Esteemed musician and scholar Peter Narvaez passed away early this morning in St. John’s, NL. As an undergrad, I took one of Peter’s Jazz & Blues courses at Memorial. It’s one thing to listen to great blues recordings on your own and be amazed at the depth of feeling captured on wax. But when Peter would bring his guitar to class and play, we were exposed to a living history. He had an endless supply of stories detailing his life in music with some of the heaviest players. Peter’s commitment to scholarship and performance is one of the aspects of Peter’s life that inspires me most. One serves the other. I came to realize that a thorough and intimate knowledge of where music comes from deepens the experience of performance and listening.
We remained in touch casually over the years and he was always extremely supportive of me in my own efforts as a teacher and performer. He offered me several excellent suggestions as I designed the Jazz History course here at UVic. Most recently, we chatted happily about his recent CD The Superpickers which I am proud to be a small part of. Peter Narvaez is one deep, inspiring human. I am eternally thankful that he made his home in Newfoundland. What is it about Newfoundland that attracts so many amazing, insightful and talented folks from away?
Click here for a full biography of Peter including some priceless pics.
Peter with my main man Steve Hussey at Steve’s place in Portugal Cove.
My thoughts are with Holly and all of Peter’s family and friends.
Fondly,
Patrick
