Jazz Etc. / Paul de Barros
A joyous evening with enduring legend

By Paul de Barros
Seattle Times jazz critic

KAZUYOSHI EHARA / AP Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, 78, who had a stroke in 1993 that left him unable to use his left hand, played with élan at Jazz Alley Tuesday and received two standing ovations.

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Editor's note: Paul de Barros has been on sabbatical for most of the past year. This column marks his return to jazz coverage in The Seattle Times. Look for it here every week.

With the regal yet relaxed air of jazz royalty — of which he is a charter member — pianist Oscar Peterson sat down at the piano Tuesday night before a full house and ruled the realm at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley ($75.50-$95.50; 206-441-9729).

Though a 1993 stroke robbed him of the use of his left hand — which nevertheless floats over the keyboard, almost as if by habit — Peterson still played with the signature conviction, joy and bluesy swing that has made him one of the most adored and popular musicians in jazz.

Silver-haired and wearing a blue formal jacket, Peterson received a standing ovation before and after his set, which went just under an hour. Whether playing twinkling blues riffs or elegiac ballads for friends who have fallen, his calm yet celebratory tone revealed a man happy with himself and grateful to be alive.

At one point, the heavy-set pianist joked that the title of his gorgeous ballad, "When Summer Comes," should really be "If Summer Comes," which got a chuckle out of the appreciative crowd.

This is the third time the 78-year-old Canadian has played here since his long overdue Alley debut, in 2001. His first appearance was like a religious event. This time around, his set felt less solemn, more relaxed and of the moment. Though he still couldn't produce the thunderous, left-hand bass notes that used to punctuate his shout choruses, remarkably, Peterson used his thumb and one or two fingers of his right hand to sound out chords, as he darted through zigzag improvisations.

Ever the virtuoso, Peterson also essayed the audacious, up-tempo runs that made him famous so many years ago. Sometimes this produced a "skating" effect, as he missed notes or fell behind the beat. Nevertheless, his sheer momentum was a pleasure and, like the pro that he is, he always landed on his feet.

But it was the autumnal original compositions, not the barnburners, that cut deepest Tuesday, particularly his "Requiem," composed for fellow pianist John Lewis, who died three years ago. Peterson's tasteful elaborations on this sweet and simple hymn plunged the room into a deep, meditative quiet, broken only by the rapturous applause that followed.

That's not to say heads weren't bobbing during his bluesy closer, as Peterson and bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen played a quick unison riff, or when the pianist gamboled through his brisk opener, "Falling In Love With Love."

Peterson is a swing machine on his own, but his suit-and-tie-clad accompanists — Pedersen; Ulf Wakenius, guitar; and Alvin Queen, drums — girded his performance with solid steelwork, as well as ample solos that gave the master time to rest. Pedersen, in particular, delivered sinewy, locomotive lines. Wakenius delighted the crowd with his quick wit and virtuosity. It was also good to see the excellent Queen, who made some terrific albums in the '80s but hasn't been around much lately.
 
As jazz elders fall — Lewis, Ray Brown, Ray Charles, Elvin Jones, the Northwest's own Jabo Ward, Don Lanphere and Red Kelly — it's hard to feel anything but gratitude — and awe — in the presence of one who endures. Thanks, Oscar.

Peterson plays through tomorrow. There are still seats available.

If you can't make Jazz Alley — or if it's a budget-breaker — you might consider catching Larry Fuller tomorrow. A Seattle pianist who plays in the Peterson tradition and who toured with Peterson's erstwhile bass player, Brown, during his last years, Fuller is a driving, blues-drenched, technically felicitous player whose performances often plumb extraordinary emotional depths. Check out Fuller's trio at 9 p.m. tomorrow at Tula's ($12; 206-443-4221).

Paul de Barros: 206-464-3247

or pdebarros@seattletimes.com