Paul Plimley

Paul Plimley, born on March sixteenth, nineteen fifty-three, in Vancouver, British Columbia, was a distinguished free jazz pianist and vibraphonist. Renowned as one of the leading figures in the Canadian jazz avant-garde, he co-founded the New Orchestra Workshop Society and frequently collaborated with bassist Lisle Ellis. His deep understanding of classical music and various jazz styles allowed him to become one of the first and most compelling interpreters of Ornette Coleman's music on the piano, an instrument often viewed as contrary to Coleman's innovative approach.

Plimley's musical journey began with classical piano studies under Kum-Sing Lee at the University of British Columbia from nineteen seventy-one to nineteen seventy-three. He further honed his craft by studying with Karl Berger and Cecil Taylor at the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York, during nineteen seventy-eight and nineteen seventy-nine. In nineteen seventy-seven, he established the New Orchestra Workshop (NOW), becoming an integral part of many ensembles associated with NOW, including the NOW Orchestra.

His extensive collaboration with Lisle Ellis produced notable recordings such as the duo CD Both Sides of the Same Mirror in nineteen eighty-nine, and When Silence Pulls with Andrew Cyrille in nineteen ninety. Other significant works include Noir with Bruce Freedman and Gregg Bendian in nineteen ninety-two, Density of the Lovestruck Demons with Donald Robinson in nineteen ninety-four, and Safecrackers with Scott Amendola in nineteen ninety-nine. Plimley also recorded two albums for Hat Art, featuring interpretations of Ornette Coleman and a revisitation of Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite.

In May two thousand, he showcased his talent at the seventeenth International Festival of New Music in Victoriaville, Quebec, alongside John Oswald, Marilyn Crispell, and Cecil Taylor, with the performance later released by Victo Records. A regular performer at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Plimley's contributions to the jazz scene were profound and lasting.

Sadly, Paul Plimley passed away in Vancouver on May eighteenth, twenty twenty-two, at the age of sixty-nine, after a battle with lung cancer. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and jazz enthusiasts around the world.