The Baker Suite - Tributes

John Baker Tributes

John Baker

11 June 1955 to 27 August 2018

Musician, poet, composer and gentle man

One of Australia's greatly-loved songwriters, John Baker, passed away on Monday 27 August in his adopted home city of Adelaide.

Although his physical self has left this earth, his spirit, memory, music and poetry live on.

This page is intended as a living tribute to John, a way to celebrate the stories of his life and the eulogies from the day we said our final farewells.

Feel free to leave your own memory of John, a message or a tribute of your own, at the end of this page. Or if you prefer, email me a pdf version and i will post it up on the stories page for you. gayle@thebakersuite.com

Video Tribute, 1955-2002

Eulogies

By Darrin Baker 71.3 KB

By Glenn Morrison 32.2 KB

By Boris Kelly 60.1 KB

By Al Bonnin 47.8 KB

By Chris Parkinson (best if read while listening to "Delancy Waltz", by Marc Ribot) 3.47 MB

Video Tribute, 2002-2018

Stories

My Brilliant Friend, by Phillip Hoffmann 19.5 KB

Memories of jamming with John, by Kieran Egan 39.6 KB

A message from Bruce McLaren 12.8 KB

a poem from Karen Lawrence 106 KB

Videos

A Memorial Bench at the River Torrens

John wrote a love song for me called 'Pocketful of Rhyme'. Its on the "Your Dreaming Self' album and is about the contemplative time we'd spend together walking down our street to the River Torrens.

A Memorial Plaque for John has been installed on a bench seat down there, with some of the lyrics from that song.

So if you feel like having a moment with John, or getting some songwriting inspiration, please go and sit on this bench at the corner of Autumn Avenue and Riverview Street, Lockleys. Watch the light on the water, listen to the sound of the wind and the birds, watch the ducks, and just be...just like he did.

Lots of love from Gayle

(and thank you to the City of West Torrens)

Leave your own message

Add message

Paul Terry Imbil,Qld
Oct 11 2018 10:25 PM

My deepest Aroha to you Whanau......the loss of my Dear Bro,,,,We go back to the Gold Coast in the early 80"s ..... MoeMai ETama,,,,Arohamai,, Paul

My deepest Aroha to you Whanau......the loss of my Dear Bro,,,,We go back to the Gold Coast in the early 80"s .....
MoeMai ETama,,,,Arohamai,,
Paul
Doug Ashdown Adelaide
Oct 10 2018 3:27 PM

I miss John every day. He was special and I loved him. I really miss our jam sessions. I am so grateful to have his music and songs to listen to. Rest easy brother Doug

I miss John every day. He was special and I loved him. I really miss our jam sessions. I am so grateful to have his music and songs to listen to.
Rest easy brother
Doug
Michael Green Adelaide
Oct 9 2018 3:40 PM

A very sad day with the loss of John Derek Baker of The Baker Suite. He was most definitely one of the good guys. That cheeky grin was a welcome sight backstage at any venue. A softer moment amid the chaos. We crossed paths many, many times over the years, at festivals and various musical adventures and social events. I’m trying to recall whether we ever actually played together onstage. I’m sad to say I don’t think we did (someone may correct me?) But there was something about John’s manner, the way he looked you straight in the eye and spoke in that beautiful sotto voce that made everyone feel as if they were about to walk onstage with him. It was genuine too. He was happy to ponder the big questions and respectfully debate the different views. And that delicate touch was a feature of his beautiful songwriting too. He always struck me as someone who had ‘found’ his thing. His voice, style, method. That’s a great thing to witness. John. Thanks for your music and friendship. Tonight I’m thinking of the elegant and talented Gayle Buckby too. Her loss will be profound. John was her partner in life and art. xx

A very sad day with the loss of John Derek Baker of The Baker Suite. He was most definitely one of the good guys.
That cheeky grin was a welcome sight backstage at any venue. A softer moment amid the chaos.
We crossed paths many, many times over the years, at festivals and various musical adventures and social events. I’m trying to recall whether we ever actually played together onstage. I’m sad to say I don’t think we did (someone may correct me?) But there was something about John’s manner, the way he looked you straight in the eye and spoke in that beautiful sotto voce that made everyone feel as if they were about to walk onstage with him. It was genuine too.
He was happy to ponder the big questions and respectfully debate the different views. And that delicate touch was a feature of his beautiful songwriting too. He always struck me as someone who had ‘found’ his thing. His voice, style, method. That’s a great thing to witness.
John. Thanks for your music and friendship.
Tonight I’m thinking of the elegant and talented Gayle Buckby too. Her loss will be profound. John was her partner in life and art.
xx
Martin Bellamy Adelaide
Oct 9 2018 3:36 PM

