A Tribute To Oscar Peterson, October 18, 2006
Hammell Music. Here are some "notes" from one of
their recent press releases:
Pianist Steve Richko, bassist Paul Keller and
drummer Pete Siers are a jazz trio with considerable
experience, talent, energy, and frequent flyer miles.
Their newest project, A Tribute To Oscar Peterson,
honors the musical legacy and genius of one of the
world's greatest jazz pianists, Oscar Peterson. The
trio salutes Oscar Peterson by performing several of
Oscar's compositions and arrangements including
classic songs from Oscar's Canadiana Suite and
West Side Story albums. The trio also presents
several of their own original arrangements dedicated
to the style of the Oscar Peterson Trio. Oscar
Peterson developed and elevated the art of the jazz
trio. The Richko/Keller/Siers Trio use Oscar's high
standards as the bar by which all other jazz
performances are measured. Their Tribute To Oscar
Peterson is an entertaining musical event that
amazes and delights casual listeners as well as the
serious jazz purists.
Pianist Steve Richko lives in Dearborn, MI. He is a
27-year-old wunderkind who fell in love with the
music of Oscar Peterson at the age of 12. Since
then, Steve has made a thorough study of Oscar's
piano artistry and career. Today, Steve Richko is
regarded as one the finest young pianists on the
Detroit jazz scene. Steve's virtuosic piano technique
is astounding and his understanding of ensemble
playing and trio arranging makes for a spectacular
presentation. He plays with great feeling and
emotion, at once lush and rhapsodic, then bluesy
and greasy, then lightning fast bebop! Steve
Richko's musical star is just now rising and the sky is
the limit for this amazing jazz sensation!
Bassist Paul Keller is well known, not only for his work
with singer/pianist Diana Krall and guitarist Russell
Malone, but also as the leader of several other jazz
bands that play regularly at the Firefly Club in Ann
Arbor, MI. Keller leads the 15-piece Paul Keller
Orchestra on Mondays and the 7-piece Paul Keller
Ensemble on Wednesdays at the Firefly Club. Paul is
lovingly referred to as the "House Bass Player for the
State of Michigan" because he logs so many miles
traveling to perform all over the state with so many
great jazz musicians. Paul also travels nationally and
world-wide with Diana Krall, Eddie Higgins, Tom
Saunders, Marcus Belgrave and Dave Bennett.
Keller has accompanied many jazz notables including
Joe Williams, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dee Dee Bridgewater
and Jeff Hamilton. Keller was voted 2003 Jazz
Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz
Society. 13 of Paul's original orchestra arrangements
were recently performed by clarinetist Dave Bennett
and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the DSO's
Tribute to Benny Goodman concert. Paul just
returned from a 3 week tour of Japan and South
Korea with the marvelous pianist Eddie Higgins. In
September, Paul will be on the road with Diana Krall
to London, Germany, NYC, Toronto and then to L.A.
for an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay
Leno on Monday, September 18! Check out Paul
Keller's website at www.pkorecords.com.
Pete Siers is everyone's favorite drummer. Pete and
Paul Keller grew up playing together. They have
been a rhythm section team for over 23 years! Their
many hours spent together on many bandstands is
reflected in their uncanny telepathic communication.
Siers is known as the tastiest drummer around. His
subtle use of wire brushes and mallets must be heard
to be believed. Pete possesses a sensitivity that few
drummer can achieve. Whether he is quietly
supporting the piano and bass, swinging the band
with sticks or taking off on his own fantastic
percussion solo, Pete always adds a spark and verve
to the music that only he can bring. Pete has
recorded over 30 jazz CDs. He is a regular at the
Firefly Club and backs up all the big name jazz acts
that come through Ann Arbor including Frank
Morgan, Roseanna Vitro and Johnny Varro.
Location CLICK HERE
Call: (248) 624-8111