From Michael Cain, pianist/composer and director of the Brandon University Jazz Ensemble:
“Peter Apfelbaum, aside from being one of the most creative and talented composers out there, was absolutely one of the best visiting artists we’ve had. The generosity he showed in spending so much time with our students was extraordinary. It went far beyond what was required, and what that meant to our students was immeasurable. But what really stood out was Peter’s talent at sharing concepts, communicating ideas, and identifying issues in the student’s musicianship that has left such a long lasting impact on us as a school of music. He is such a talented musician and teacher that we are already looking forward to the next time we are able to bring him to our school!”
From Trey Anastasio, guitarist from Phish and leader of the Trey Anastasio Band:
A close friend of mine in Burlington Vermont, who is himself an excellent jazz trombonist, turned me on to Peter's music via the Hieroglyphics ensemble in the early 90's. I was mesmerized, and became an instant fan. Years later I was lucky enough to work with Peter in my 10 piece band for a number of years. The band at that time had a 5 piece horn section, bass, drums, keys guitar, and the talented Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptiste. Peter quickly fell into the role of de facto section leader, coming up with unforgettable head arrangements night after night, setting up percussion cross rhythms, African based hand clapping patterns, whatever the music called for.. as well as bringing some gorgeously crafted sheet music to the band. Peter's arrangements sound as fresh today as the day he wrote them and we still play some of them. They are packed with inventiveness, melody, sly harmonic shifts, and basically just seeped in musicality. His music has a childlike quality, without ever being childish. Full of melodic and rhythmic joy, and catchy singable melodies but the furthest thing from simplistic. His perspective feels deeply informed in the west African tradition, the jazz tradition, the Afro Cuban tradition but more than anything they sound like Peter. He has a unique voice. It's hard to put music into words, but what I'm trying to say loud and clear that Peter is one of most talented and gifted musicians I've ever worked with, and I don't say that lightly. I'm honored to have shared the bandstand with him over those years.