Canadians and jazz fans everywhere are mourning the death of Oscar Peterson, surely one of the most talented musicians ever to play jazz piano. He died on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, at his home in Mississauga, Ontario, from kidney failure. He was 82. Peterson was a jazz icon who belonged to the whole world, but we Canadians have a special attachment to this Montreal-born genius of the piano, who spent his later years living in Mississauga. Among the many tribute events being arranged is one scheduled for February 14, Valentine's Day, at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Local promoter Ron Duquette, who filmed the jazz giant in early 2003 for a video, has been asked to oversee the event. Duquette, a long-time admirer of Oscar Peterson, has named the event "Feelings From The Heart." Duquette is currently putting together a program and lineup. He wants to keep ticket prices low and hopes to donate part of the proceeds to World Vision Canada, a favorite charity of Peterson's.

On a more personal note, Chris Daniels, leader of the Climax Jazz Band, well remembers a time, probably August 1976, when the Climax band was asked to play for the dance for the Special Olympics with disabled athletes from all over the world at York University. Chris recalls, "The entertainment organizer called Geoff Holmes, Climax's trombonist at the time, to say that another musician would like to join us in playing for the dance.

"According to the organizer, 'He's been watching the disabled athletes on television and is really moved by their enthusiasm and effort for the sports, despite their disabilities. He would really like to help entertain them at their wind-down dance.'

"'What does he play?' asked Geoff.

"'Piano,' she replied.'He's really good.'

"'Sorry,' said Geoff.'We don't use piano in our band.'

"'Please, just let him play a couple of tunes, and he'll be really happy,' she pleaded.

"'Oh, all right,' said Geoff, 'if you really insist. By the way, what's his name?'

"'Oscar Peterson,' she said.

Chris continued the story, saying, "It was a humid night, and it was raining heavily when the band arrived at the huge tent. The athletes were dancing, doing wheelies in their wheelchairs and having a great celebration. The band was very nervous about what Oscar would think about our rough and ready style, and we fortified ourselves with a few beverages. We said 'Hi!' to Oscar, who told the organizer he didn't need to test out the battered upright piano. We played a couple of tunes and then introduced the great Oscar Peterson. None of us dared to look over to see what he thought of the band. We just played away, with Oscar speeding up like crazy. I eventually looked across to the piano and saw him pounding away with a huge grin on his face, the sweat pouring off him. He was having a great time, playing amazingly, and the athletes were having a great time, too, cheering themselves hoarse in thanks for a wonderful gesture by an incredible Canadian musician and an indefatigable supporter of the disadvantaged. We shall always remember Oscar Peterson."

World-renowned clarinetist and pianist Butch Thompson was to be the featured guest at the Fifth Annual Kid Bastien Forever Jazz Party on Feb. 1-2 at Grossman's Tavern, Spadina Avenue, Toronto. (This column is being written prior to the event but it will have occurred by the time you read this.)

Butch was a student of New Orleans clarinet master George Lewis in the 1960s and has recorded and performed with, among many others, Kid Thomas Valentine, Percy Humphrey, Herb Hall, Eubie Blake, Doc Cheatham, Ken Colyer, as well as Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris! He's toured the world, teaching and performing traditional and early jazz. He may be best known for his 12-year run as house pianist and bandleader for American Public Radio's "A Prairie Home Companion."

At the Bastien party, Butch was to play clarinet with the Happy Pals, moving to the piano for occasional solo features. As usual, many musical guests were expected to will sit in, helping, we trust, to make it an event to be remembered!

The Happy Pals will appear at the London (Ontario) Jazz Society on Sunday, Feb. 10, and on the same day, across the border in New York State, the Jambalaya Jazz Band will hold a Mardi Gras party at Sean Patrick's restaurant at 3480 Millersport Hwy.

The Hot Five Jazzmakers celebrate their 19th year of Saturday matinees at C'est what?, 67 Front St East, Toronto, on Feb. 9 (3 till 6 p.m.). The band is also having a combined Mardi Gras/Valentine's party on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Monte Carlo Hotel in Mississauga. On Feb. 29, the band will play at Sister's Restaurant, 4, Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough.

The Simcoe County Jazz Society, which holds their once-a-month Sunday sessions in Barrie, featured the Ragweed Jazz Band Jan. 20 and has scheduled The Silverleaf Jazz Band to play Feb. 17 and the Hot Five Jazzmakers March 16.

Kevin Clark makes a welcome return to Canada in February and will play with his All Stars at the Lancaster Jazz Club, Kitchener, on Saturday, Feb. 16, with special guest Tim Laughlin from New Orleans on clarinet.

That's about it for this month. If you have any news of Canadian interest, please contact me at briantowers@msn.com.

February 2008 issue | © 2008 The Mississippi Rag

P.O. Box 19068, Minneapolis, MN 55419.