Oscar Peterson is being remembered this evening at a concert honouring what would have been the Canadian jazz-legend’s 90th year.
One of the highlights is sure to be a duet by the great Oliver Jones and the young man who may well continue the legacy, Daniel Clarke Bouchard.
Clarke Bouchard is 15 years-old but he’s been wowing audiences for several years now. Oliver Jones, 81, has been following the young pianist since he was a child.
“[Daniel was] playing Carnegie Hall [in New York City] at 11 years old. I didn’t get there until I was 62 and I was lucky to get there at that age,” Jones told CBC reporter Shari Okeke.
“Call me Ollie” is the name of the event, organized by Jones, one of Peterson’s proteges and a childhood neighbour. Proceeds will help pay for repairs at the Union United Church, where Oliver Jones first saw Peterson play.
“I don’t think I would have been a jazz pianist today if I hadn’t seen (Peterson) at such an early age,” Jones said.
Some of the proceeds will also go to installing an elevator in the landmark church. “There’s a lot of us elderly people there in the church that need it,” Jones said.
Clarke Bouchard is thrilled to help his friend and mentor. “[Oliver Jones] has such a great aura that he gives off. He’s taught me a lot,” Clarke Bouchard said.
“It’s an honour to play with him.”
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