Paul Bley, CM (born November 10, 1932) is known for his contributions to the free jazz movement of the 1960s as well as his innovations and influence on trio playing.
Paul Bley was born in Montreal, Canada, and has been a long-time resident of the United States. His music characteristically features strong senses both of melodic voicing and space.
As well as being a distinctive and innovative musician himself, he has worked with a number of impor...
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Paul Bley, CM (born November 10, 1932) is known for his contributions to the free jazz movement of the 1960s as well as his innovations and influence on trio playing.
Paul Bley was born in Montreal, Canada, and has been a long-time resident of the United States. His music characteristically features strong senses both of melodic voicing and space.
As well as being a distinctive and innovative musician himself, he has worked with a number of important musicians at key points.
In the 1950s he founded the Jazz Workshop in Montreal, performing and recording there with Charlie Parker. He also performed with Lester Young and Ben Webster at that time.
In 1953 he conducted for Charles Mingus on the Charles Mingus and his Orchestra album and the same year Mingus produced the Introducing Paul Bley album with Mingus and Art Blakey. In 1960 Bley recorded on piano with the Charles Mingus Group.
In 1958, he hired Don Cherry, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden and Billy Higgins to play at the Hillcrest...
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