I loved seeing The Baker Suite play. And the concert at Trinity was so emotional and wonderful. I will never forget it. In my music room, along with guitars and wires and amps and speakers, are pictures of famous musicians who I really admire….All 4 Beatles are up there on the walls. And John is up there now. From the Fringe to Semaphore, the Festival Theatre to Wineries, we saw them play. Sometimes just John and Gayle, and sometimes with the whole Suite. And one time, just John and Gayle in a Pub in Brompton with just a few people in the audience. John had to race home quickly because he forgot his cappo. The footy was playing on the Hotel wall, so after a short time, we had a beer together and shared a packet of cheezles. And John showed me some little guitar tuning tricks, which he wrote on an empty guitar string packet. I still have that packet. And we still have the music. Martin Bellamy

I loved seeing The Baker Suite play. And the concert at Trinity was so emotional and wonderful. I will never forget it.
In my music room, along with guitars and wires and amps and speakers, are pictures of famous musicians who I really admire….All 4 Beatles are up there on the walls. And John is up there now.
From the Fringe to Semaphore, the Festival Theatre to Wineries, we saw them play. Sometimes just John and Gayle, and sometimes with the whole Suite.

And one time, just John and Gayle in a Pub in Brompton with just a few people in the audience. John had to race home quickly because he forgot his cappo. The footy was playing on the Hotel wall, so after a short time, we had a beer together and shared a packet of cheezles. And John showed me some little guitar tuning tricks, which he wrote on an empty guitar string packet. I still have that packet.

And we still have the music.

Martin Bellamy
Anthony Robinson
Oct 6 2018 9:14 PM

John Baker was from the Class of 73 (Year 12) at Rooty Hill High School, NSW. I am from the Class of 77 RHHS. I saw John play soccer for the school Tasman Cup team and during the 70's I enjoyed his guitar work at a few parties that I had attended. He was an impressive musician. Somebody may like to contact his old school to see if they would add an obituary section to their facebook and add Johns details to it.

John Baker was from the Class of 73 (Year 12) at Rooty Hill High School, NSW. I am from the Class of 77 RHHS. I saw John play soccer for the school Tasman Cup team and during the 70's I enjoyed his guitar work at a few parties that I had attended. He was an impressive musician. Somebody may like to contact his old school to see if they would add an obituary section to their facebook and add Johns details to it.
Mike Pounsett Adelaide
Oct 1 2018 7:14 PM

Hi Gayle. Just wanted to express our condolences, in John’s passing. We felt the loss of him deeply. “The Baker Suite” was much more than just a musical act for us. I was introduced to John’ music in 2008, at a time of personal crisis, as my first marriage ended painfully. It provided a soundtrack to my mid-life renewal, and my new relationship with Danuta, (on our second date, you played for us in an empty front bar of the Gov one winter’s night) - culminating in the Baker Suite playing as entertainment at our wedding, as you’d no doubt recall. I wrote a few lines of lyric. There is music too, but I won’t trouble you with that.. We were very touched by the wonderful celebration of John’s life, that was his funeral. He touched so many lives in his too short time here on Earth. A true gentleman, kind and sensitive, with no ego. And he has left such a legacy in his wonderful music and lyrics, which provided such an insight to his soul, that we felt we knew him on a much deeper level than our few short encounters might suggest. It saddens us that there will be no new music to anticipate, and that The Baker Suite will be no more. You must feel that loss terribly, too. I hope that your tasteful and talented accordion playing might continue in the future, as opportunities arise. Don’t let it gather dust... We were encouraged that John had revisited his faith roots, and hold great hope for his eternity, and believe there will be a day of reunion. God is faithful, and love is his nature. Hoping the days are brighter for you in the coming months, and that you’d take some comfort in the thought that John is alive and well in a happy place. Until we meet again, Blessings and best wishes for your future, Mike and Danuta Pounsett. Mr. Music Sept 2018 - Key G - For John Baker Heard the news that the maestro had departed I felt so broken hearted That the music was all gone What to do - in this moment of disaster The passing of the master The closing of his song Mr. Baker was a Gentleman in every sense A humble tunesmith with a Talent rare - to win him many friends Mr. Music we’re so sad at your leavin’ So sorely we’re grievin’ At the parting of our ways Mr. Music you’re a melody I’m hearin’ You’re a rhythm I’m still feelin’ In my spirit - May you never fade away I recall a bitter cold and lonely winter A broken heart in splinters I was tryin’ to find my way Heard him singin’ - in a little place called Lyrics I found a kindred spirit Playing on a tiny stage The voice was earthy and The guitar was a symphony Painting pictures with his poetry - To a moody melody Mr. Music we’re so sad at your leavin’ So sorely we’re grievin’ At the parting of our ways Mr. Music you’re a melody I’m hearin’ You’re a rhythm I’m still feelin’ In my spirit - May you never fade away I recall another cold and wintry evening A new love just beginning There was romance in the air There we were - with Mr Baker and his lady They sang a great awakening To our budding love affair Mr Baker played the soundtrack to our courting days And on the day we made our vows He was there to take the stage Mr. Music we’re so sad at your leavin’ So sorely we’re grievin’ At the parting of our ways Mr. Music you’re a melody I’m hearin’ You’re a rhythm I’m still feelin’ In my spirit - May you never fade away

