Hymn To Freedom (O.Peterson) Analysis & Tutorial | The Jazz Pursuit

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Learn Jazz Standards Series: Hymn To Freedom (Oscar Peterson)

In this video we look at Oscar Peterson's Hymn to Freedom, which featured first on his 1963 iconic record Night Train. We begin by analysing the structure, harmony and melody of Hymn To Freedom, before looking at some specific Oscar Peterson piano voicings and alternate Ray Brown basslines.

Video created by Jacky Naylor

[Factotum]

Great video, Jacky! I went to University of Toronto, and remember Oscar showing up at the Faculty of Music Christmas party, must’ve been 1989 or thereabouts. He sat down and played for us, and then was happy to hang out. A beautiful music surprise, and such a warm gentleman. This brings back those golden memories, as I sit down to create a little combo arrangement for an Easter concert. The world needs more freedom and more empathy ❤

[gregwalker]

Great! Thanks for the education. It was perfect for me, not too technical, not too simple. Cool!

[ukeukeaduke]

Thanks, Jacky! I was so glad to find this video. I am just a low intermediate (maybe?) player but I really love the theory. Just ordered and printed out the Handout for £5.99 ($8.00USD). It will provide me with hours, days, even weeks of study and is worth every penny!

[edwardlee]

love this tune it should be the black national anthem Oscar one of the greatest pianist that ever lived.

[alexc]

Next level explainer video. Thank you so much! Subscribing for life.

[juliusroescher]

Very nice breakdown! I learned a lot. Thank you :)

[gregorymiller]

Nice theoretical view-point, however, wasn't it originally written in F major (b-flat)?

[KK-jbfy]

Sounds better like this in the original than in F