When I woke up this morning, I found my phone and social media pages blowing up with the news that the extraordinary composer and musician Brian Pickell had died. I felt gutted. Canada has lost one of its most exceptional musical talents. For over thirty years, Brian made music with some of the best in the world, but more than that, he has left a tremendous legacy of original compositions that are now heard and being covered around the world.
The exceptionally talented fiddle player Pierre Schryer said, “We’ve lost a giant in the world of true Canadian music. A gentleman with wit that made you feel like part of the gang. He’s left a footprint in the sand with his gentle soul and a whisper in the air with his beautiful music. A musical legend and dedicated friend and family member who will be sorely missed. I’ve lost a friend; his name is Brian Pickell.”
Pierre’s sister, pianist Julie Schryer, shared this memory: “It was truly an honour to play music with Brian in both the Pierre Schryer Band and then “The Brian Pickell Band”, which we encouraged Brian to start because we truly believed he needed to share his music with the world. What a wonderful and cherished journey it was to play with Brian, James Stephens, Shane Cook, Mark Sullivan, Michelle Legere, and Pat O’Gorman over the years.” During the Brian Pickell Band era, Brian composed a lot of terrific songs as well.
His connections with the Schryer family and Brian went back many years, and many of Brian’s wonderful tunes and songs were inspired by family and close friends. He supported the AlgomaTrad music and dance camp for many years.
Brian was a founding member of The Humber River Valley Boys bluegrass band in the 1970s, a band that extensively toured festivals all over Canada, and produced three albums of music.
When a repetitive strain injury forced him to stop playing, Brian used his prodigious photography talents to work for the Toronto Star. Brian authored several books, including The Official Hockey Canada History of the legendary 1972 Canada vs. Russia Tournament, along with two full-colour books with musician and luthier Grit Laskin on the World of Instrument Making.
In the late 1980s, Brian returned to professional music, joining Ian Bell in The Dawnbreakers. They produced three albums and occasionally played for Stuart Maclean’s Vinyl Cafe on CBC Radio 1. Brian also went on to play with the Pierre Schryer Band in 1994, producing three albums with them and touring widely in Canada, the USA, and overseas.
Brian also recorded with the Schryer Triplets, Grit Laskin, Oliver Schroer, and Sneezy Waters. Brian was also a gifted teacher of mandolin, guitar and composition and he worked with students at the Northwest Festival in Smithers, B.C., and the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival in Ontario.
At the urging of musical friends, Brian decided to make his music accessible to everyone. With Canada Council support, in 2002, he produced the first album of his own compositions and songs. He engaged that musical team of the top players in Ontario to form The Brian Pickell Band. A CD was produced along with a 51-tune book titled “Fresh Canadian Fiddle Tunes.” As a fiddle player myself, these resources became indispensable in my car and my music room.
A second CD and book, Entwined, followed, and so did the concert tours. For several years, I produced live music events in the Caledon/Orangeville area northwest of Toronto. The Brian Pickell Band concerts were always the best, and Brian’s gentle soul made you want to spend as much time in his presence as you could. And, when he played for dances, you felt your feet were on air.
In 2008, Brian’s arm felt well enough to begin playing his banjo again. More tunes fell out of his fingers and the CD “Friday Night in Town” was the result. In 2013, there was another tune book, and in 2014, the CD “Waves” was released. Brian was awarded the Tradition Bearer of the Year award at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, and when it was known that Brian’s health was fading, the AlgomaTrad music camp in 2023, organized a “Brian’s World” week to honour his music and accomplishments.
It’s a sad day, for sure. Thank goodness we have the immortal wealth of recordings and tune books that Brian has left us. His legacy will live on.
Some time at eve,
When the tide is low
I will slip my moorings
And sail away…”
– Poem by Elizabeth Clark Hardy, sung during Brian’s Week at AlgomaTrad
