Paul Plimley

Vancouver-based pianist Paul Plimley studied European classical music with various teachers from the University of British Columbia, but in his own musical pursuits has remained firmly ensconced in the world of avant jazz and creative improvisation. Plimley has been active as a pianist, composer, and improviser for two decades but first gained significant attention from audiences and the media after an acclaimed performance with bassist Lisle Ellis at the 1989 Festival de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville in Quebec. With a stylistic range that recalls the explosiveness and tonal freedom of Cecil Taylor as well as the introspection of Paul Bley, Plimley integrates his many influences into an original and compelling voice. He has performed in a wide variety of settings, from solo appearances to concerts by large ensembles such as Vancouver's Now Orchestra. In addition to Ellis, with whom he has had a longstanding musical relationship, Plimley's collaborators have included multi-instrumentalist Joe Mcphee; guitarist Derek Bailey; saxophonist Glenn Spearman; trombonist George Lewis; bassists Mark Dresser and Barry Guy; and drummers Andrew Cyrille, Hamid Drake and Han Bennink.

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