Noah Peterson

...Peterson is more of a finesse player like Josh Redman or Scott Hamilton than a fire-breather like Sonny Rollins or Pharoah Sanders. On cuts such as "Watermelon Man" and "June Bug," Peterson cleverly dodges in and out of the melody and gives the rhythm section plenty of room before a couple of fearless closing solos that set the Biddy's crowd on fire. - Billings Gazette

First stop in Portland is Jazz de Opus and a chance to catch the debut of The Noah Peterson Trio. If you read last month's column the you're familiar with Noah's band "Miles Ahead". Tonight though, it's Noah on Sax, Marcus Reynolds on the Hammond Organ and Charlie Doggett on Drums. The trio blows cool and confident.

Fingers snappin', I drift into a film noir fantasy and a clandestine meeting with a femme fatal. The band takes a break and I snap back to reality. I introduce myself to Noah who turns out to be a laid back guy who left the less than swingin' town of Billings, Montana to soak up the rainy Portland groove. Billings loss is Portland's gain. - Two Louie's

Noah Peterson may not be a jazz household name, but he should be. He has broad musical talent, performing anything from jazz and soul to marimba. Noah is a dynamo, and enterprising, and he makes things happen... He leads his own duo, trio, quartet, quintet, his funky Soul-Tet and performs in others' bands, as well.

This night was a celebration of his new CD Duos & Trios , recorded with Janice Scroggins, Jay Stapleton, Dennis Caiazza and Dave Captein. Dennis was the bassist for the evening.

Noah and Janice start with America the Beautiful, playing it straight, then Noah makes his alto squawk and starts swinging, while Janice starts on piano with a soulful, gospel groove, switching to stride. Next up is a joyful Kenny Baron/Stan Getz arrangement of Rogers & Hammerstein's Surrey with the Fringe on Top. On Harlem Nocturne Noah is soulful and Janice's keys, lush. Noah gives Hoagy Carmichael's Georgia a sweet interpretation on soprano sax, and Dennis's deep sound on bass, gives it a warm feel.

Guitarist Jay Stapleton was visiting from the Bay Area and he and Noah are long-time collaborators. They co-wrote A Sweet Piece of Candy and perform it as a duo, with Noah on alto. It is a fun, joyful piece. They step out of the jazz genre with Neil Young's Sugar Mountain , a gentle melody, with Noah again on soprano. Noah says he wrote My Name is Burns, “a cool little ditty for a cool cat,� for a guy named Burns who used to hang out at Jazz de Opus. And it is cool. Next up is Stanley Turrentine's Sugar.

The second set opens with Noah on soprano, and Jay and Dennis, on a tune that was very, very pretty and Jay plays an enchanting solo. Noah wrote It's a Bossa Thing, a tune with a beautiful melody, and demonstrates fleet fingering on soprano. Jay wrote You'd Never Know, a slow waltz, and it's performed with lilting soprano, captivating guitar and strong, gorgeous bass.

They play three from Noah's CD Noah Peterson, Live at Marylhurst Drive, with Noah on alto; One Summer Day, a sweet bossa, It Takes Two to Tango, a dramatic tune, and Waltz for Tom, a soulful waltz!

Noah composed Coming Home to You for his sweetheart, explaining how hard it is to spend evenings away. It's a melancholy tune, slow and sad. Noah on alto, sounds heartfelt, sweet and tender. Jay continues the mood and Dennis provides one of the most beautiful bass solos I've ever heard. They closed with One Bad Mother, a fun, bluesy tune and went out swinging.

I highly recommend Noah's CD Duos & Trios. - Jazz Society of Oregon

“Brilliant, innovative, stylish and creative.� — George Fuller, KRML (Carmel, CA). An intimate collection of new compositions peppered with works ranging from the soulful “Harlem Nocturne� to Neil Young’s delicate “Sugar Mountain,� saxophonist Noah Peterson’s new release, Duos & Trios, is a shining example of the art of jazz improvisation. The changing small combos’ emotional, captivating performances invite repeated listening. A great release from a new voice in jazz. - Jazziz