Peter J. Riso

I first met Peter Riso after a performance for John Handy's jazz history class at SF State in 1970. At that time, I was a 19 year old garage band drummer making the move into the jazz world. Peter was the first local jazz drummer that I heard, up close and personal, and got to meet and talk with. He was easy to get to know, answered all my questions about gear, what he wanted for himself, and what the group he was performing with would do next (they were known as the Contemporary Trio). ...

I’m so so saddened to hear about Pete’s passing. He was in my brother Louie’s graduating class, but we both shared art class with him and Debbie in High School. He really was “one of the good guys”. Always kind, respectful, and looking on the bright side, it was probably the music in his heart that helped him to be that way. I didn’t see him or Debbie much after high school except for class reunions, but always thought of him fondly. My sincere sympathy to Debbie, her son and their families...

I'm sad that I'm just now reading about Pete's passing in this Obituary.

We became friends in the 1970s when Pete became the drummer for Cal Tjader's group after Dick Berk left. We kept in touch over the years and would often talk about Cal and his recordings.

As a photographer, I occasionally sent him some of my photos related to jazz. I would jokingly remind him when Poncho Sanchez' birthday came up so he could give him a call.

My...

I first me Pete when we both started first grade at St. Peter Martyr School. We were classmates through our senior year of high school. As early as possibly second grade I think, Pete would entertain us with drum coverage of one song or another when our teacher would allow. Once when he hadn’t brought a drum to school, he flipped a metal waste can upside down and played a bongo accompaniment to the song Marianne. When I was in graduate school in Santa Cruz, I attended a concert by the Cal...

Dearest Pete, you were our best friend for over 50 years and we dearly miss you and our weekly dinners and other adventurers together. We were so lucky to share so many special moments and trips with you, Debbie and your family over the decades, to include baptizing Arik and Vanessa together and sharing God Parent responsibilities for each other’s child. So much fun and wonderful memories together. Rest in peace my friend and we look forward in reuniting with you on the other side.

My dear friend, Pete. May your soul be at rest at home in Heaven. I will always be grateful for your friendship and guidance in work and in life. One of the most unique, thoughtful and caring people I have ever met. There are so many great and special memories that I will always hold close to my heart. Thank you for being so good to me and my family for so long. My love, thoughts and prayers will always be with you, Debbie, Giancarlo and family.

Peter, May you rest in peace. My deepest condolences to your family.

Pete was the sweetest man always there with a smile, a kiss on the cheek and a big hug. Although we did not get to see Pete and Debbie as much as we would have liked, we where always so happy to get together when we could. Thank you Pete for being such a light in our lives. You will be dearly missed.

Peter was like an older brother to me. I met him at 16, when I joined the band that Peter drummed with. Pete was one of my music mentors and, perhaps, because of my youth, he liked to tease me. He'd say something odd with a serious expression and then, when I'd look at him askance, he'd suddenly laugh and say he was just kidding me. This continued for decades and it made him even more dear to me. He was always kind. I looked up to him. Peter was a perfect gentleman to everyone and so...