Canada and the music world in general lost a giant on January 3rd. Canadian jazz pianist Paul Bley was a major influence and musician during the 60s free jazz movement, and had over 100 recorded albums to his credit, both as a solo artist, and as part of a band and as a sideman. He was also a composer, producer and concert promoter. He was 83.
Bley started his career forming the Montreal Jazz Workshop in the early 50s, recording and playing with Charlie Parker and Lester Young, among others. His first album, 1953's Introducing Paul Bley, featured the legend Charles Mingus as part of his band
In the 60s, he joined Jimmy Guiffre's trio, the Jimmy Guiffre 3, for several albums. He also appeared on Sonny Rollins' legendary Sonny Meets Hawk album, with was a collaboration with free jazz giant Ornette Coleman. The late 60s saw him becoming one of the first jazz musicians to incorporate the Moog synthesizer into jazz ensembles.
The 70s saw him working with musicians like Paul Motian, Lee Konitz, Pat Metheny, Gary Peacock and Steve Lacy. He also began a long run with the influential ECM label, where is most recognized work was produced.
His biography, Stopping Time, was published in 1999. In 2008, he was awarded the Order of Canada.
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