Peter Galpin obituary

by Kathy Turner

My brother Peter Galpin, a talented jazz, blues and soul guitarist, has died aged 62 after suffering from mesothelioma. For the past 20 years he lived in Oxford, where he became well known in the local music scene. He used the nickname "Mr Chill Out" and participated in many community projects.

Dai Amos, who played with Peter in Blues Rumour, said: "Peter had a unique laidback style, part groove, part jazz which he enjoyed playing at various venues in Oxford. He could often be found hanging out at the Music Box, talking politics in the Excelsior and jamming at the Chester." His friend Tony Jezzard of the group Reservoir Cats described Peter as "a restless intellectual and musical spirit, sometimes challenging but always generous with his time and opinions. His knowledge of jazz theory and chords was unrivalled and at times daunting."

The son of Elizabeth and Leonard Galpin, Peter was born in Cheadle, south Manchester. He attended De La Salle College in Salford and graduated from Bristol University. He later taught general studies at Salisbury College (now Wiltshire College) and in Leeds. An avid reader, he studied widely and campaigned actively for a better world.

Read more on: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/nov/19/peter-galpin-obituary