By Agam Darshi
The Calgary
Jazz Festival returns, with headliners Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and
the Cowboy Junkies, as well as many other renowned jazz artists. Among
the array of sounds, festival goers may recognize one or two faces that
are to the University of Calgary.
As a music major, Scott Peterson spends a large portion of his time rehearsing
and playing in a number of Calgary bands. As normal as this seems to other
musicians, Peterson is one of the few bass players majoring in the jazz
program at the U of C. And we’re not talking bass guitar, rather
a giant version of the cello.
When Peterson was younger, learning the bass or playing jazz was never
a conscious aspiration. In fact, as a kid he loathed the jazz records
his dad played at home. Peterson only started to play the bass because
guitar wasn’t offered in junior high; little did he know it would
be the start of an ambitious future as a jazz musician.
In his teens, Peterson played in a few punk rock bands, and was greatly
influenced by groups like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He soon discovered
that jazz is the root of a lot of music. So after his first taste of live
jazz at the age of 16, jazz became a passion. Peterson started off playing
the electric bass, but then moved to acoustic when he began university.
He entered the music faculty, through the guidance of U of C Professor
Warren Rowley. At the age of 22, Peterson has studied in New York at the
Collective with Linchon Goines.
Peterson would like to go to New York after graduation and work with bass
player John Pattucci. His dream is to work with Jazz drummer Jack Dehonnette
and saxophone player Kenny Garrette.
Before we see Peterson make his mark in New York, we all have an opportunity
to see his talents shine here in Calgary. For over a week, the city will
showcase live acts for
the Jazz Festival. Peterson will perform along with Ralf Buschmuyer in
their band, Two for the Road. The duo was created in 1997 and perform
in various clubs around Calgary. They will be performing in and around
Stephen Avenue Mall
during the day, along with other local jazz artists during the festival.