Tribute to Oscar Peterson
– Celebrating the piano and the art of the trio
JULY 30 – AUGUST 29, 2025
Join us at Epicurus for our Tribute to Oscar Peterson, honoring Peterson on what would have been his 100th birthday. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time in any genre, Peterson transformed jazz with his unmatched virtuosity and helped elevate the jazz piano trio format to new heights. This month-long celebration will feature three unique piano trios and a special piano duo, offering both nostalgic tributes and fresh perspectives on Peterson’s legacy. Sir Niels Lan Doky, who has close ties to Peterson, curates this special event, showcasing his deep connection to the legend and his continued influence in the jazz world.
Tribute to Oscar Peterson
The Art of the Trio – Part 1:
JULY 30 – AUGUST 9
Experience a captivating modern piano trio led by British virtuoso Gary Husband, featuring Felix Pastorius on bass and David “Fingers” Haynes on drums. This ensemble delivers a performance that both honors the enduring legacy of the piano trio format championed by Oscar Peterson and offers a fresh, exciting take on this classic instrumentation. With each musician bringing their own distinctive style and expertise, this concert promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Gary Husband
Acclaimed British pianist, keyboardist, and drummer, Gary Husband is a versatile artist known for his collaborations with John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham, blending jazz fusion with classical influences.
Felix Pastorius
Following in the footsteps of his late father, Jaco Pastorius, Felix has carved his own identity as a six-string fretted bass virtuoso, and continues to push the boundaries of jazz bass playing.
David “Fingers” Haynes
David “Fingers” Haynes, a pioneer of finger-drumming, is renowned for his innovative and elegant style, as well as dynamic collaborations with Prince and other major artists across genres.
Piano Duo:
Niels Lan Doky & Geoffrey Keezer
AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 16
Experience an extraordinary event as two virtuoso pianists, Geoffrey Keezer and Sir Niels Lan Doky, perform together on two Bösendorfer 230 Vienna Concert grand pianos. Thanks to Bösendorfer’s generous support, this special concert honors Oscar Peterson, who also holds the distinction of being a Bösendorfer Artist. Witness the remarkable synergy and virtuosity that emerge when two jazz greats share the stage, continuing the legacy of iconic piano duos like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea.
Special Celebration on Oscar Peterson’s 100th Birthday, August 15
To mark Oscar Peterson’s 100th birthday, a unique new rose created by acclaimed Danish breeder Rosa Eskelund will be named “Hymn To Freedom,” after Peterson’s famous 1962 composition. This soulful piece deeply resonated with the social climate of the early 1960s and quickly became associated with the Civil Rights Movement and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The rose will be unveiled, presented, and baptized at Epicurus just before the highly anticipated Geoffrey Keezer/Niels Lan Doky piano duo performance. One-third of all rose sale proceeds will benefit Live4Love—a charity founded by Prince and Mayte Garcia – to provide free piano lessons to underprivileged, musically gifted children worldwide. This heartfelt celebration beautifully weaves together love, music, and generosity, honoring Peterson’s enduring legacy.
Geoffrey Keezer
A Grammy-winning pianist and composer, known for his technical brilliance and inventive harmonies. His career spans collaborations with icons such as Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, and Sting, making him one of the most sought-after pianists in modern jazz.
Niels Lan Doky
Hailed as one of the most important pianists in European jazz over the last five decades, Danish born Sir Doky’s performances are known for their lyrical quality and improvisational brilliance.
Tribute to Oscar Peterson
The Art of the Trio – Part 2:
AUGUST 20 – AUGUST 23
Witness the reunion of three longtime musical associates in this spectacular trio: Sir Niels Lan Doky, François Moutin, and Alvin Queen. Together, they deliver a dynamic performance that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. Moutin, a virtuoso bassist renowned for his breathtaking skill, and Queen, a legendary drummer and longtime collaborator of Oscar Peterson, join forces with pianist Niels Lan Doky, one of Europe’s most influential jazz artists.
Niels Lan Doky
Hailed as one of the most important pianists in European jazz over the last five decades, Danish born Sir Doky’s performances are known for their lyrical quality and improvisational brilliance.
François Moutin
French bass virtuoso François Moutin is known for his breathtaking technique, emotional depth and captivating energy, hailed as one of the greatest living double bass players on the jazz scene.
Alvin Queen
A living legend of straight-ahead jazz, Alvin Queen is the last drummer to have worked with Oscar Peterson. His masterful swing and dynamic style make him a defining force in jazz drumming.
Tribute to Oscar Peterson
The Art of the Trio – Part 3:
AUGUST 27 – AUGUST 30
Experience the extraordinary Geoffrey Keezer Trio, the final band of the late saxophonist David Sanborn. The trio features the fantastic drummer Billy Kilson and outstanding bassist Dezron Douglas. Brilliant and Grammy Award–winning pianist Geoffrey Keezer is internationally acclaimed for his remarkable discography, original compositions, and celebrated performances. A leading figure on New York’s jazz piano scene since 1989—when he became the last pianist for the legendary Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers—Keezer has toured and recorded with jazz greats including Ray Brown, Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman, Diana Krall, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Barbara Hendricks, Wayne Shorter, Dianne Reeves, David Sanborn, Chris Botti, Sting, Joe Locke, and Christian McBride.
Geoffrey Keezer
Grammy-winning pianist and composer known for his technical brilliance and inventive harmonies. He has collaborated with icons like Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, and Sting, cementing his place in modern jazz.
Dezron Douglas
Acclaimed bassist Dezron Douglas is known for his rich, dynamic sound and has collaborated with jazz greats such as Ravi Coltrane, Beyoncé, and Jackie McLean.
Billy Kilson
A dynamic and powerful drummer, Billy Kilson is celebrated for his work with the Dave Holland Quintet and collaborations with Dianne Reeves, Marcus Miller, and George Duke.
A Celebration to Remember
From July 30 to August 29, 2025, the Tribute to Oscar Peterson will honor what would have been Peterson’s 100th birthday on August 15. Throughout his life, Peterson was recognized not only as the ultimate jazz pianist but also as one of the greatest pianists in any genre. With the support of his innovative manager, Norman Granz, Peterson helped bring jazz from clubs into prestigious concert halls, setting new standards for the art form. Granz’s vision even attracted artists like Pablo Picasso, who created the logo for Granz’s Pablo Records label. Peterson’s unmatched virtuosity, personal style, and sense of swing made him a towering figure in jazz, earning standing ovations as soon as he appeared on stage. He was also instrumental in popularizing the now-classic jazz piano trio format of piano, bass, and drums. For our month-long Tribute to Oscar Peterson at Epicurus, we are honoring, featuring, and celebrating the piano and the jazz piano trio format—not only from a perspective of nostalgia but also as a reflection on the current state and future of both jazz piano and the jazz piano trio format, by offering a program of 3 very different piano trios and a piano duo.
Our music director, Sir Niels Lan Doky, has enjoyed a close association with the legendary Oscar Peterson. He received the Oscar Peterson Award in the USA as early as 1983, and in 1997, he produced Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen’s album “This Is All I Ask” for the Verve label, featuring Oscar Peterson as a guest on the track “I Skovens Dybe Stille Ro” (“Tranquility In The Woods”). In 2014, Niels Lan Doky recorded the album “The Oscar Peterson Legacy Quartet” with Peterson’s last band members—Dave Young, Alvin Queen, and Ulf Wakenius—featuring new Oscar Peterson compositions that Peterson himself never had the chance to record before his passing in 2007, made available by his heirs. Remarkably, the album was released as a single copy by Warner Music for auction at Sotheby’s in London in 2015.