The entire song is dedicated to the theme of love, conveyed in a gentle and loving manner

Tenderly
Reinforces the theme of love in a gentle manner

Oh oh
Ad-lib vocalizations that add to the emotional and expressive nature of the song

Oh oh
Reinforces the expressive nature of the song

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LOUIS ARMSTRONG, ZILNER T. RANDOLPH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@roberttopaz2316

@@BerndSchnabl It's not God who causes sickness. Sickness and death came after the rebellion of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. This brought sickness, death and sin into this once perfect world. Mankind was separated from God because of sin.
We have blasphemed against God by using his name as though it has no meaning. Thus disrespecting God yet he gave us life and created everything.
We have had sexual relations outside of marriage. And we continually look with lust.
We have lied.
We have stolen.
And these are just a few of the sins that humanity has committed.

We deserve death and eternal damnation. For the wages of sin is death.
But God in is his great mercy sent his son Jesus atone for our sin by being crucified on the cross. It is like if a man was in court but someone pays his fines he can legally be set free.
So now, unlike the ancient Jews, we no longer have to sacrifice animals regularly to be forgiven, all we need to do is repent of our sins to God and surrender our lives to Jesus. Once we do that we will become children of God. And he will work in our hearts, make us hate what is evil and love what is good, changing us into a new creation.
And when we stumble and sin, we need to come to God with a broken heart desiring repentance and he will forgive us because he is rich in mercy.
This gives us assurance that when we die we shall have peace and joy in heaven.
And as for the evil in the world, we are in the last days. Jesus is coming back soon to punish all those who have rejected him, purge the evil in his world and make all things good once again.

All comments from YouTube:

@benichouphilippe3672

3y↑7

perfect lyricism, perfect back up, cant stop crying even after more than 50 times I listened to this beauty. Thanks life !

@789armstrong

Please check out Fred Hersch playing 'So in Love' I believe its totally awesome https://youtu.be/zuOZBgsIgeY

@PhilWatson

3y↑21

If anyone had any doubts, this performance proves Oscar as the best there is was and ever will be!

@spassgamer

3y↑1

Oscar believed in only one God. Jesus Christ.

@spassgamer

@@789armstrong I don't see that this is a respond to what I have wrote. You must have responded to another comment.

@jangunnarolsen5946

6y↑19

Shit Folks! This is THE MOST Singing/swinging/laidback/coolest version of Tenderly ever! I was so Lucky to see/hear OP with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis (in Oslo,Norway 1956! With JATP) ONLY 13yrs old, will never forget!

@CoopDuck

6y↑16

The swing groove is outrageous

@joannrobinson5589

6y↑13

Lord, help me!!!!! Best in the world. I loved this rendition of Tenderly!!!!!!

@Fcobenzo

26w↑1

In this particular and Amazing rendition of Tenderly, it was Barney Kessel, not herb Ellis on guitar, Herb came after barney.
FYI

@marinanatali1235

2y↑1

È la mia cura per le emozioni!

@bon9428

7y↑9

Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece of art! In my opinion this is one of the best piano solos ever made. It is so melodic and full of variations, and you can really feel how inspired they were when playing. Truly one of the best jazz piano players ever (when inspired).

@789armstrong

7y↑2

I first heard this performance when I was a teenager.My friend who I was visiting told me of "the greatest jazz piano performance of all time" on the old LP Norgran label.He then played it for me and to this day I have found nothing that matches this performance except perhaps Erroll Garners 'What is this thing called Love'.

@BREN248

7y↑9

I think I'm ready to start studying Mr. Peterson. Truly breath-taking performance!

@789armstrong

7y↑9

There is a very interesting book called: 'Oscar Peterson Note for Note' which has many accurate sheet music transcriptions from his recordings along with a bonus audio CD.the transcriptions are by Miles Black and are very authentic and accurate. The book came out in 1999 and is a Canadian publication. ISBN 0-9685120-0-3 copyright by Lynnstorm Music and Tomi Music.

@diplamatikjuan3595

4y↑2

@@789armstrong I've had that book since I was a teenager - it's a fantastic and gives you a deeper appreciation for Oscar's ingenuity. Admittedly I never got through any of the pieces from start to finish (although I came closest with "Blues for Big Scotia") but it's a treasure trove of harmonic language and stealable licks :)

@adrianmoses3420

3y↑1

One of OP's best

@Santosificationable

4y↑14

0:17 that run came straight from Tatum's style.

