Errol Buddle: The Jazz Maestro from Down Under
The Dawn of a Musical Prodigy
Born on April 29, 1928, in Adelaide, Australia, Errol Leslie Buddle’s musical journey began at a young age with the banjo and mandolin. His life took a turn in 1944 when he attended a performance by Bobby Limb, sparking his passion for jazz.
The Conservatorium Years: A Period of Growth and Exploration
Buddle’s pursuit of music led him to the Elder Conservatorium of Music and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Here, he was introduced to the bassoon, an instrument that would become a significant part of his musical identity. Over the years, Buddle’s musical repertoire expanded to include fourteen reed instruments and several others, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.
A Career Marked by Milestones and Achievements
In 1946, Buddle embarked on a new chapter of his career when he moved to Melbourne and began playing the radio circuit. His talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1951, he was performing weekly at the renowned nightclub Chequers in Sydney. The following year, Buddle and Don Varella moved to Windsor, Ontario, where Buddle joined the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. His performances in Detroit, Michigan, brought him into contact with Elvin Jones and Johnnie Davis, leading to fruitful collaborations that further enriched his musical journey.
The Formation of The Errol Buddle Quartet and The Australian Jazz Quartet
Buddle’s performances at the jazz club Klein’s caught the attention of the club’s manager, George Klein. Impressed by Buddle’s talent, Klein asked him to lead what would later become known as the Errol Buddle Quartet. In addition to his work with the quartet, Buddle co-founded The Australian Jazz Quartet with Jack Brokensha, Bryce Rohde, and Dick Healey. The quartet served as the backing band for several musicians and toured extensively throughout North America. In 1958, they returned to Australia for a tour before disbanding.
The Later Years: A Continuation of Musical Excellence
Even after the disbandment of The Australian Jazz Quartet, Buddle continued to make music. He formed a fusion band with Mark Isaacs on keyboards and performed occasionally. Buddle’s commitment to his craft was evident in his daily practice sessions, which often lasted for hours. His mastery of various wind instruments earned him recognition as one of the world’s most accomplished wind players. His innovative approach to music and his constant pursuit of excellence left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of witnessing his performances.
The Final Note: A Life Well Lived
Errol Buddle passed away at his home in Potts Point, New South Wales, on February 22, 2018, at the age of 89.
By 2000 Errol Buddle’s discography was closing in on 100 titles involving as many as ten different instruments.
With the Australian Jazz Quartet
- The Australian Jazz Quartet (BCP 1031): This album, released in 1955, showcases the unique sound of the quartet.
- The Australian Jazz Quartet (BCP 6003): Another album from 1955, this recording further establishes the quartet’s distinctive style.
- Australian Jazz Quartet/Quintet (Bethlehem BCP-6002): Released in 1956, this album reflects the group’s evolution into a quintet.
- Australian Jazz Quartet/Quintet (UK London Jazz LTZ-N15065): This 1957 release features the quintet’s unique interpretations of jazz standards.
- The Australian Jazz Quintet: at the Varsity Drag (Bethlehem BCP-6012): Released in 1956, this album showcases the quintet’s innovative approach to jazz.
- Selections Of Rogers And Hammerstein Interpreted By The Australian Jazz Quintet: This 1957 release features jazz interpretations of Rogers and Hammerstein classics.
- Modern Jazz Performance Of Kurt Weill’s Three Penny Opera: This 1958 album features the quintet’s take on Kurt Weill’s famous opera.
- Free Style: Released in 1959, this album showcases the quintet’s free-form jazz style.
- He performed with a variety of groups and artists, including the Daly-Wilson Big Band, Jack Brokensha Quartet, Judy Bailey Orchestra, Julian Lee Orchestra, Sven Libaek And His Orchestra, The Australian Jazz Quartet, The Australian Jazz Quintet, The Errol Buddle Orchestra, The Errol Buddle Quartet, The Errol Buddle Quintet, and The Nolan-Buddle Quartet.
