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.
What's New?
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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How is the world treating you?
You haven't changed a bit
Lovely as ever I must admit
Oh, what's new?
How did that romance come through?
We haven't met since then
What's new? Probably I'm boring you
But seeing you is grand
And you were sweet to offer your hand
I understand, adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed: I still love you so
Oh, what's new? Probably I'm boring you
But seeing you is grand
And you were sweet to offer your hand
Mama, I understand, adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed: I still love you so
The lyrics of "What's New" are a conversation between two former lovers who meet again after an unspecified period of time. The singer seems to be genuinely interested in the well-being of the other person, asking how the world has been treating them and how their romance has fared. They continue to exchange pleasantries, expressing their amazement at how they haven't changed since they last met, and the music that is playing around them. Throughout the lyrics, the singer is expressing their love for the other person, even after all these years.
The song is an emotional tribute to love and nostalgia. The singer is trying to reconnect with their past, trying to see if there is still a chance to rekindle their long lost romance. The melody and instrumentation of the song feel wistful and melancholic, perfectly capturing the bittersweetness of the situation. Overall, "What's New" portrays the beauty of love, even after it has faded away, and the magic of seeing our loved ones again, no matter how much time has passed.
Line by Line Meaning
What's new?
What's the latest in your life that you would like to share?
How is the world treating you?
How have you been doing and handling everything that life has thrown your way?
You haven't changed a bit
Despite the passage of time, you look just as lovely as ever.
Lovely as ever I must admit
I must acknowledge that you are still as beautiful and charming as the last time we met.
How did that romance come through?
What happened with that romantic interest you had the last time we spoke?
We haven't met since then
It's been a while since we've seen each other.
Gee, but it's nice to see you again
It's truly a pleasure to be in your company once more.
Probably I'm boring you
I understand if I'm being uninteresting or repetitive in my questioning.
But seeing you is grand
I can't express how wonderful it is to see you again.
And you were sweet to offer your hand
Thank you for extending your hand in greeting with such kindness and warmth.
I understand, adieu
I comprehend that there is an end to our conversation, so goodbye for now.
Pardon my asking what's new
I'm sorry if it seems like I'm prying by asking about your life.
Of course you couldn't know
It's not your fault that you haven't been informed about my recent experiences.
I haven't changed: I still love you so
Despite anything else that may have occurred, my feelings for you remain unchanged and as strong as ever.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY BURKE, BOB HAGGART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lizah carnaúba
Excelent interpretation, with great sensibility.