@TheTrumpetdog

I hear a little Bobby Troup too

@dancelli714

6y↑15

THIS IS MY FAVORITE BY O.P. Because he BUILDS UP his solo it gets more exciting as it builds.

@789armstrong

6y↑2

The chord progressions during the last 2 minutes leave all the other versions in the shade.

@789armstrong

6y↑3

Hear Oscar play Nicas Dream which may be even greater!https://youtu.be/MNxjYA3JsoU

@dancelli714

@@789armstrong I'LL CHECK IT OUT.

@dancelli714

@@789armstrong I FOUND IT. No pacing, just going for broke. Showing off technique. I kept it on my FB. I always loved ''NICA's DREAM'' I kept his performance only 2 dig the technique.

@TimothyGowers0

Another very good track from a similar era is his version of When Lights are Low from a recital at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

@maynardewm

The first time I listened to this I couldn't even fully focus on OP. All I could concentrate on was Ray Brown and those quarter notes. Woooweeee

@asdfghjkldfghjhgcgyuigfyui9792

5y↑14

best piano recording in history

@michaelcavenas2807

7y↑7

The greatest rendition....wish I was there to hear it.....

@789armstrong

7y↑3

Be sure and hear him play 'All the things you are' from the album Another Day. The sound is excellent.

@789armstrong

6y↑2

Oscars performance of Nicas Dream may be just as great. https://youtu.be/MNxjYA3JsoU

@Casio61

7y↑7

This was on a double album I bought in 1977 called "In Concert". It's a collection of the OP trio's Jazz At The Philharmonic performances in the 1950s. Every track is a gem, my desert island album without question.

@789armstrong

7y↑1

I agree.Be sure and hear Oscar play 'I remember Clifford' which is quite fabulous, and his album 'At the Concertgebouw' has his immortal 'The Lady is a Tramp' and 'Bluesiology' which are immortal classics in the same genre as the JATP series.

@ladenso1

6y↑7

Oscar Peterson did appear at Carnegie Hall with Ray Brown and Buddy Rich on September 16, 1950 but if "Tenderly" was played it was not recorded.

This classic recording is from Carnegie Hall but with Ray Brown and Barney Kessel (though it's difficult to hear Barney), September 13, 1952.

From the listings in Oscar's discography on the Jazz Discography Project website it appears that Herb Ellis replaced Barney in the trio in May 1953

@keithhorner1671

2y↑1

interesting point! Granz made many live and studio recordings of his JATP stars but then mixed early 10 and 12 inch vinyl performances on issues. Later reissues have not cleared up dates and musicians etc. The Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. notes Tenderly simply recorded in 1950 by Verve. Tenderly (1950). Verve MGV-2046 (Major Holley or Ray Brown, double-bass).

@bibwilli

6y↑31

The greatest jazz piano solo ever recorded

@warnerbeachful

6y↑8

Agree.

@yankim1396

4y↑1

this is jazz

@Mercy_Pants

3y↑1

Changed the way the piano was played forever

@ArturSaMenezes3d

4y↑6

Aprendi a admirar o seu talento com esta interpretação. Oscar, "O Papa" de Diana Krall.

@lfrandse

6y↑2

It can't get much better than this ... fantastic!

@ivettecopeliovitch2021

Art Tatum fantastic!

@barbarawisdom9325

4y↑3

If you even kinda sorta like jazz, you have to like this.

@jimhurt9343

6y↑13

This is what swing is.

@alandesouzacruz5124

Amazing trio 👏🏻😎

@alfredfell2664

4y↑1

I first heard this in the 60’s and have been his greatest fan since. Alf Fell

@donnagilligan2905

2y↑1

WOW!! Astounding!!

@789armstrong

Here is another Oscar masterpiece I believe you will like https://youtu.be/4gePbZym85M

@criarconta871

Marvelous! Wonderful! The Best of thr world.

@MrRickywallace

3y↑1

Fantastic!

@789armstrong

here is another immortal Oscar performance https://youtu.be/4gePbZym85M

@mintygreen8760

5y↑4

My god Oscar Peterson sure could play a ballad!

@alessandrocatena9354

47w

The master of masters...

@marcellomentasimonsennico5670

6y↑3

Thanks for posting! I have been looking for this version online for years! ( I only have it on vinyl!)

@789armstrong

6y↑1

Yes, when I was a teenager I heard it for the first time on the Norgran vinyl label.

