Don Pullen

Don Pullen was a highly expressive and innovative jazz pianist and organist known for his powerful, percussive playing style and his deep roots in both avant-garde and gospel-influenced jazz. Emerging in the 1960s and '70s, he initially made waves with a unique technique that blended free jazz explorations with blues and swing traditions. Pullen gained wider recognition during his time with the Charles Mingus ensemble in the mid-1970s, where his fiery solos and dynamic approach added intensity to Mingus’s already potent sound.

After his tenure with Mingus, Pullen embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums that showcased both his compositional creativity and technical brilliance. He formed the Don Pullen-George Adams Quartet, which became one of the most dynamic groups of the 1980s jazz scene. Later in his career, Pullen expanded his musical horizons by incorporating influences from African and Native American music, particularly in his work with the African-Brazilian Connection and albums like Sacred Common Ground. His contributions to jazz were marked by a fearless sense of innovation and a deep emotional resonance that continues to influence pianists today.

Genres

Free Jazz

Avant-garde

Jazz

Blues

Gospel

Contemporary Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Avant-garde Jazz

Swing

Post-bop

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Latest Release

Richard's Tune

Don Pullen

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released January 1, 2014