Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1976-2016 (Creation)
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium
17 cm of textual records
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Gary Williamson, a Toronto Jazz pianist, gave his first solo piano recital at age 12 at the Royal Conservatory of Music. He began playing professionally in 1964, and started studying harmony and arranging with Gordon Delamont.
From 1968 to 1972, he toured Hawaii and Asia, before settling in Toronto with his wife Rose in 1976, where he continued his career recording, touring, performing, and recording. He performed with many musicians in the Toronto jazz scene and backed visiting "greats". He played and toured with Nimmons N Nine Plus Six (1974-1980); toured with the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra to the Soviet Union (1991); and recorded with various artists, including Phil Nimmons, Ed Bickert, Katherine Moses, Charlie Gray, Sam Noto, and Hagood Hardy.
Williamson also taught jazz at the Banff Centre in Alberta and the University of New Brunswick (starting in the mid-1970s), and then as part of the new jazz program at the University of Toronto (1990). His students include Renee Rosnes, Chris Donnelly, David Braid, and Adrean Farrugia.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Donated to the Music Library by Sue May Williamson (daughter of Gary Williamson) (A2023-01).
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Fonds consists of manuscript lead sheets, parts, and scores created and used by Gary Williamson. It consists of original compositions by Williamson and his arrangements of jazz standards. Most of the arrangements are not dated.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Files are listed alphabetically by title of the composition or arrangement.