KENT, Conn.—The Sherman Chamber Ensemble this Thanksgiving weekend will present “All That Jazz,” a tribute concert celebrating the 100th birthdays of jazz legends Oscar Peterson and Mel Tormé.
The concerts will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 4 p.m. at Christ Church, 17 Church Road in Pawling, N.Y., and on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, 1 North Main St. in Kent.
Eliot Bailen, artistic director and cellist of the ensemble, promises a concert of soulful and swinging music that pays tribute to these legends and their contributions to the genre.
Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest jazz pianists, recorded more than 500 albums and earned eight Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. His extraordinary career was further recognized with prestigious international honors such as the Praemium Imperiale World Art Award, the UNESCO Music Prize, France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and sixteen honorary doctorates.
Bailen joins a group of accomplished musicians including noted jazz pianist Ted Rosenthal, Julia Bailen (vocals), Chris Parker (drums), Thomson Kneeland (bass) and Susan Rotholz, (flute) in a program that also includes selections from Rosenthal’s and Parkers’ newly released albums.
Born in Montréal’s Little Burgundy, Peterson’s talent and dedication to jazz soon caught the attention of Norman Granz, founder of Jazz at the Philharmonic. At just age 24 Peterson made a surprise debut at Carnegie Hall, launching a lifelong partnership with Granz’s touring ensemble. He went on to perform with jazz legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Roy Eldridge and Lester Young.
Spanning nearly seven decades, Peterson’s career was defined by relentless touring and an unwavering devotion to his craft—bringing the spirit of jazz to audiences around the world.
Mel Tormé was an American musician of rare versatility whose smooth voice and impeccable phrasing made him a legend.
Tormé first rose to prominence during the Big Band era, earning acclaim as a gifted songwriter, arranger, drummer and vocalist. His early success led to appearances in MGM musicals, where his charm and vocal precision captivated audiences. Ethel Waters once described him as “the only white man who sings with the soul of a black man,” a testament to the depth and authenticity of his jazz expression.
Beyond performance, Tormé’s songwriting talents left a lasting mark on popular music. He composed the music and co-wrote the lyrics for the holiday classic “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”), one of the most enduring standards in the American songbook.
Throughout his long career, Tormé was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards with several wins, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. His artistry, sophistication, and deep love of jazz secured his place among the greatest.
General Admission tickets are $30; children ages 16 and under are admitted free. Purchase advance tickets online at www.SCEmusic.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, subject to availability. For information or reservations call 860-355-5930.
Founded in 1982 by cellist Eliot Bailen, rrtistic director, and flutist Susan Rotholz, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble offers a year-round schedule of performances for all ages at venues in Connecticut and New York.
SCE offers Baroque programs, a summer chamber music series, educational activities and a year-round slate of musical events showcasing the best of live musical performance, from classical to bluegrass to jazz – plus children’s and family concerts, school residencies and pop/rock coffeehouses. In addition to concert subscription and ticket sales, support comes from private foundations, local businesses, many generous individual donors and the State of Connecticut Office of the Arts.