The ‘Celebrating Oscar’ Quartet’ is a new quartet playing inventive arrangements of Oscar Peterson’s original compositions together with music that he was associated with. We focus on bringing the infectious swing of Oscar’s groups, as well as showcasing his compositional ability and virtuosic piano style.
The pianist acknowledges his influences as Bill Evans, Errol Garner and of course Oscar Peterson to whom he pays tribute with this fine album. Stockdale has got the approach to the music here spot on. A dozen songs written by or associated with the great pianist and tastefully arranged for the quartet.
There are no pyrotechnics and Stockdale does not feel the need to emulate Peterson in any way, just deeply swinging jazz played with joy and integrity.
The quartet features Gavin Barras on bass, Gaz Hughes on drums Tim Williams on guitar