Barry Altschul

Barry Altschul is an American jazz drummer and percussionist best known for his work in avant-garde and post-bop circles. Coming up through the New York scene, he became widely recognized in the 1960s and ’70s for his crisp, highly interactive style—equally comfortable driving a band with swing as he is navigating free, open-ended improvisation.

He’s especially associated with pianist Chick Corea’s early trio Circle (with bassist Dave Holland and saxophonist Anthony Braxton), and he also worked extensively with artists like Braxton and pianist Paul Bley. Across decades of recordings and live performances, Altschul has remained a distinctive, in-demand voice in creative jazz, admired for his sharp time feel, coloristic percussion work, and quick musical instincts.