Hal Galper

Hal Galper is an American jazz pianist known for his dynamic playing style, intellectual approach to improvisation, and extensive contributions to modern jazz. Born in 1938, Galper came up in the hard bop scene of the 1960s and gained recognition through performances with notable artists like Chet Baker, Cannonball Adderley, and Phil Woods. Over the decades, he's developed a distinctive voice at the piano, often exploring rhythmic displacement and "rubato" playing—most notably in his long-running trio with bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop.

A prolific recording artist and respected educator, Galper has released numerous albums as a leader, including the adventurous Ivory Forest and the intimate Inner Journey. He's also made a name for himself as a jazz theorist and teacher, having taught at prestigious institutions like The New School and Berklee College of Music. Passionate about his craft, Galper continues to push the boundaries of jazz performance and pedagogy well into his later years.