Pettiford with son Cello from the cover of My Little Cello an LP released after Pettiford's death in September of 1960.
In 1949 bassist Oscar Pettiford broke his arm playing baseball. He could still move his fingers even though his arm was in a sling, so he began experimenting with a cello a friend had lent to him. He tuned the cello like a bass only an octave higher and later made history recording a series of cello-led projects including the great, under-recognized 1964 Fantasy release, "My Little Cello."
When I look to history for a role model, it’s Pettiford. Pettiford played the cello with such swing and melody. He was one of the first to lead a band from behind the cello. And he wrote original tunes, some of which are now classics. Pettiford had a special feel for the instrument -- he even named his son Cello! And his twin daughters Celeste and Cellina. He’s always been a hero of mine.
Come see my tribute to
Oscar Pettiford:
October 28 - 830p
Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, NY
MORE INFO
Twitter: @RockwoodNYC
Facebook: @Rockwood Music Hall
Pick up the CD: