The Canadian jazz community is mourning the loss of artist Tony Wilson, who has passed away at the age of 66.
Described by Down Beat Magazine as “a talismanic West Coast figure,” the Hornby Island-based musician died peacefully in his sleep on June 6. He had been a prominent presence in local, national, and international music scenes for many years. Whether as a bandleader or sideman, his unique tone and style made him an invaluable contributor to every project.
Few musicians could switch between various sounds and styles like Wilson did, making him hard to categorize. His broad knowledge of different musical genres and passion for performing earned him a dedicated following among artists from diverse backgrounds.
Open about the challenges he faced throughout life, he infused his work with passion and insight through initiatives like The Homeless Project, a multimedia presentation exploring the issues faced by Canada’s unhoused population.
This project built upon Wilson’s 2015 book A Day’s Life. In this fictional story about a drug-addicted musician living on the streets of Downtown Eastside, he shared aspects of his own struggles. His commitment to truth only enhanced his artistry.
Tony Wilson discusses A Day’s Life project in the Vancouver Province. (photo: Chris Cameron)
Wilson was well-regarded for performing in multimedia settings, including his last show in Vancouver on June 5.
Titled Butoh Jazz, this performance at KW Studios featured Wilson alongside a quartet collaborating with three dancers from Vancouver’s Kokoro Dance company. He was also scheduled to perform at Tyrant Studios that Saturday night.
His visits from Hornby Island typically included multiple performances across various formats. Local promoter Tim Reinert from Infidels Jazz recalls how Wilson would reach out to bookers during these trips.
“Tony would reach out to local promoters, often all of us, and announce what days he would be in town and query if we had a place for this or that project and it always worked out,” he said. “He would sell out a standards show at Frankie’s, then do something like the Albert Ayler the next night for me, and something entirely different after that. There simply is no one else doing that, like that.”
Diane Kadota Arts Management had represented Wilson for many years. Kadota remembers when he came from Ottawa to study music at Malaspina College in Nanaimo under Pat Carpenter. He later trained with renowned artists such as bassist Dave Holland and guitarist John Abercrombie at the Banff Centre for the Arts. Wilson remained a lifelong learner who continuously sought to enhance his musical skills.
“I’m still trying to collect my thoughts about this incredible artist who was one of the most real people that I’ve ever known,” said Kadota. “He did things because he believed in them, not for any external reasons. His feeling for the music or the pursuit came out of his personal drive and his deep respect of those who came before him.”
Beyond leaving an impact on Canadian jazz music, Wilson played an important role in Hornby Island’s arts community. Since moving there almost continuously since 1978, he started the No Horses Music Festival in 2015. He expressed these thoughts about last year’s event:
“My main reason for starting the festival was I wanted the Hornby community to hear great artists who would be unlikely make it to Hornby otherwise. I would like to thank the community for the support it has helped make this happen … It has been my privilege to present all the artists whether they are friends or people I have played with over the years.”
Wilson is survived by his family and will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike. His influence on Canada’s improvised music scene will live on through those whose lives he touched with his art.
sderdeyn
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