Herb Ellis

This riveting music documentary traces the history of Jazz piano legend Oscar Peterson, from his early days as Montreal's teenage Boogie-Woogie sensation through his meteoric rise to international celebrity with Norman Granz and the ground-breaking Jazz at the Philharmonic and beyond. In this award-winning autobiographical portrait, legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson narrates his story, from his beginnings in smoke-filled Montreal clubs to hallmark performances with jazz greats. Concert footage includes an unforgettable combo -- Nat King Cole with Jazz at the Philharmonic and the Oscar Peterson Trio Wall reunion. Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie are interviewed, among others. - Ray Brown, Herb Ellis, Ella Fitzgerald

This film presents a classic Herb Ellis performance from 1981, with Dave Maslow on bass. It also includes backstage interviews, biography, discography, and The Herb Ellis Signature 165s. Ellis, an excellent bop-based guitarist with a slight country twang to his sound, became famous playing with the Oscar Peterson Trio during 1953-1958.