@sandracid4987

Good jazz has been forgotten by the youth. I'm 69 and I sware Iook and feel 30, thanks to having a personal and permanent adoration forr Jazz, and let me tell you guys, mi father a handome man, mi mom, beautiful, from N. York, teached my dad about jazz. He, in turn, taught us. (Mom died at 32. Before, my parents were living in Tampico Mx.)

@789armstrong

2y↑1

here is one of Oscars most immortal renditions https://youtu.be/GkgYKFeUyLA?list=PLiOpddKsIFCdnnA20LcIY1dP_sZdjNo3n

@sandracid4987

Thanks! The great Oscar and that unique style. I love when que applies block technic.

@scottmosley651

2y↑1

That guitar and bass comping lays the groove down for Oscar to swing all over it.

@geralddevore9760

3y↑1

Amen to that, Thomas and Dan

@jangunnarolsen5946

6y↑1

Saw/heard them in Oslo,Norway with JATP in 1956. GREAT concert.

@pamtebelman2321

7y↑2

Inspired! An incredible song as well. Thanks so much!

@MultiChops

I have this on OP Trio at Zardi's, a terrific double album. This trio could whisper, roar and everything in between. And none ever worked harder!!

@tuxguys

2y↑1

(I believe that's Herb Ellis rather than Barney Kessel in the photo above.)
The first time I heard the first unaccompanied, rubato, highly-decorated statement of the melody, I thought I was hearing an Art Tatum record I'd never heard before.
Then Brown and Kessel came in, and the serious swingin' began.
Orgiastic.
I swear to god, if I were to be dining with this on in the background, I'd end up chewing on '2' and '4.'

@789armstrong

2y↑1

All of Oscars Jazz at the Philharmonic Concerts are stunning and take jazz to next level genius.

@harriairaksinen5694

2y↑1

Yes, it's Herb Ellis but this picture is from the late Fifties. Barney plays guitar on Tenderly.

@RobConstantine

7y↑4

I've got a CD of the September 13, 1952 JATP Concert at Carnegie Hall with this on it..
Norman Granz Introduces the trio as Barney Kessel on guitar, Ray Brown and Peterson :-)

@789armstrong

7y↑1

Oscar has recorded Tenderly several times, but his right handed chord progressions during the final 2 minutes of this particular performance leaves all the others in the shade.

@1965JWP

Yes, you are correct. I use to have the vinyl, but loaned it some years ago where is summarily melted in the person's car. Now I have the CD.

@789armstrong

I don't believe Oscar recorded the jazz classic 'Invitation' so Ive been listening to Bill Evans who is quite superb.His chord progressions are comparable to Oscar Peterson who I believe to be even greater than Art Tatum.

@asdfghjkldfghjhgcgyuigfyui9792

5y↑11

how is this possible

@Tigermoth

Takes a few choruses to get there then it swings like none other ❤️

@juliapollitt8291

Radio 2 Big Band show brought me here ❤️

@thomasvvl

5y↑5

This is Oscar's top period, in my opinion he never played better. Such incredible deep groove and yet is his playing so subtle, I think he lost this kind of subtlety in his later years. The rhythm section is insane, tasteful comping, everything you need is there. No more, no less. And Oscar's block chords solo is unparalleled. What a master.
I had this on a record called "In Concert" that also contained a furious version of Sweet Georgia Brown, probably recorded in the early fifties. Does anyone have that track by any chance??

@789armstrong

5y↑1

Its from an album entitled 'The Oscar Peterson Trio at JATP. Here is the link; https://youtu.be/BKLJOmrrTso

@Casio61

In Concert - still have this album, every track is a gem.

@craigparker1146

24w

I can never decide if I like this one better, or the Blue Note version (live in 1990 I think?). slower swing, and very intense.

@cy3754

6y↑5

This from 1952 with Barney Kessel on guitar.

@WillieDines1

No it's not, it's just Oscar and Ray Brown on bass at Carnegie hall.

Oscar wanted to have the full trio, but the promoter just wanted Oscar on his own, so after much debate the promoter told Oscar, "Ok you can have Ray Brown and that's it because I don't want anything up there distracting you" and Oscar agreed.

