In the first concert of its 2017-2018 season, the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra presents a tribute to pianist Duke Pearson. One of the unsung heroes behind Blue Note’s hard bop and soul jazz albums in the 1960s, Pearson was a superb pianist and arranger who produced and wrote for many of the classic Blue Note albums recorded between 1963 and 1970. He also worked extensively as a leader and sideman including a stint with the Art Farmer and Benny Golson group, The Jazztet. This concert will feature an entire programme of Pearson’s unique, hard-driving, soulful, totally groovy music performed by a nonet and a number of smaller ensembles.

The Ottawa Jazz Orchestra (OJO), based in Ottawa and founded in 2006, brings together many of Canada’s finest professional jazz and symphony orchestra musicians under the direction of bassist Adrian Cho. This unique ensemble has garnered kudos from both critics and audiences for its highly entertaining, innovative and educational presentations of seminal jazz-centric music performed by a diverse range of small and large ensembles.

Purchase tickets for all five season concerts for $140 (regular price $165).
Purchase tickets for any three season concerts for $89 (regular price $99).
Offer available in person at the NAC Box Office or by phone at 613 947-7000 x620.

One lucky audience member at this concert will win a dinner for two at Madisons New York Grill & Bar where a trio from the OJO performs each Saturday night. Details of the weekly lineup of musicians at Madisons can be found at the OJO website at ottawajazzorchestra.com/#madisons.