Cornetist Peter Ecklund died on April 8th after a long battle with Parkinson's. In the mid 1960s while still at Yale he began jamming with a group of musicians who would become The Galvanized Jazz Band, a popular New England group that continues to this day. As time went on he subbed with the New Black Eagles Jazz Band, also in the North East.
By the early 70s his skilled playing led to a full time career making horn arrangements, touring and or recording with the David Bromberg Band, Greg Allman, Bonnie Rait, Maria Muldaur, and Paul Butterfield. In the decades to come he recorded in studio with many others including Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, and Loudon Wainwright. His experience playing other styles of American roots and popular music at the highest levels added depth to his jazz playing.
In the 80s he earned wider recognition in his own jazz career. He toured and recorded with Leon Redbone and in 1986 joined the band he is most known for, the Orphan Newsboys with Marty Grosz. In 1987 he became first trumpet with Vince Giordano's Nighthawks, a 1920s dance band.
He recorded on at least 30 jazz albums on labels including Arbors and Stomp Off, sometimes as lead but also with groups including Paris Washboard, the New Jazz Wiz
