Brian and I shared a beautiful journey in recovery together. I watched him touch the keys of a piano as well as anyone I’ve seen. Passion and compassion for others defined Brian.  My friend I’ll miss you and all that JAZZ❤️🎹💙🎹🎹🎹

an email to me from Brian  - 40 years ago today I played my first professional gig with my band Plus Four.  It was Calgary's first annual jazz festival and started out as an outdoor showcase on Prince's Island.  In 1980 we lucked into the 2pm to 3pm time slot.  It was a gorgeous day and when I looked out at the crowd from back of stage all I saw was thousands of people. What a thrill.  I was a regular featured artist for the next 20 or so years in our jazz festival... the memories are a flood this evening..

1987 ... my trio with PJ PERRY.  3 nights in a club and the Saturday main stage set on the island which was recorded for CBC Jazz Beat. 
That night at the club in walked the trio of Hugh Fraser, Phil Dwyer and Cam Ryga with their horns.  Thankfully we had the great Kjell Gjerstsen on drums.  His inner beast rose as always to the occasion.  The roof was blown off the joint is what I remember.  More importantly my friendships and associations with Hugh, Phil and Campbell blossomed. I feel incredibly blessed for the music we shared, the knowledge I gained and their friendships. 

Ffwd ... June 19, 1998 the grand reopening of Beat Niq. First night with new Yamaha piano, opening night of festival and the launch of my album Soulstice.  Thanks to Mark DeJong, Gerry Hebert and Rob and Connie for all you did for myself and our community!!!  Thanks for getting the music started down there Viviane. 

Anyway. A few memories.  This lead sheet for Solstice is dedicated along with the CD to my dear friend Alison Waters. Born on summer SOULSTICE. Happy Birthday!!

My Dear Brian!  I will always play your beautiful music  and Soulstice is to US!  Love Forever  xoxoxo 

Remembering Cole Mayert. We never got to play a jazz festival together but with my two amazing sons Franklin and Christian we played a lot of music together. Sending our love to Cole's family,  Hugh Fraser's family.

It is now almost six weeks since Brian said goodbye to us all. Every day I have thought of you and spoken to you, Brian, and it is time now to say a few words. It is never too late to express sincerest condolences to your sons, Franklin and Christian, and all family and friends who loved you dearly. It will take much time to heal our hearts from this loss.
I met Brian in the 90's when we shared the stage at McQueen's, downtown Calgary.  It was a very special time and a very special musical experience. Brian was so young then but such an old soul.
Life pulled us in various directions since those days but I am so very grateful that the Bluesfest 2015 gave us an opportunity to reconnect. Those almost weekly coffee times at "Weeds" were the best visits and a chance for you and Ferdi B. to become close keyboard compatriots and share a wonderful friendship.  Brian, your "Ferdi's Blues" tribute to Ferdi after his passing last year means more to us than we can say. 
I will dearly miss our chats about the most important things in life, always the people we hold close to our hearts. I will never forget how you were always grateful for the love of family and friends,  the privileges and benefits of living in this society and the care you received through your enduring battle with cancer. Throughout it all you considered yourself to be very blessed. 

Thank you for your friendship, your compassion, your humor and your many musical gifts to us all. Thank you, Brian, for your relentless courage and conviction facing this last demon. It kept you with us that much longer.
 You will be dearly missed by your wide, wide circle of musical friends and fans, and always remembered. 
Until such time when we can create music together again, you are now jammin with Ferdi B. and countless others. Play on, dear friend, play on.

It was a privilege to have known Brian as a friend as well as a musical colleague.  I have fond memories indeed of the several weeks Brian spent with Kathy and I in Nanaimo not so long ago playing gigs and golfing. 
I will miss you mate.
Geoff and Kathy Bowen


Brian and I shared a few classes together in high school nearly 45 years ago.  Already then he was so serious about music and especially jazz. He unveiled a twist on IV V I and the rest was (his) history. Meanwhile the rest of us were trying to figure out something interesting to play in a party band. Brian just lead the way in style, perserverence, class, everything. A leader that I lost touch with. I am really sad to hear he is gone. 

Brian,

You were loved and admired by me and so many others. You will be greatly missed by all of us who were touched by your music and your gentle demeanor.

My thoughts and warmest sympathies go out to Brian’s family; his brothers, cousins and especially to his son’s, Franklin and Christian who miss him dearly.

My relationship with Brian extends back to the simpler but exciting times of our early gigs and bands.   A natural leader, Brian was always generous, humorous, insightful, encouraging and genuine.   Our paths criss crossed over the years.   Some memories are simple and fun, some much more complicated but very enriching in that complication; his friendship, a gift.

I marvel at the many accomplishments during his last couple years.   In that short and challenging time, there was lots of music; playing, writing and even producing his very fine solo album but most importantly, there was a great deal of healing and coming to peace.  

