An excellent if generally overlooked advanced hard bop pianist,
Hal Galper studied at Berklee (1955-1958) and then worked in many groups, including with
Chet Baker,
Stan Getz,
the Brecker Brothers,
Bobby Hutcherson, and with such singers as
Joe Williams,
Chris Connor, and
Anita O'Day. He played electric piano (an instrument he has since dropped) with
the Cannonball Adderley Quintet during its last years (1973-1975) and spent time playing with
Lee Konitz and
John Scofield.
Galper, who has recorded as a leader for Mainstream, SteepleChase, Enja, Concord (including a solo set at Maybeck Recital Hall), and Blackhawk, gained his greatest recognition for being a pianist with
Phil Woods' quartet/quintet from 1981 to 1990.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi