Jazz Police - Honoring Bobby Peterson at the Artists Quarter, February 12-13

One of the biggest losses to the Twin Cities music community in the past decade was the death of pianist Bobby Peterson in 2002. A mentor, teacher, friend and source of inspiration to many local musicians, Bobby’s loss continues to be felt throughout the local jazz scene. In his honor, this weekend (February 12-13), the Artists Quarter hosts its 4th annual tribute featuring many of the reigning giants of local piano. This is a chance to honor one of the greats of local music and showcase our current stars. Bobby’s legacy is alive and well!

Leigh Kamman (MPR, The Jazz Image) described Bobby Peterson as “an artist deserving much wider recognition; he was a supreme accompanist and improviser. He was really just a stunning pianist.” A prodigy who joined the Buddy Rich Orchestra at age 21, Bobby was one of Minnesota’s “First Family of Music,” the descendents of his aunt, Jeanne Arland Peterson, including brothers Russ and Tommy Peterson, and cousins Billy, Patty and Linda Peterson.

Bobby Peterson’s life and music will be celebrated over two nights of jazz trio performances. On Friday, featured pianists include Tommy O’Donnell, Laura Caviani and Chris Lomheim. On Saturday night, the keyboards will be in the hands of Jimmy Hamilton, Mikkel Romstad and Peter Schimke. Billy Peterson (bass) and Kenny Horst (drums) will keep things in time.

Laura Caviani is a well-respected pianist, composer and educator currently on the faculty of St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges in Northfield. She’s a very active performer, regularly appearing with Pete Whitman’s X-Tet, Soul Café, Joan Griffith, and her own trio, as well as touring nationally with vocalist Karrin Allyson. Her most recent CD, Going There, charted high on jazz radio following its release in 2006.
Chris Lomheim was an original member of Illicit Sextet and, like Bobby Peterson, a prodigy on piano and organ who was turning heads when still in his teens. An elegant interpreter of the music of Bill Evans, he performs with nearly every vocalist in town while also finding time to lead his own trio with regular appearances at the Dakota and Artists Quarter.
Tommy O’Donnell has a broad repertoire and a wide range of collaborators. He’s had regular gigs at Maggianos with Gordy Johnson, happy hour stints at Vic’s with Irv Williams, and appears on a long list of recordings with area artists.
Mikkel Romstad©Andrea Canter

If you never had the opportunity to hear Bobby Peterson live, there is simply no way to compensate for that gap. However, it is never too late to pay tribute to one of the legends and to hear his legacy through the music of those he inspired. This will be a very special weekend honoring a very special Minnesota musician.

The AQ Tribute to Bobby Peterson takes place February 12-13, Friday and Saturday nights, 9 pm, at 408 St. Peter Street in St. Paul in the lower level of the Hamm Building. Information at www.artistsquarter.com and 651-292-1359. Bobby’s Live at the AQ CD is still available at the club.