Leon Jayet

ROCKHAPPENZ Public Collection

Leon Jayet  —   a prominent and highly respected drummer and music teacher based in Christchurch, New Zealand .....

Leon Jayet was active primarily during the mid-to-late 20th century, he left a lasting impact on the local Canterbury music scene as a performer and as a mentor to a generation of young musicians.   He was a resident performer at the popular Shangri La Restaurant on Kilmore Street in the Christchurch CBD.  Archival photos from the 1980s show him playing alongside notable local artists Alan Irvine (Guitar) and Maureen Telford (Piano).

He often performed with his brother, André Jayet (who was also a brilliant drummer and keyboardist for the progressive rock band Ragnarok) - they were known for executing spectacular twin drum kit live performances at local venues like the Aranui Tavern in the late 1970s.  LeonJayet was highly regarded for his role as a drum educator, teaching from spaces such as the studio above the Beggs Building in Christchurch.  He provided early foundational kit lessons to several young drummers who went on to have prolific musical careers.  Notable students included Murray Johnston (drummer for The Shamrocks and The Townsmen) and Gerard Hansen, who went on to perform with the New Zealand Army Band for 14 years.