Hi Gayle.
Just wanted to express our condolences, in John’s passing.
We felt the loss of him deeply. “The Baker Suite” was much more than just a musical act for us. I was introduced to John’ music in 2008, at a time of personal crisis, as my first marriage ended painfully. It provided a soundtrack to my mid-life renewal, and my new relationship with Danuta, (on our second date, you played for us in an empty front bar of the Gov one winter’s night) - culminating in the Baker Suite playing as entertainment at our wedding, as you’d no doubt recall.
I wrote a few lines of lyric. There is music too, but I won’t trouble you with that..
We were very touched by the wonderful celebration of John’s life, that was his funeral. He touched so many lives in his too short time here on Earth. A true gentleman, kind and sensitive, with no ego. And he has left such a legacy in his wonderful music and lyrics, which provided such an insight to his soul, that we felt we knew him on a much deeper level than our few short encounters might suggest. It saddens us that there will be no new music to anticipate, and that The Baker Suite will be no more. You must feel that loss terribly, too. I hope that your tasteful and talented accordion playing might continue in the future, as opportunities arise. Don’t let it gather dust...
We were encouraged that John had revisited his faith roots, and hold great hope for his eternity, and believe there will be a day of reunion. God is faithful, and love is his nature.
Hoping the days are brighter for you in the coming months, and that you’d take some comfort in the thought that John is alive and well in a happy place.
Until we meet again,
Blessings and best wishes for your future,
Mike and Danuta Pounsett.

Mr. Music
Sept 2018 - Key G - For John Baker

Heard the news that the maestro had departed
I felt so broken hearted
That the music was all gone
What to do - in this moment of disaster
The passing of the master
The closing of his song

Mr. Baker was a
Gentleman in every sense
A humble tunesmith with a
Talent rare - to win him many friends

Mr. Music we’re so sad at your leavin’
So sorely we’re grievin’
At the parting of our ways
Mr. Music you’re a melody I’m hearin’
You’re a rhythm I’m still feelin’
In my spirit - May you never fade away

I recall a bitter cold and lonely winter
A broken heart in splinters
I was tryin’ to find my way
Heard him singin’ - in a little place called Lyrics
I found a kindred spirit
Playing on a tiny stage

The voice was earthy and
The guitar was a symphony
Painting pictures with his poetry
- To a moody melody

Mr. Music we’re so sad at your leavin’
So sorely we’re grievin’
At the parting of our ways
Mr. Music you’re a melody I’m hearin’
You’re a rhythm I’m still feelin’
In my spirit - May you never fade away

I recall another cold and wintry evening
A new love just beginning
There was romance in the air
There we were - with Mr Baker and his lady
They sang a great awakening
To our budding love affair

Mr Baker played the soundtrack to our courting days
And on the day we made our vows
He was there to take the stage

Mr. Music we’re so sad at your leavin’
So sorely we’re grievin’
At the parting of our ways
Mr. Music you’re a melody I’m hearin’
You’re a rhythm I’m still feelin’
In my spirit - May you never fade away
Pam and Alex Adelaide
Sep 19 2018 1:51 PM

