Hal Galper

by Scott Yanow
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 notoriety for being a pianist with Phil Woods's quartet/quintet from 1981 to 1990.