Bob Bequillard, drummer for Connecticut’s famous Galvanized Jazz Band passed away on October 11th, he was 92. An accountant by day he was also a life long jazz drummer. He was taught by Al Lepak at the Hart School of Music, which has one of the oldest specialty percussion programs. He played with the Galvanized Jazz Band for over 50 years. He said his favorite gigs were the summer trips to Music Mountain in Falls Village.
The Galvanized Jazz Band is a magnet for talent passing through the area, and Bob was able to play with Wild Bill Davidson, Teddy Wilson, Zoots Sims, and many other greats. Some of them became friends. Steve Yocum, George Masso, Herb Gardner, Jeff Barnhart (who grew up around the band), and Jay Hickerson & Carol Leigh, dropped in often enough to have CDs released highlighting their appearances. While Bob Bequillard was able to travel with the group to jazz festivals, the more remarkable part is how many musicians traveled to play with him and the GJB. “The GJB’s Official Shameless Name-Dropping List” on their website includes over 100 guests. He will be missed by many.
