Pianist, educator and author Brian Waite, sadly passed away on
Saturday 21 October following a long battle with leukaemia.

Brian was born in Chadwell Heath, Essex and educated at Abbs Cross Technical School, where the model pupil excelled and obtained 5 high grades at A Level, before entering Liverpool University to study Design in Engineering.
It was while at university that Brian first took up the piano.
He also found time for his other great love, model engineering, for which he received many awards.

A career with various engineering and architecture firms followed, but Brian soon carved out a second career as a musician, becoming professional in 1980.

Brian first came to the notice of the jazz world as co-leader of the much-acclaimed Waite-Dunmall Quartet which toured Britain’s jazz clubs.
After studying with composer / arranger Peter Sander in London, Brian worked extensively on the UK jazz circuit, performing with visiting Americans such as Sal Nestico, Bobby Shew, Nat Adderley, Slide Hampton, Harry Edison and Teddy Edwards.
In addition he worked with many top British musicians and recorded for broadcasts on Radio 2, Radio 3 and local stations.
Brian became the organiser and principal tutor for the Barry Summer School Jazz Course in 1984 and his teachings were published in his book Modern Jazz Piano – A Study in Harmony and Improvisation, described by the critics as the definitive British textbook on Jazz Piano.

Brian appeared on many occasions in Cardiff Jazz Society events, particularly in recent years, in a popular rhythm team with Erika Lyons and John Gibbon, while touring with a Who’s Who of leading British and overseas musicians.

Brian Waite

Musician, educator and author: born November 21 1946, died October 21 2006.