Alto saxophonist and McGill University professor Rémi Bolduc is known for tackling works of some of the greatest jazz geniuses.
Over the years, he’s interpreted compositions by John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker for recordings and in performances.
Now, Bolduc is paying tribute to the late Canadian master Oscar Peterson with a series of concerts in B.C. starting next month.
Next Saturday, the musician will stop by Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre for a show titled Swingin’ with Oscar, featuring his arrangements of a few of Peterson’s most famous tunes: Noreen’s Nocturne, Cakewalk, Place St-Henri and Laurentide Waltz, among others.
He will be accompanied by Taurey Butler on piano, Fraser Hollins on bass and Dave Laing on drums — the same trio that appeared on Bolduc’s Oscar homage CD, his ninth studio album.
Peterson, who died in 2007, may best be known as a gifted pianist “but his music, I’m sure, doesn’t ring a bell with many,” Bolduc said from Montreal today (Friday). “His music is really uplifting and it’s nice to play. That’s why I wanted to take on this project of reintroducing and remembering him.”
Bolduc, who performs regularly with such renowned jazz musicians as Kenny Werner, Ben Monder and Seamus Blake, said he researched his “Oscar Project” by listening to Peterson’s CDs and whittling down his favourites — from 80 to about a dozen songs.
Bolduc said he felt a special kinship to Peterson as he grew up in Montreal, where Bolduc now lives; Bolduc also wanted to single out a Canadian jazz great during the Canada 150 celebrations last year.
As well, Butler — his pianist — is also fluent with the Peterson repertoire.
“When I started the Oscar Project, there was a lot there for me to dig into and I’m glad I did because he’s such a legend,” Bolduc said.
• Tickets for the Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble: Swingin’ with Oscar on Feb. 3 are available through the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) box office at 604-927-6555 or visiting evergreenculturalcentre.ca. The 8 p.m. show is part of the TD Music Series at Evergreen.
