To Oscar Peterson with Love at The Appel Room

To Oscar Peterson With Love is a star-studded tribute to master pianist and composer Oscar Peterson. Six extraordinary pianists with deep connections to the legend will perform a collection of Peterson compositions—some of which have never before been heard—and a few new originals written in his honor. The lineup features NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron, Afro-Cuban jazz legend Gonzalo Rubalcaba, rising stars Gerald Clayton and Ben Paterson, and Peterson’s two protégés: Robi Botos and Benny Green.                In addition to stunning solo pieces, they will also perform small group numbers with the most perfect rhythm section imaginable...

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To Oscar Peterson With Love is a star-studded tribute to master pianist and composer Oscar Peterson. Six extraordinary pianists with deep connections to the legend will perform a collection of Peterson compositions—some of which have never before been heard—and a few new originals written in his honor. The lineup features NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron, Afro-Cuban jazz legend Gonzalo Rubalcaba, rising stars Gerald Clayton and Ben Paterson, and Peterson’s two protégés: Robi Botos and Benny Green.                In addition to stunning solo pieces, they will also perform small group numbers with the most perfect rhythm section imaginable. Drummer Jeff Hamilton and guitarist Ulf Wakenius each spent years playing in Oscar Peterson’s Trio and Quartet and in small groups led by Ray Brown, Peterson’s long-time bassist. Brown’s main protégé and legacy-keeper is tonight’s music director, bassist John Clayton, who has also spent over 30 years co-leading the unstoppable Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with Jeff Hamilton. This group has the kind of chemistry, virtuosity, and first-hand experience of which most tribute projects can only dream.                Vocalist extraordinaire and close friend of the Peterson family, Paul Marinaro, joins us from Chicago for a couple of special tunes. Oscar’s daughter Céline Peterson will host the event, providing rare and enlightening insight into her father’s brilliant mind. When this show came to the Chicago Symphony Center in 2017, the Chicago Tribune simply asserted “The world needs to hear it.” If you’re in New York, this is your chance!

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