by Lindsay Peyton

Musician Tom Collier didn’t have to look far when searching for inspiration for his newest album.

He simply thought back on his childhood in West Seattle. Soon tracks named after the neighborhood began to take shape, including “The Junction,” “Genesee,” “Fauntleroy Mist” and “The Admirals’ Point of View.”

He completed the album “Across the Bridge” and released it at the end of last year.

Collier had a wide expanse of memories to draw from – and many of the recollections of his early years included music.

He started playing music at 4 years old. His parents were both musicians; Ward played trumpet and Ethel was a talented pianist.

The couple had read somewhere that playing percussion was a good way for boys to release energy.

“They didn’t want to buy me a drum, so they got me a xylophone,” Collier said.

He quickly became a whiz with the mallets on marimba. His first public performance was held when he was 5 years old. At age 8, he was a finalist in the Seattle Guild of Amateur Variety Artists, representing the West Seattle District. Later that year, he won second place in Hi-Yu Amateur Hour, tap dancing and playing music – and won first prize at the Tacoma Moose Lodge Amateur Hour.

The next year, he was top of the show at the Greater Council of Eagles – performing on marimba and piano and tap dancing.

The young star performed around the city at various fundraisers and events. He was on the Lawrence Welk show in elementary and junior high school. Then, at 14-years old, he performed on the Lawrence Welk Show at the World’s Fair – while he was a student at Madison Junior High.

He has spent 61 years perfecting his skills on vibraphone and marimba – and recorded with a number of noted jazz and popular artists, ranging from Ry Cooder, Frank Zappa, Peggy Lee and Natalie Cole to Mannheim Steamroller, Sammy Davis, Jr., Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Olivia Newton-John and the Beach Boys.

Collier has released several jazz albums, usually alongside his long-time musical partner and childhood friend Dan Dean. In the classical arena, he has appeared with the Seattle Symphony, the Denver Symphony, the Bellevue Philharmonic, the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, the Everett Symphony and the Olympia Symphony.

Collier said he grew up listening to jazz around the house. “I discovered rock and roll in grade school,” he said.
Then he heard Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” on the radio and rushed out to buy the single, spending hours learning the drum part. His next purchase was Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue.”

His love of jazz, rock and classical music continued after he graduated from West Seattle High School and as he studied music at the University of Washington. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles and played music for film scores.

Collier moved back to Seattle in 1980 to accept the post of director of percussion studies at the University of Washington since 1980. He became professor of percussion and jazz in 2001.

Collier is retiring after this year. “I want to do more playing,” he said. “Most of my playing has been on this campus for the past 30 years.”

He said that interacting with students has made the job rewarding. “It keeps me on my toes,” he said. “I have students who are really good. I have to keep moving forward.”

Collier now lives in North Seattle with his wife Cheryl, who is also a professional flutist.
He still likes to go to West Seattle and often meets up with Dean at Spud Fish and Chips. “It’s exactly the same,” he said. “It hasn’t changed a bit.”

Friends from high school still attend his concerts.

Patricia Spangler went to junior high with Collier and is still a regular face in the crowd during his shows.

“His music is very creative; it’s lively,” Spangler said.

She remembers going to his concerts even as a child and watching her classmate on Lawrence Welk.

“He just had this unique special talent, “ Spangler said. “He has such a rich background. What I think is just marvelous is he’s passing it on at UW and he loves to play gigs. His playing is wonderful.”

Last year, Collier was inducted into the West Seattle Hall of Fame.

Collier said that West Seattle retains its influence on him. “It’s helped define who I am,” he said.

He is already at work on three more albums. “I’m not sure which one I’ll finish first,” he said. “They’re all in the process.”

To follow his progress, learn more about his album or find his next concert, visit www.tomcolliervibes.com.