Paul Bley

Pianist

Birthday November 10, 1932

Birth Sign Scorpio

Birthplace Canada

DEATH DATE Jan 3, 2016 (83)

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About

Influential figure in the 1960s free-jazz movement and innovative trio player. He was known for his melodic voicing and use of space.

Before Fame

He established Montreal's Jazz Workshop during the 1950s where he collaborated with notables like Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and Ben Webster.

Trivia

He and Sonny Rollins toured and recorded together, eventually producing an album in collaboration with Coleman Hawkins titled Sonny Meets Hawk! in 1963.

Family Life

He helped found the Jazz Composers Guild in 1964, dedicated to uniting New York free jazz artists, including his ex-wife Carla Bley. The Guild became one of the forces behind the jazz revolution in 1964.

Associated With

He was the conductor for Charle Mingus' album Charles Mingus and His Orchestra from 1953.