Len (Arthur) Barnard (born 23 April 1929), one of the best-known (and best-loved) figures in Australian jazz drumming, died at the age of 76 in hospital in Sydney in the early morning of November 5.
Originally from Melbourne, Barnard’s prolific recording career began in 1949 with the Jazzart label, and continued into this year. He worked and recorded with many of Australia’s leading jazz figures, including his younger brother Bob Barnard, the late John Sangster, Graeme Bell, Judy Bailey, the late Frank Smith, the late Ray Price and Galapagos Duck.
Nicknamed ‘Sluggsie’, his groups recorded several respected LPs for the Swaggie label in the 1960s, including “The Naked Dance” (reissued on CD). His background as a pianist (and occasional composer) made him a ‘musical’ drummer, and he is also well featured on the “Partners in Crime” album with Bob Barnard and the late American pair of pianist Ralph Sutton and bassist Milt Hinton (bass).
In recent years he continued to appear at the annual Bob Barnard Jazz Party and festivals such as Wangaratta, as well as performing with his daughter, vocalist Rebecca Barnard. His numeorus awards include honorary Life membership of the Musicians Union, Roll of Honour at the 1990 Montsalvat Jazz Festival, and the Australian Critics Award at the 1991 Gold Coast Jazz & Blues Festival.
A highly entertaining and erudite writer, his liner notes for numerous Swaggie LPs are well worth seeking out, as is his autobiography in the 1980s Australian “Jazz” magazine.
He had retained his famous sense of humour to the end, and had apparently taken the decision not to continue with dialysis or life-prolinging medication, and his passing with family was peaceful.
The funeral was expected to be held in Sydney on November 11th., with several wakes and tributes planned for both Melbourne and Sydney.
