Drummer Alvin Queen Dedicates His New CD 'OP' to His Friend Pianist Oscar Peterson to Chart-Topping Reviews at No. 26 on the JazzWeek Charts

​​Legendary drummer Alvin Queen continues to create America's music with his new CD "OP," dedicated to pianist Oscar Peterson to worldwide recognition.​

His current CD entitled “OP,” dedicated to Oscar Peterson, rings true to the reverence he has for a friend who gave him the opportunity to be heard by audiences worldwide. This compilation of music archived is a sincere dedication to the many musical memories they shared on their historic journey together. 

“My love for Alvin is never-ending and I am grateful to him for bringing this project to life and for sharing with us music from a formative piece of his musical journey. This CD is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life as I will my relationship with Alvin. Dear Alvin, thank you for this beautiful physical presentation of the true definition of the word ‘tribute.’ All my love,” says Celine Peterson.

Currently "OP" sits at No. 26 on the JazzWeek charts and climbing.

“This release is being received with so much admiration for those that experienced the wonder of this powerful friendship through recordings and live performances worldwide,” says Jaijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide.

As a legendary artist who has enjoyed a most illustrious career performing with a series of prestigious bands before moving to Europe, Alvin says it was important that he combined his two worlds: the country where he was born and flourishing in foreign countries as a U.S. State Department cultural ambassador touring Brazil, Africa and Japan - a similar role previously held by Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck and Dizzy Gillespie. 

As an expatriate and Swiss citizen, Queen’s growing reputation allowed him to deepen his ties to the thriving jazz community abroad while holding dual citizenship, which he held proudly and lived up to for 30 years. 

“It seemed to be the smartest move for me to spread my life across the seas where my livelihood was welcomed in its highest form,” says Alvin.

Since forfeiting his U.S. passport, Alvin was invited to perform at a program sponsored by the French-American Cultural Foundation entitled “Jazz Meets France.” The program was intended to commemorate the centennial of the United States entry into the first world war and the Harlem Hell fighter’s appearance in France (369th infantry regiment). This particular commemorative event required him to apply for a 01B work visa to participate. Due to the new U.S. travel ban in place, it, unfortunately, took longer than expected and he had to forfeit the opportunity. 

“It may take some time to rectify even though I have been issued six new passports over the past half-a-century with no issues. Jazz has always been about freedom with unlimited possibilities and potential and that is why I keep traveling the world sharing its message, no matter how long it takes to be given the green-light in bringing my artistry back home,” says Queen. 

In the meantime, paying homage to his friend of many years Oscar Peterson with his newly celebrated CD "OP" became his next musical offering to his worldwide audience.

To read an article that goes deeper into the history of Alvin Queen, go to https://alvinqueen.com to learn more. In addition, to hear Alvin's positive attitude on being successful as a child coming up in America, go to https://vimeo.com/ondemand/alvinqueen. 

Alvin’s new CD and LP "OP" has been climbing the jazz charts and is at No. 26 and growing. The project is distributed through Diskunion https://diskunion.net/jazz/ct/detail/1007833049 and can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Op-Peterson-Alvin-Queen-Trio/dp/B07MTYH14F/ref=sr_1_1keywords=Alvin+Queen+OP&qid=1552890938&s=gateway&sr=8-1. 

Be sure to swing by The Jazz Network Worldwide at http://thejazznetworkworldwide.com to enjoy his feature this week.