Hilario Durán Trio: Oscar Peterson Tribute

ADMISSION: $25 at the door

The celebrated Cuban-Canadian Piano Master Hilario Durán, along with Roberto Occhipinti (bass) and Mark Kelso (drums), will honour the music of Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time and one of Canada’s most honoured musicians.

The death of Oscar Peterson marked the loss of an incredible human being and a great talent. He was a proud black Canadian whose music has forever shaped our culture and heritage. Peterson’s story will continue to inspire generations to follow their dreams, and the echoes of his dancing fingers will be heard for years and years to come.

Cuban Canadian pianist Hilario Duran, who admired Peterson since he was a child, had the opportunity to study and perform his music, and now, Duran, in a Trio formation, brought his musicianship to the Jazz FM 91.1 airwaves to celebrate Peterson’s musical trajectory at the Oscar Peterson Day.

The music to be performed is a compilation of Peterson’s music, with some of Hilario’s compositions influenced by Oscar; the Trio will perform tunes such as “C Jam Blues,” “Wheat Land,” “Bossa Beguine,” “Hymn To Freedom,” and many more. The repertoire also includes music from the Cuban legend Ernesto Lecuona, arranged by Duran but through Peterson’s vision. On some tracks, Cuban rhythms will be fused with the styles of Oscar’s music in a tribute to his name.

Praise for Hilario Durán:

“He’s one of a kind, on a genius scale.”
— Nick Krewen, Toronto Star

“Passionate, innovative, expressive, dynamic, evocative, sophisticated, genius – superlatives consistently used to describe the towering musicality and virtuosity that is pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader, Hilario Duran.”
— Sharna Searle, The Whole Note

THE MUSICIANS

HILARIO DURÁN

Juno and Grammy 2024 nominee, Finalist of the 2023 Toronto Arts Foundation Award, C.S.A. Nominee 2021 Achievement in Music Original Song – The Cuban Film, winner of the Louis Applebaum Composers Award and winner of various Juno Awards; Hilario Duran is well recognized for his piano playing and composing skills.

The Cuban-born grew up in Havana in a musical family surrounded by various musical influences; Peterson’s music was among the most listened to and studied. After making his mark in Cuba, Duran continued to essay his skills as a pianist, producer, composer, arranger and musical director of remarkable virtuosity. As a classically trained pianist, Duran’s art form describes all musical elements; the originality and quality of his music have been influenced by great musicians such as Oscar Peterson, among many others.

MARK KELSO

Acclaimed drummer Mark Kelso is not only a skilled musician who plays drums and an assortment of percussion, but his ability to play various musical styles helped him become one of Canada’s most sought-after drummers. In addition, Kelso has amassed a solid reputation as a versatile and musical performer who is now one of the first-call players in the country. Mark’s ability to play a wide variety of musical styles has helped him become one of Canada’s most sought-after drummers.

ROBERTO OCCHIPINTI

Imagination, versatility, and technical excellence describe Canadian bassist Roberto Occhipinti, who has been long recognized for his chameleon-like ability to dig into almost any musical form. Bassist Occhipinti has an established presence in both Canadian and international jazz scenes. A five-time Juno Award recipient, Occhipinti is in demand across an astounding range of contexts. He has enjoyed a productive career primarily as a bassist and secondarily as a producer. The Toronto-born has performed in classical orchestras, jazz ensembles, Latin groups, rhythm & blues outfits, and rock bands throughout his career.