Scott Routenberg; Live At Merrimans' Playhouse:

Oscar Peterson Tribute Oscar Peterson, my first piano hero, to this day remains a swinging genius who will forever become a “top of the mountain” legacy in the jazz world. So just how wonderful is it that pianist Scott Routenberg has given us the gift of this beautiful remembrance of this giant of the art of jazz. Along with trio mates Michael Santos, bass, and Cassius Goens III, drums (Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen if you will) the three shine on nine of Oscar's classics. It is interesting to note that a few tunes date towards the latter part of his life with titles like “City Lights” and “Cool Walk”. I was also thrilled with the presence of two pieces from Oscar's beloved Canadiana Suite, “Wheatland” and “March Past”. But it doesn't stop there. He had more than a passing flirtation with Bossa Nova, and so we are treated to “The Girl From Ipanema” and “Corcovado”. Decades ago Oscar's trio spun my head around with a dazzler called “Blues For Big Scotia”. It acts as a perfect closing theme on this session. And here it is again! Thank you, Scott and friends, for keeping alive the true genius of Montreal's gift to the world, Oscar Emmanuel Peterson.

Chroma Note Records; 2026; appx. 56 min.