We were so privileged to see Johns inauguration into the Hall of Fame at Trinity Church. The love and respect that was in the Church on that night was indescribable.. To hear conversations around us about where people had flown in from to see John on that night was an acknowledgement the impact his music and his life has had on such an eclectic group..Gayle Kate and Paul and all the musicians showed their love of John through the music they played with and for him.. We came to Baker Suite far too late but the last few years his music and concerts have been an integral part of our life. Thank you Gayle for giving us an opportunity to contribute to this Memorial Page. We are sure that John will still be composing and playing his music in his resting place

We were so privileged to see Johns inauguration into the Hall of Fame at Trinity Church. The love and respect that was in the Church on that night was indescribable.. To hear conversations around us about where people had flown in from to see John on that night was an acknowledgement the impact his music and his life has had on such an eclectic group..Gayle Kate and Paul and all the musicians showed their love of John through the music they played with and for him..

We came to Baker Suite far too late but the last few years his music and concerts have been an integral part of our life.

Thank you Gayle for giving us an opportunity to contribute to this Memorial Page. We are sure that John will still be composing and playing his music in his resting place
Sharon Thompson Sydney
Sep 14 2018 12:34 PM

I was shocked and saddened to hear of John's death. It is weird as I have been playing Baker Suite a lot lately at home, and blathering to my listeners about you both. I first heard the Baker Suite at the Brass Monkey in Cronulla when Mary Gauthier was playing there. I was just blown away ..... so much good music that night. It both delights and disappoints me that we have SO MUCH great songwriting and musos right here in this country, and John was a delight indeed. Disappointment as we so undervalue their contribution. My sincere condolences to you Gayle and to all who knew and loved John Baker.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of John's death. It is weird as I have been playing Baker Suite a lot lately at home, and blathering to my listeners about you both. I first heard the Baker Suite at the Brass Monkey in Cronulla when Mary Gauthier was playing there. I was just blown away ..... so much good music that night.
It both delights and disappoints me that we have SO MUCH great songwriting and musos right here in this country, and John was a delight indeed. Disappointment as we so undervalue their contribution.
My sincere condolences to you Gayle and to all who knew and loved John Baker.
Iain Adelaide
Sep 13 2018 9:44 PM

My first time watching The Baker Suite perform I was stunned by the well crafted songs and beautiful energy that exuded from the stage.. After the first song I watched John thank the audience with humility, his gratitude for the applause was sincere and heart felt. I knew then he was a different breed. That same attitude and energy followed every time I watched a performance and I delighted in it. Listen to his songs and you will hear that energy, the beauty of his soul. What a wonderful time you must have had Gayle performing, recording and being part of his life, part of that creativity. Thank you John for your music, your humilty and your grace.

My first time watching The Baker Suite perform I was stunned by the well crafted songs and beautiful energy that exuded from the stage.. After the first song I watched John thank the audience with humility, his gratitude for the applause was sincere and heart felt. I knew then he was a different breed.

That same attitude and energy followed every time I watched a performance and I delighted in it.

Listen to his songs and you will hear that energy, the beauty of his soul.

What a wonderful time you must have had Gayle performing, recording and being part of his life, part of that creativity.

Thank you John for your music, your humilty and your grace.
Antaoganach Australia
Sep 11 2018 2:27 PM

Gayle, Many thanks for your kind invitation. I’ve just finished putting my words up on your site as a ‘Message’. I hope that is what you were intending. As I don't have an e-mail address for you, I thought I would say a few words of condolence to you on this Tribute page. I was so very sorry to hear of John's death. I was amazed at the courage and equanimity he displayed in the fight of his life since the onset of his illness. The wonderful, loving support he got from you must always have been a great source of strength and comfort to him. I am sure you are so very proud to have shared your life with him, as he was of you. All the very best for the future

Gayle,

Many thanks for your kind invitation. I’ve just finished putting my words up on your site as a ‘Message’. I hope that is what you were intending.

As I don't have an e-mail address for you, I thought I would say a few words of condolence to you on this Tribute page.

I was so very sorry to hear of John's death. I was amazed at the courage and equanimity he displayed in the fight of his life since the onset of his illness.

The wonderful, loving support he got from you must always have been a great source of strength and comfort to him.

I am sure you are so very proud to have shared your life with him, as he was of you.

All the very best for the future