Peer Wyboris in memoriam
"Don't
worry, I'm a percussionist. I can play carton boxes for this concert if needed".
This phrase is a perfect description of Peer Wyboris, a great musician and a
natural born drummer. It's actually the answer he gave when, during the worst
crisis of the Bilbaina Jazz Club, it wasn't clear if a drum kit was to be
available for his concert.
Without doubt he will be a famous unknown for many people. His professional
career run in parallel to Tete Montoliu, playing with his legendary trio,
together with Horacio Fumero, and, an exception among most jazz musicians, not
pursuing his own projects. He will always be remembered as Montoliu's sideman.
Somehow he is someone who has been with me since I started to love jazz, around
30 years ago. Always with a cap, generally red, and always with that playful
smile on the drums. A very intelligent and easy going person, with a funny and
sarcastic sense of humor.
Actually I cannot count how many times I've seen him playing live, some of them
these last 20 years. But I'm sure I will never forget the last, a concert I
remember like it was yesterday. He had been retired for two years, and he agreed
to come to play for us at the club, where he gave one of the most amazing
concerts I've listened, together with José Luis Canal on the piano, and Jon
Piris on the bass. It wasn't a good moment for Peer, and he really came alive
again when playing the drums. Pure happiness.
Unfortunately health and age don't forgive us, and actually he had serious
health problems some years ago, problems that actually kept him away from the
stage, his life. Peer has left us two days ago, but I'm sure thay he will stay
forever in the memories of jazz lovers and musicians alike. At least he belongs
in my memory.
Rest in peace. Borja Marcos
SEE
HERE PHOTOS OF THE LAST CONCERTS BY ENRIQUE CRESPO
Last actualization: August 31st, 2008