Birth

:

September 11, 1934 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

 

Oliver Jones is a Canadian jazz pianist and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on September 11, 1934, in Montreal, Quebec, Jones grew up in a musical family. His father, a Barbadian immigrant, played the piano, and his mother, a Jamaican immigrant, sang in the church choir. Jones was exposed to music at an early age and began playing the piano when he was five years old. Jones' talent for music was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a prodigy. He studied classical piano with Daisy Peterson Sweeney, the sister of jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. Jones was also influenced by the music of Art Tatum, Bud Powell, and Thelonious Monk, and he began to incorporate jazz into his playing. In 1953, Jones won a scholarship to study at the Montreal Conservatory of Music. He continued to study classical piano, but he also began to play jazz in local clubs. In 1958, Jones joined the Johnny Holmes Orchestra, and he began to gain recognition as a jazz pianist. In 1964, Jones formed his own trio, which included bassist Dave Young and drummer Norman Marshall Villeneuve. The trio became one of the most popular jazz groups in Canada, and they recorded several albums together. In 1970, Jones was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, where he received critical acclaim. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jones continued to perform and record with his trio. He also collaborated with other musicians, including saxophonist Charlie Biddle and singer Ranee Lee. In 1986, Jones was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors. In 1989, Jones retired from performing to focus on his family and his work as a music teacher. However, he returned to the stage in 1993, and he has continued to perform and record ever since. In 1994, Jones was awarded the Oscar Peterson Award by the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and in 1996, he was inducted into the Canadian Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame. Jones has recorded over 20 albums as a leader, and he has collaborated with many other musicians, including saxophonist Archie Shepp and trumpeter Clark Terry. He has also composed music for film and television, including the theme for the Canadian television series "Heritage Minutes." Jones' playing is characterized by his virtuosity and his ability to blend classical and jazz styles. He is known for his lyrical playing and his ability to create complex harmonies. Jones has been a mentor to many young musicians, and he continues to inspire new generations of jazz pianists. In conclusion, Oliver Jones is a Canadian jazz pianist and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He began playing the piano at a young age and quickly became a prodigy. He studied classical piano but also incorporated jazz into his playing. Jones formed his own trio in 1964, which became one of the most popular jazz groups in Canada. He has recorded over 20 albums as a leader and has collaborated with many other musicians. Jones' playing is characterized by his virtuosity and his ability to blend classical and jazz styles. He has been a mentor to many young musicians and continues to inspire new generations of jazz pianists.

More....