In the world of music, the vibration left by the life and music of renowned jazz musician Peter Appleyard is a legacy that will resonate with generations to come.
Appleyard died of natural causes on his farm near Eden Mills on July 17. He was 84 years old.
“Peter Appleyard was a gentle and generous man who also happened to be one of the jazz world’s greatest artists,” said Linda Sword, friend of the Appleyards, who produced and coordinated the Jazz in the Barn fundraiser held on Appleyard’s property this May, along with her spouse John Cripton, president of Great World Artists, and Appleyard’s manager this past year.
Appleyard, a vibraphonist, percussionist and composer earned his place on the big stage next to some of the world’s greatest musicians including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dick Hyman, Rob McConnell, Hagood Hardy, Guido Basso, Diana Krall, Anne Murray, Count Bassie and Oscar Peterson. He played with Benny Goodman’s band for eight years.
His passion for music was infectious and the artist told Advertiser reporter David Meyer, in an interview last year, “It’s still fun. As long as what I’m doing is in a musical environment, I’m happy. When I went into music, I didn’t think of monetary gain. It’s pure satisfaction,” Appleyard said.
“The only time it’s work is driving or flying – and waiting in lines at airports. If you’re lucky, you get dinner,” the artist said.
Noel Edison, artistic director of the Elora Festival welcomed Appleyard to the annual summer concert series on numerous occasions, including most recently a performance on July 27, 2012, after which the pair discussed their careers in music.
Edison said Appleyard “talked about how much he loved performing.”
“Peter Appleyard is one of the icons of his generation and a great Canadian jazz musician,” Edison said. “He has performed at the festival numerous times, attended concerts and was a great supporter of the Elora Festival.”
Edison notes that festival organizers and audiences alike were saddened to hear of Appleyard’s passing and will miss his presence.
Appleyard came out of retirement in 2012 to release two new albums, The Lost 1974 Sessions, recorded in 1974 with Hank Jones and Slam Stewart, and Sophisticated Ladies, featuring Canadian vocalists such as Molly Johnson and Emilie-Claire Barlow.
Meyer fondly recalls meeting the artist and was saddened to hear of his passing.
“He had a terrific final hurrah, though, and was busier these past 18 months than he has been in years. The music world in particular will miss him. I am so glad I had a chance to meet him and even share a round of golf or two with him. He was a great guy,” said Meyer.
Appleyard was born Aug. 28, 1928 in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, England, but his career would take him all over the world. Canada was the place he called home, with his wife Elfrieda, and their family. His involvement in the local community was important to his neighbours.
“Those of us who lived in Peter’s neighbourhood, in Rockwood, Eden Mills and Nassagaweya, were privileged to enjoy the casual encounters at the bank or grocery store, and to revel in his local performances at Heaven on Seven, in the Eden Mills Community Hall and other local venues,” said Sword.
Celebrating his birthday in grand style, Appleyard hosted Jazz in the Barn at his property in Nassagaweya, inviting friends Guido Basso on trumpet, Jane Bunnett on saxophone, Terry Clarke on drums, Joe Sealey on piano and Dave Young on bass. Like Appleyard, each of these jazz musicians are recipients of the Order of Canada.
Jazz in the Barn raised $16,000 for the Eden Mills It Takes a Village initiative to create a model of sustainability by becoming a carbon-neutral community.
“I am privileged to promote and contribute to the exemplary environmental advances my neighbours in the village of Eden Mills are making. They are a friendly and foresighted community,” said Appleyard, in a recent press release promoting the event.
“Often he shared in our local events without fanfare; just as often he offered a performance in support of important local causes – all this during a career which took him on international tours and onto world-class stages,” said Sword.
“You can be sure that wherever he went, communities welcomed him back as one of their own too. He was a friend to the world, his smile was like sunshine and his stories about his encounters with the great artists of twentieth century jazz were told with great humour and perfect timing, with a gentle evocation of their historical and geographical settings. His last performance took place in his 1895 barn – a superb concert and now, sadly, a grand finale.”
At Jazz in the Barn Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White, left, presented Appleyard with commemorative certificates from Wellington County and Guelph-Eramosa Township to celebrate both Appleyard’s 85th birthday (on Aug. 26) and his jazz contribution both locally and abroad. During his career Appleyard was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Guelph, and became a Fellow at York University. He was the only Canadian ever to receive The Satchmo, named for the late Louis Armstrong, of which only ten have been awarded.
Appleyard’s life will be honoured with a memorial in August. Details have yet to be confirmed. For more information on the life and work of Peter Appleyard visit www.peterappleyardvibes.com.
