One of the hottest jazz groups in the country, The Peter and Will Anderson Trio, brings its combination of standards and original compositions to the Tom Sutherland Stage for one night only, at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.
When the twin brothers were in fourth grade, they started to study clarinet. Both were drawn to the music of jazz legend Charlie Parker, the saxophonist who helped create bebop (a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique and improvisation); the following year they took up saxophone. The Andersons studied at Juilliard because they believe it is important to have classical training as a foundation for understanding, exploring and creating new jazz.
Peter and Will not only play the works of past jazz masters, but seek out the musicians. Before recording “Blues After Dark,” they received several long emails from octogenarian sax player Benny Golson (who performed as a teenager with John Coltrane and composed many jazz standards). The twins have presented tributes to swing giants Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and the Dorsey Brothers. They play with top jazz musicians whenever possible, and have been fortunate to play with many legendary performers.
The trio will feature tunes from their album, Deja Vu (released in 2015, on which Peter and Will each penned four pieces), which suggests that their musical center is rooted in the jazz of the 1950s and 1960s. The album also features a memorable interpretation of Cole Porter’s “Just One of Those Things.”
The Andersons have performed in 26 U.S. States and toured the UK and Japan. The trio—with guitarist Gabe Schnider-will perform at Denver’s Swallow Hill Music on May 30 before coming to Bas Bleu on the 31st.
Bas Bleu sought to bring the Andersons to Fort Collins to complement its current production, Warren Leight’s Tony Award winning SIDE MAN, which highlights a pivotal period for American jazz musicians. Leight’s own father was a jazz musician, a horn player in the legendary, but nearly forgotten Claude Thornhill big band.
Tickets are available from basbleu.org or 970.498.8949 and cost $26 adults, $20 seniors and $13 students.