Brian, you wrote a lovely coda to your life.

I first met Brian when we joined the showband on an NCL ship in 2015.  We had an immediate personal and musical connection that led to a years-long friendship I will cherish for the rest of my life. His passion for the music was palpable and real, evident the moment he sat down at the piano. His conversational style of playing was a perfect reflection of his sincere, humble, and thoughtful personality. When the music stopped, that mindset continued when he engaged with everyone around him. I remember long discussions not only about music but also spirituality, philosophy, art, politics, and most importantly, the friends and family he loved. It pains me that we will never get the opportunity to play together again but I will always hold his memory close to my heart. 

Brian and I are second cousins, although I did not meet him until my grandparents 75th anniversary at my Aunty Jean's place in Buck Lake in 1997. I found out he was seriously into jazz, and after chatting for a while, he gave me one of his cd's. The next time I saw him was at my Gran's funeral, in 1999. We kept in touch over Facebook. We had a great visit over a sushi dinner in Victoria one night in 2015, when he was playing on a cruise ship that was docked in Victoria. He talked about his sons, whom anyone could see meant the world to him, and also about jazz. He was such a soft spoken, kind soul, and I feel bad I didn't get to know him better. Sending love to his family.

I was so sorry to hear of Brian's passing.  I went to school with Brian and recently reconnected through the James Fowler Facebook group.  I saw Brian play a couple of times in the last 2 years and was so impressed how the love he had for music came through loud and clear.  He was a compassionate and caring man.  I know I will miss our coffee dates and chats.  My deepest condolences to Brian's family.  

So very sad to hear of Brian's passing. A true gift to the listener to hear someone dive deeply into the soul of a tune and make magic in the moment. A subtle, thoughtful interpreter, a gentleman with a great sense of humor. 
Hey Brian, who booked that weekend at the Rotunda anyway?!?!

Bill McCormick and Nancy Winters

I met Brian a few years ago after I moved back to Calgary. I loved his gorgeous piano playing and sensitive emotional approach to the standards from the first time I heard him. I did get a chance to sing with him too which was a joy. We visited a couple of times over the last year and talked about everything past and present, even recording something together. Music was his soul. He was such a lovely person and  I will miss him.

On behalf of the Pro Arts Society we would like to offer our condolences  to Brian’s family.  He was a true friend of the Society  and gave many wonderful performances at our Wednesday concerts.  It was always a pleasure to have him with us a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Rest In Peace Brian you will be missed by many.

I was fortunate to meet Brian on a couple of contracts onboard cruise ships. I admired him for his simplicity, his great sense of humour and his overall musicality. He was my idol and I adored listening to him talk about all the jazz artists he had met over the years. He showed me around in NYC the first time I visited.  I will always cherish our conversations and those late night hangouts.
May God grant you eternal rest Brian and may he comfort your family in this difficult time.

I joked on his Facebook page about being a “Jazz Hero”, but he really was! One of the best muscians/friends/human beings that I’ve met.

Karen and I were so very sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Brian was a kind soul, a good friend, and a super-talented musician. He will be missed by all who knew him. We send our sincere condolences to his family members and close friends.   

Played many a jazz gig with Brian in the 1980's. A gifted musician and all around great guy. I'm fortunate enough to have several live recordings from that time and never tire of listening to his wonderful interpretations. A sad day indeed and a monumental loss  for the musical fraternity. I will hold his memory close. 

My fondest memories of Brian were when his Jazz Trio played at our annual bash at the family cabin in Invermere, back in the 80’s. Many friends experienced Brian amazing talents during this time. 
The other memories were sharing tons of laughter and great food at the New Years Day feast at Mike and Norma’s. 
I so miss those times. 
I will miss your kind demeanour and soft spirit. . 
God Bless.
Bill Buchanan
Union Bay, BC

Brian was my friend, and person I loved.    My condolences to his family. 

My love and deepest sympathy to Franklin and Christian and to all of Brian's family, whom he cherished.  This is a touching tribute that captures Brian so beautifully.  It was a great honour to  know, love and share the stage with Brian for many years. The loss to our jazz community is immense but thankfully we have the gift of his music that will live on forever.  I will treasure the many memories we shared and I will  love you forever, my dear brother of the heart.  

God received another angel in Brian. My wonderful talented cousin was an amazing artist but also an amazing person.  My best memories go back to childhood family get togethers . His gifts were so displayed in his music but also in his love for family. May the memories of Brian comfort those who loved him.


Sending deepest sympathies to Brian's family and friends.  My husband, Ralf Buschmeyer knew Brian and I met him a few times. May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Brian Edward Buchanan

September 19, 1961 – August 16, 2021

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

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