@matthewgoldberg1461

2y↑1

Yes. Barney is clearly audible playing straight 4/4

@cats3358

This was recommended to me by a friend. Isn't he a good friend? 😉

@roseannagraham8980

2y↑1

I've always hated this sappy song but the way he does it is magnificent !! I almost didn't recognize it

@789armstrong

yes, I remember Rosemary Clooney singing it back in the 1950s which did nothing for me.

@CiscoDuck

2y↑2

This recording is from Carnegie Hall September 13, 1952 (NOT Sept 16, 1950!) with Ray Brown and Barney Kessel - NOT Herb Ellis as depicted in the video thumbnail pic.

@valerykotelnikov7107

Correct.

@petergill5194

This is the greatest version of Tenderly. But it is Barney Kessel. I think the the venue is Tokyo? I bought this on a 45EP, with C JAM Blues on the flip side. I managed to get a an LP copy produced in the East Germany. I have listened a thousand times.
The distinguished feature is during the intro, somebody in the audience cries out with joy, anticipating that something special is going to be be played. I think Barney played Tenderly only once

@josiasbarcellar7121

4y↑1

muita habilidade

@albertseabra9226

2y↑3

An Artist sent by God to Educate our Souls...

@BerndSchnabl

and then he stroke him with A STROKE in '93 rendering his left hand almost paralyzed ... GOD has some humor

@albertseabra9226

2y↑2

@@BerndSchnabl I'm sure that resorting only to His right-hand, he was able to play the piano better than 95% of the population of this Planet.
Going beyond your particular style of sense of humour, what kind of Academic, Professional or Artistic skills do you have?

@roberttopaz2316

@neveralonebytimhedges1840

33w

Normally played in E flat what is version was in G because I suppose of the dynamic difference in how are the arrangements would be able to sound it’s a brilliant version of tenderly and I’m practicing it now

@henryjones8287

3y↑1

3:40 reminds me of Police Squad 😂 ... Rip Oscar Peterson and Leslie Nielsen ... Giants in their respective fields.

@asdi234

25w

He was 25 years old!

@paalbrudevoll6330

TOP CLASS - OR BETTER. Peterson opens his "big bag of tricks"...

@arikcarlo

A Canadian genius.

@valerykotelnikov7107

Year 1952, OP, Barney Kessel (guitar), Ray Brown 1952, original vinyl recording also includes C jam blues. Cheek to cheek

@789armstrong

yes, it was on the Norgran Label

@valerykotelnikov7107

@@789armstrong It would be great to upload Cheek to Cheek - my favorite from this session ...

@valerykotelnikov7107

May be this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9stRDGZMNo&list=RDu9stRDGZMNo&start_radio=1

@789armstrong

@@valerykotelnikov7107 I believe Oscars more recent 'All the things you are' is an immortal performance with excellent sound quality https://youtu.be/4gePbZym85M

@valerykotelnikov7107

@@789armstrong All OP recordings are good. But historical 1952 JATP Carnegie Hall with OP trio (Tenderly, Cheek to Cheek, etc) in part 2 is very special. Later reissued on Verve ... Verve Records – 825 099-1 (1985) and in box sets in Europe (Live Recordings 1952-1958) ...

1 More Replies...

@BREN248

7y↑2

How did you know this was from carnegie hall in 1950?

@789armstrong

6y↑2

It may be Sept. 13, 1952.

@tumenibits569

22w

"Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis & Ray Brown"

Sorry, but that's Barney Kessel on guitar, and it was recorded in 1952

@albertrazafindramanana6683

6y↑1

Ce ne serait pas plutôt Los Angeles en Février 1953 avec Barney KESSEL ?

@TheTrumpetdog

I hear a Bobby Troup similarity

@scottmosley651

This swings so BAD

@Vic9994546

48w↑1

This is one of the only pieces Miles Davis actually liked from Oscar Peterson he detested his style which I can’t agree with everyone has individual taste

@789armstrong

48w

Miles really liked Bill Evans however, but as much as I love Oscar I think Erroll Garner is greater.

@Vic9994546

48w↑1

@@789armstrong I would say there is no better just different, Oscar Peterson was rare in that he combines classical and jazz technique which gav him those chops to explore imagination and was very much an orchestral type player which is probably why he gets flack as not doing so great with drummers he was more a solo musician than a group one. I think Oscar had greater explorations of creatively musically

@789armstrong

48w

@@Vic9994546 I believe you would like the music of Nicolay Kapustin, especially his Concert Etudes opus 40 and his Concerto #4. He was a big fan of Oscar Peterson.